New pickup?

chrkelly · #1 06-03-2008, 08:56 AM

Hi guys,

Last year I finally found a great pickup/amp combination (full circle/LR Baggs para di/EA/Bergantino) for my bass and have been really happy with it. However, I've just bought a gorgeous old Tarrantino bass as my main instrument and need a suitable pickup for it. I'm primarily an orchestral player and the bass has a big resonant dark orchestral sound. I need the pickup for west end shows and the odd jazz gig. It must have a good arco sound. It has to be removeable so I can take it off easily when not using it and not need any modifications to the bass. I'm currently thinking of a Schertler dyn B but am slightly concerned about feedback issues on such a resonant bass. Also, the rev solo and bass max, and may be tempted by a mic although cost and bleed from other instruments would be an issue. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

salcott · #2 06-03-2008, 09:15 AM

In my experience, the hardest thing to amplify is a really fine bass with all its overtones and resonance. I've used the Realist on a great bass, and it worked really well. I have the Full Circle on my current instrument, (NS LaScala) and from my results on that bass, I'd have no hesitation recommending it as well. Neither one requires modification, unless adjusters fall into that category for you. Regarding removability, the Realist would be easier to deal with if you're comfortable loosening the strings to install/remove it. If removability is a sound issue, don't worry about it; I can't see either pickup having any effect whatsoever on the natural sound of your bass. If a conductor or sectionmate is giving you a hard time about "all those wires", just tell them you have one bass, and it has to do it all.They don't complain about the way C extensions look, do they?

bolo · #3 06-03-2008, 09:21 AM

Sounds like a cool bass.

I'd say a mic is the way to go if you can get it to work in your gigging situations. I also think my Rev Solo sounds good as far as pickups go. But I don't rely on it for arco at all, so I can't comment on that.

There used to be a place that would ship you a demo DYN-B on loan and let you try it, but I think they've gone out of business. I did it and I had problems with an overly resonant bass in the short time I had the loaner.

Would you attempt to run the mic to your amp, or just the PA?

Your profile says your Berg is a 4x10, yes? That's big.

And you don't want the FC on this bass because it's not removable?

Kev2007 · #4 06-03-2008, 09:30 AM

I've used a Schertler DYN-B for about 6 years now. I've also got a Wilson, but haven't used it in about a year. I run the DYN-B from my Vuillaume direct or into my GK 120MBE, EQ flat, and it sounds like my bass, only louder. The output volume on the DYN-B is a lot greater than any piezo I've used, and I can go at least as loud as when using a bridge pickup without an amp feeding back. I can play in the middle of a very loud band (I play about 275 musical theatre services a year) and there's virtually no bleed.

The secret to the DYN-B is finding the sweet spot on your bass. Well worth the time. Respectfully, I suspect that those who don't like the Schertler don't have very good sounding basses to begin with...

Anyway, remember that a bridge pickup is just that - it will give you string and finger noise/tone, but impart every little of your actual bass sound (resonance) to your amp.

I'd encourage you to try out a DNY-B. Not for everyone, I know, but I can't imagine playing without one.

Kev

chrkelly · #5 06-03-2008, 10:24 AM

Thanks for the quick respones,

I know what you're saying Salcott and completely agree but unfortunately I've come across a few people before who will give you funny looks if you turn up with a few wires on your bass. It's crazy but I'd like to be on the safe side and go pickup-less, especially in an orchestral audition situation.

Bolo, the more I think about the mic idea, the more I think about it, it's just too much hassle, especially in a small pit with a brass section and drummer next to my mic. The 410 is my big venue and rock cab. I'll be getting a 112 soon for the gigs I'll be using the new bass on.

Sounds like the Dyn-b is worth a demo. I friend of mine uses one for cello (probably a different model though) and he rates it very highly.

paulunger · #6 06-03-2008, 10:36 AM

I am a professional orchestra player and I know exactly what you are talking about. I also play a lot of jazz and have tried every pickup out there. My recommendations for a pickup that you can take on and off easily, without modification to the bridge, are the Schertler STAT-B and the Revolution Solo. Both of these are much more versatile, in my opinion, and give a pretty decent sound with the bow. I found the Schertler dyn-b and microphones difficult to control the in different settings, especially if you are standing next to drums or in a loud environment.

