I have the Gold Tone Ultimate Banjo Mute that is priced for just $15. It works OK but is extremely easy to use… just slide over strings and - done.
Additionally, I also roll up some (Clean 
) socks to place behind the rod on my Hollowback. It acts as a sort of make-shift dampener as it deadens the head.
Gold Tone Ultimate Banjo Mute https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041T4DK4/?&ref=flgs_ip_share
The towel behind an open back would def be the easy solution.
I’ve never used one. I just know that my spending on banjo and banjo related accessories has to have a limit.
In the video review I did of Mike’s Banjo Mute, I had a towel stuffed into the back of my banjo. The mute still cut it down dramatically.
Will, you mean over the bridge and not the strings, right?
Well, don’t I feel silly…
I have slid it over strings - in the fashion of a string dampener.
Thanks for the illustration! I will try this method tomorrow!
I’m not laughing … Sorry. Glad I could help! Lemme know how you like it. Mine works great. On the bridge. (Snicker)
Have you since tried it as a dampener? I probably isn’t AS effective - but it does work!
You can laugh… cuz I AM a newbie…
It works… It REALLY WORKS… 
LOL… Awesome!
Bob… are you now going to convince me that you put your picks on you right hand RING and PINKY fingers? Lol
Wait a minute… but there were 4 in the pack!
OMG… you mean to suggest… I need one for every FINGER now?
1 string per finger? That’s brilliant!
ha…you guys are cracking me up…!
I KNOW that toes are way out… so don’t even try it… ‘crept for that funny curly lookin’ pick!!
Not necessarily! LOL
I am a new player. I practice an hour a day after an hour my wife asked if anything can be done to quiet the banjo. If not its the banjo or her. I ordered mikes banjo mute a little pricy but it did a great job. I am glad it worked I would have missed my wife.