Sustainer for Vertical Bass?

honestjohnny · #1 08-17-2009, 02:34 PM

Anyone else thought about doing this? Sustainiac (Maniac Music Inc.) make one for bass that comes in a regular guitar-sized humbucker or single-coil housing. It goes in by the neck, uses a reverse driver to excite the strings, creating infinite feedback and sends that to the amp. It's completely controllable using muting techniques and requires no plucking or picking when active. I had thought it could simulate arco (bow) technique without needing a bow, perhaps with some overdrive for good measure.

As it turns out my homebrew vertical doesn't have enough of a body to support the Sustainer, but I thought I'd pass the idea on to you all. Cheers!

Lee Barker · #2 08-19-2009, 09:05 AM

Thanks for the consideration--no one else has brought this idea before. I went to the site (which is a little overwhelming and complicated) and got "file not found" for the bass item. It is an intriguing idea just the same.

honestjohnny · #3 08-21-2009, 09:08 AM

I emailed the company and the rep stated that the bass model is an altered version of the Stealth Pro model. One simply specifies on the order form which one is desired. The dimensions are similar to a Strat pickup, but there's a new one for 7-string guitars that would work better for bass string spreads, I think. The electronics and battery harness are what is altered for bass application. The Stealth C model mounts to the headstock and vibrates the whole instrument. The advantage is that there is no routing necessary, but it may not give best results. I thought it might work for vertical basses, due to the lack of damping from the player's body. Also, the added weight on the head isn't really an issue

I should add that I've only played a Strat with one of these in place, but was able to approximate a cello or violin being bowed. It seems a bass would be a natural fit. I think a cheap prototype could be made with an SX bass mounted to an instrument stand, then if it works you can perform surgery on your Barkers. Unfortunately, I've experimented enough this year. Gotta keep mama happy!