Hope that helps.

Ric Vice · #7 06-03-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrkelly

Thanks for the quick respones,
Sounds like the Dyn-b is worth a demo. I friend of mine uses one for cello (probably a different model though) and he rates it very highly.

If you take a look on the Schertler Website you will see that the Cello and Bass pickups look quite similar. So physically, they have a very similar "foot print". If you decide to go with the Dyna-B then take a serious look at the Schertler Pre A III it's designed specifically to send different mixes to the house and amp.

Ric

Ric Vice · #8 06-03-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrkelly

Hi guys,

Last year I finally found a great pickup/amp combination (full circle/LR Baggs para di/EA/Bergantino) for my bass and have been really happy with it. However, I've just bought a gorgeous old Tarrantino bass as my main instrument and need a suitable pickup for it. I'm primarily an orchestral player and the bass has a big resonant dark orchestral sound. I need the pickup for west end shows and the odd jazz gig. It must have a good arco sound. It has to be removeable so I can take it off easily when not using it and not need any modifications to the bass. I'm currently thinking of a Schertler dyn B but am slightly concerned about feedback issues on such a resonant bass. Also, the rev solo and bass max, and may be tempted by a mic although cost and bleed from other instruments would be an issue. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

I think that the choices would be. A Fishman Full Circle if you have an adjustable bridge already because it's a pretty straight forward installation and doesn't touch the surface of that fine old instrument.
Ultimately, the Schertler Dyna-B with their Preamp will get you a very nice tone if you don't use an adjustable bridge. I think the Realist would be my third choice since it sits between the bridge foot and the body of the instrument. Over time it can cause some marking and impressions on the surface of the instrument.
As far as a good arco sound goes from what I gather the Dyna-B and Realist produce the best arco tibre with the Full Circle a close third. In your situation, I would think it would be best to have the Pro Platinum EQ for the Fishman. Since you are in Europe there is one other possibility. Hubert Liegos make a updated version of the old double element Schertler Stat B. This design was very good for arco work.
PM me is you want his contact information. I liked the old Stat B for arco.

Ric

bolo · #9 06-03-2008, 12:32 PM

The Realist is probably much more plug and play than the Rev Solo. For me the Bass Max was similar to the RS in that the initial sanding and fitting for the p/u is easy enough, but all the experimentation for the optimal tone via placement and fit in the bridge wing can take some serious time and a lot of patience.

Same for the DYN-B and finding that sweet spot. The DYN-B is also the most expensive p/u option mentioned. The price of the Schertler preamp would add to the total cost. But if you can try one and find the sweet spot on your bass and think it's worth the money, you'd probably be set. I didn't have success with it and at that price point decided to focus on mic options instead, since that was really the sound I was after. Edit: YMMV.

fingers · #10 06-03-2008, 01:27 PM

The Realist has the best arco tone I've heard.

paulunger · #11 06-03-2008, 03:01 PM

Sorry guys, I know that tone is subjective, but I can not recommend the Realist pickup. I have only heard it work on cheaper plywood basses. To my ear it makes an older, quality instrument sound like a plywood. It will sound good when you play by yourself or at a low volume in a duo setting, but you will be miserable in a larger ensemble or if drums are nearby. Again, this is just my subjective opinion.
The bass max pickup is similar to the underwood, in that it fits in the wing of the bridge. To make it fit you have to sand the wing of the bridge. The reason I recommend the Revolution Solo and Schertler Stat-B (besides sounding better) is that you sand the pickup to fit to the bridge. The downside to that is that now the pickup will only fit that particular bridge and if you want to use the pickup on another basses you have use a small wood or cork wedge.

fingers · #12 06-03-2008, 03:57 PM

I have one on my ply and one on my carved. I actually think they sound better on basses with more responsive tops. (ie carved) Either way, tone is subjective.

Ric Vice · #13 06-03-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingers

I have one on my ply and one on my carved. I actually think they sound better on basses with more responsive tops. (ie carved) Either way, tone is subjective.

I have both a carved Mirecourt and a carved Knilling. The Realist sounds great on both basses with my strings Thomastik Spirocores and Superflexibles. The only drawback is that they do not last indefinitely. I always wanted one of the older Stat B's or a Dyna B though. Different strokes for different DB's and Players.

Ric