carlsim Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 Hi everyone... I have a DB gig on saturday - my first as a jazzer (always been more orchestral and played jazz gigs on electric) - I have never had the use for a pick up and been waiting and watching but nothing has really come up! Anyone got anything spare they want to sell? Looking for something cheap at first to see what sounds good but need it for Saturday night! Also could do with some advice! I have my amp - EBS reidmar with a EBS 2x10 neo cab - people keep talking about needing a preamp to match the impedance... what thoughts do people have here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 you can pick up an OK cheap (£30 or less) pickup off eBay (J-tone are decent quality for the price) if you can't find one on BC (would help to know your budget) http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=double+bass+pickup&LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=2 Piezo pickups have low output and sound whiny through a non-impedance matched amp which is why most DB'ers have a preamp in their bag (some amps do match, eg, Genz, Acoustic Image, Euphonic Audio). The cheapest one is the Fishman basic preamp but it is no frills compared to the more expensive Plat Pro which has phase control, boom control, more sophisticated EQ etc http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fishman-B-11-Acoustic-Instrument-Preamp/dp/B0002D0JRY/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1402932801&sr=8-11&keywords=fishman+bass You can do simple impedance matching by putting a Boss tuner in your signal chain as a fallback option The main issues with amplifying a DB are (1) feedback (2) boominess and (3) reproducing a DB-like tone. Its a never-ending and expensive search unless you get lucky. A decent piezo pickup and preamp will sort you in most circumstances Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted June 16, 2014 Author Share Posted June 16, 2014 No idea about budget tbh... Although 30-40 quid might be a good starting point... Had looked at those j-tones but was unsure in regards to quality... Is your experience first hand? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 I haven't used one but I have heard (BCer stingray pete might be the source, not sure) they are fairly decent. Of course a BassMax or Realist would be better but also several times the cost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRev Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 I have a Fishman BP100 sat in a drawer - but I'm not sure I'd describe it as good (at least not on my bass). You'll definitely need a DB preamp to use it with as it likes a high impedance (around 10MOhm), otherwise it sounds very scratchy and nasal. Some players, Stanley Clarke for example, use a BP100 and get a good sound, but the word on the street/internet is that they're in a minority.. Anyway, you can have my BP100 for £40 posted if you're desperate! A much better idea would be to buy a K&K Bassmax from Thomann. They're £75 at the moment and it's a good a place as any to start your long and expensive search for 'the one' pickup. They're easy to fit and have a pretty decent sound, you don't definitely need to use a preamp (though you may prefer to) and you'll be able to sell it on if you decide it's not for you. Ultimately, finding the right pickup is a long and expensive journey. What sounds good on one bass may not sound good on another, so be prepared to experiment and take every opportunity you can to try different pickups. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted June 16, 2014 Author Share Posted June 16, 2014 Hi rev... Thanks for the info! I was looking at the K&K stuff, either the bass max or double twin... But in all honesty, I have no idea how they will sound and I suppose as you say, it's trial and error! I will take the fishman off you at £40 posted tho... It will solve my initial issue and get me through. Will have to look for a preamp as well then you think? It is only a jazz trio gig, so don't think volume is going to be a massive issue, it can you recommend a preamp for me to feed my ebs reidmar??? Most preamp tend to have balanced outs... Do I need a dedicated DB one?? Can you pm me some payment details?? Will you get it in the post tomorrow??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheRev Posted June 16, 2014 Share Posted June 16, 2014 You have a PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blartfactor10 Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 (edited) I've used J tone Pups, their Big Double is a KnK killer with a really hot signal. Most piezos are all the same, the real black magic comes with whatever materials the builder uses to sandwich the unit. SBW make decent units [url="http://www.superiorbassworks.com"]http://www.superiorbassworks.com[/url] J tone [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/J-tone-Big-double-Bass-Pick-up-/200613316399"]http://www.ebay.co.u...p-/200613316399[/url] J tone is local to me and I know the builder, he is a very knowledgeable guy and great to deal with. Edited June 18, 2014 by Blartfactor10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted June 19, 2014 Author Share Posted June 19, 2014 Thanks al for the input... Have acquired a shadow BP100 going into an art tube mp initially... Will see how it fares and I suppose start the everlasting quest to pup heaven! Lol... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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