Mariachi bass

bassbo · #1 09-11-2007, 09:57 PM

I picked this up in an estate sale recently. I'm planning a major fix to include a new bridge and de-warping the neck. I need a good pickup and I'm not sure which way to go across the hole or embedded in the bridge. I don't want add on magnetic ones. Wacha think, anyone?
Thanks,
Steve

meev992 · #2 09-11-2007, 10:02 PM

I think the tradition follows that, you play in front of a microphone. I wouldn't walk around, too much, with that bass, it might seem a little awkward, well that's just me I guess

It must be Dean Markley, or...well I don't remember, but a mini microphone that extends into the soundhole, and is attached around the heel of the neck, would probably sound the best.

metalmariachi · #3 09-12-2007, 12:43 PM

I’d go with an endpin mic also.
That way you’d get the most out of the gut strings and body resonance.

Guitarrons have a very nice sound. They are a bit awkward to play though.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Just noticed the trapeze tailpiece, which may be an addition, most I’ve seen have the strings tied off to the bridge.

MM

Standalone · #4 09-12-2007, 03:09 PM

A local shop has one for sale... I have totally wanted one of those for so long. GAS for smoething I can't even play!

Great find. How much did it cost you?

edit: oh, and why the new bridge? That one looks like most that I have seen.

skidrawk · #5 09-12-2007, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meev992

a mini microphone that extends into the soundhole

I think this would be a mistake. This IMO would make it too boomy. I wouldn't put a pickup in it at all myself. If I needed to record it, I'd use a room mic.

*Edit: nice find btw. A Bajo Quatro?

meev992 · #6 09-12-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skidrawk

*Edit: nice find btw. A Bajo Quatro?

yea, wait a minute, do these come with six or four strings?...hmm

Either way, the technique for playing these is, for the most part, a lot different...well, for the plucking hand anyways. Watch some Mariachi Band concerts on PBS.

skidrawk · #7 09-12-2007, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meev992

yea, wait a minute, do these come with six or four strings?...hmm

Either way, the technique for playing these is, for the most part, a lot different...well, for the plucking hand anyways. Watch some Mariachi Band concerts on PBS.

Ah these things are called guitarrons and they usually have six strings. The Baja Sexto is the mexican version of the 12 string guitar.