HELP!!!! I can't get a good amplified sound!

Maxcat17 · #1 09-13-2007, 02:48 PM

I have new Upton laminated, and I've tried their Revolution pickup, as well as a Realist, and both in combination with a Fishman Platinum Pro EQ. I have the same problem with every combination: When I play on the A string I get a loud "thud" sound, presumably from the back swing making contact with the E string. It sounds terrible, and to try and minimize it I have to eq out almost all of the mids, which of course sucks the life out of the tone. Has anyone had this problem, or know why it is happening? The bass alone sounds great, but as soon as you plug it in it all goes to hell. Any suggestions would be most welcome as I'm about to lose my mind. Thanks, Jonathan

skidude · #2 09-13-2007, 03:09 PM

I had been using a transducer that just got me by. Last saturday the sound guy suggested I try an AGK D112. Man, that thing is the ticket.

It produces the exact tone throught the PA.

drurb · #3 09-13-2007, 03:09 PM

If this happens with two different pickups and the bass is otherwise fine, I suspect this is related to your technique. I'm not sure how you are landing on the E when you play the A.

drurb · #4 09-13-2007, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skidude

I had been using a transducer that just got me by. Last saturday the sound guy suggested I try an AGK D112. Man, that thing is the ticket.

It produces the exact tone throught the PA.

AKG, that is. For many (most?) of us, a microphone is difficult in other than recording sessions given, for example, the susceptibility to feedback.

coreybass · #5 09-13-2007, 07:08 PM

I also have a laminated Upton with a rev solo II and it sounds great through my Acoustic Image amp. Have you tried giving the folks at Upton a call? They are very helpful and might have some good suggestions.

coreybass · #6 09-13-2007, 07:11 PM

It's true that just a mic can be problematic in live situations. I use a clip on condenser mic in combination with my pickup and I think it adds a lot. I just send two signals to the front of house and let the engineer mix them. My onstage sound is just the pickup through my amp.

skidude · #7 09-14-2007, 12:43 AM

Yes, yes, AKG, my bad.

I used the AKG D112 for the first time last Saturday at a live outdoor event. I had plenty of volume with no feedback. Not to say there will never be a feedback problem, but this worked well enough for me to buy my own. We were loud enough to be heard for about 1/4 mile at an event with around 3000 people.

Matthijs · #8 09-14-2007, 01:15 AM

Might this not be more of a set-up problem? I also can't really imagine how your A string lands on your E. How is it possible that you only can hear this amplified? Are you sure its not a strong Wolf-note?

Uncletoad · #9 09-14-2007, 02:11 AM

What kind of strings?

What amp and speakers?

Matthijs · #10 09-14-2007, 02:34 AM

Can you hear this over the whole range of the a string?

Marc Piane · #11 09-14-2007, 05:25 AM

Are you sure you are not overdriving the preamp? Either the Fishman or the one in the amp?

Paul New · #12 09-14-2007, 08:06 AM

I`ve found that when my bridge is tilting, not making good contact with the top, I will get a louder than normal piezo thunk, and especially on the E string.

Michael Case · #13 09-14-2007, 08:23 AM

I'd say look into technique first, try placing a microphone in front of your bass and record yourself playing and see if you can hear it at all. Oh, have you asked your teacher about this?

Silversorcerer · #14 09-14-2007, 10:14 AM

You should look in the "amplification" section of the forum. There are many specifically useful threads about piezos, mics, better amps designed for use with DB, etc. There has been at least one very long thread regarding the Rev Solo's performance. Most reports on these are good, but like any DB gear, sometimes something else works better.

Roger Davis · #15 09-17-2007, 05:43 AM

Perhaps I can share my experiences with you that may/may not be helpful.

I have had an Upton Professor for two months now and I'm absoulutely delighted with it. It arrived with a Rev Solo, so Garry's boys obviously set it up properly. However, I thought the sound was too open and just not sharp and focusssed enough. So I fitted a Realist, mainly because it was quick and easy to put on. As I usually find with this pickup, it was quite 'thumpy' - a bit too much for my liking - and the lows were not very strong, so much so that I was considering putting a heavy grade E string on (I'm using Spirocores).

I finally took off the Rev and put on an Underwood. Result, absoulutely fantastic. Great smooth sound that projects well with a strong bottom. I have had several compliments from the guys in the band since.

I use a Fishman Pro EQ going into a 12" Hendricksen Jazz Amp. It also works well with my GK, although I don't use it so often these days.