Question about the Realist pickup...

[Blazemourne]

Do you need to go to a luthier to install it since that slip goes under the bridge?

[greitzer]

You don't need to go to a luthier, but you might want to if you don't have any experience with this kind of thing (especially if you're new to the double bass).

I managed to install it myself and lots of other TBers have as well. They give the instructions with the pickup - if I recall correctly you loosen the two lower strings enough so that you can pull them out of their slots and off the bridge, and loosen the two higher strings, enough so that you can lift up the foot of the bridge (the foot under the E string) up off of the bass just high enough so you can slip the Realist under it. Then retighten all strings.

My luthier mentioned the Realist to me once and he offered to install it for me if I bought one. But by the time I bought one, I was familiar enough with the instrument that I was able to install it myself.

If you're unsure, by all means ask your luthier to do it.

[TomB]

If you've ever changed strings it's as straightforward as can be. Simply lift the bridge foot and.... Write back if you have a problem. Tom

[Uncletoad]

Easy stuff. Just be sure to keep enough tension on the top to keep the soundpost in place. If it falls you've made yourself a bunch more work.

I usually put a shot bag or sand bag or some heavy weight right over it so no matter what I do with strings and string tension the post has enough down pressure to stay put.