Double Bass Pickup arrangements and dealers?

Oscar South · #1 11-11-2007, 06:45 PM

Hi, I'm looking into getting my Double Bass set up so that I can put it through a PA or Bass Guitar amp (I plan to get a double bass amp when funds allow) but I am totally clueless about it.

What is the best setup arrangement equipment wise? A Piezo style pick up and a mic with a gadget to blend them and give me a little EQ control? Or is only one part/some parts of that setup needed? Hopefully I'd be able to get a signal from that that I can plug right into an amp or PA without further tinkering.

My next problem is that I can't find a vendor that sells stuff like this, does anyone know of any UK online stores I can browse the range and order from? (or any worldwide stores just to browse on).

Better yet could someone tell me a moderately priced setup that'll give me an acceptable sound (I don't have the most expensive bass in the world but it sounds decent so as long as it'll give me an amplified sound that doesn't make people cringe then I'm happy).

Cheers.

**Francois Blais** · #2 11-12-2007, 11:24 AM

Hi Oscar, and welcome on Talkbass.
I suggest you first fill out your profile so the members get a good view of your gear, setup, tastes, etc.
That'll help us to better help you!

Best regards,
François
TB mod

Oscar South · #3 11-12-2007, 12:16 PM

Cheers, profile updated.

**Francois Blais** · #4 11-12-2007, 01:26 PM

Thanks Oscar.
You may browse the Classifieds here on TB.
It's often the right place to find second hand items at a great price.
Maybe a K&K Bass Max would be enough for you to start.
It's a great unit nevertheless, and not much expensive.
You may want to get a preamp with it, to buffer the piezo pickup from the amp, which is often low impedance, particularly with BG oriented gear.
K&K has several good units too.
I'm not associated with them, by the way, just giving some advice.

Good luck!
François

Oscar South · #5 11-12-2007, 03:51 PM

Ok, so I could just put a Bass Max on it for now and get a sound out of it? I have a few bits of gear (compressors and the like) that I could use to coax a bit of a better sound from it too, and I could probably borrow a preamp of some description from someone until I can afford a proper one.

I plan to get a proper rig eventually but they seem a bit pricey and I have a lot of expenses at the moment.

**Francois Blais** · #6 11-13-2007, 11:13 AM

You may want to read the Newbie thread sticky, and also this other thread going on:
double bass pickups