A wave guide suspension device and modular construction for sonic waveguides, including a damping element for use with a waveguide that supports a current pulse and results in a torsional or longitudinal strain wave, is disclosed. The damping element is to prevent the reflection of the sonic strain wave and includes a sleeve surrounding the waveguide and a mechanism for applying pressure on the sleeve so the sleeve exerts pressure on the waveguide, thereby gradually dampening the sonic strain wave energy along the length of the waveguide surrounded by the damping element sleeve to prevent reflection of the sonic strain wave. Further, the return wire placement is determined by measuring system response to provide minimal ringing of the signal received from a pickup coil. In addition, the suspension mechanism is used to contain the waveguide thereby avoiding extraneous noise. Finally, a bracket is disclosed that facilitates the process of assembly of the waveguide assembly.