Removable mic/pickup

[Stan Haskins]

OK, this stuff isn't my forte -

I'm going to be doing a semi-pro musical theater production in the spring in a large hall with a sound system (hall seats approximately 1500-2000 people)

My bass is a carved Shen Willow. I use steel strings (currently Heliocore Orch., am planning to try Pirastro Perms in the near future.)

My goals as a player involve only arco playing (orchestral), but I still have some left over jazz pizz chops to do this kind of thing. I do not want to install a pickup or mike which is not easily removeable, and a second bass isn't an option (I'm still trying to pay for the first one ). In my past life, when playing this kind of a gig I used a Fishman piezo setup. Cheap and noisy, and meant to be left on the bass. I still have one kicking around my house somewhere to be used in a pinch. However, the book calls for arco playing, and I REALLY want to play it arco without having that awful, tinny sound I remember suffering with when using piezo pickups.

So, long story short, can anyone recommend a reasonably priced, removeable pickup or mic setup which might fit the bill?

btw, I have already searched the forum and didn't find much in the way of specifics for this situation.

Thanks!

[bolo]

Stan,

Here is another similar thread. Links nested within links.

[eadg57]

For easy on and off, two pickups come to mind: the Fishman BP100 and the K&K Bassmax. Each is well under $100, and no tools required (maybe some sandpaper for the Bassmax.)

I found the Bassmax quite a bit darker sounding, without much string or fingerboard noise. The BP was brighter--maybe too bright for me--but blended well with a microphone for recording. You will find many more threads expressing opinions on the tonal charateristics of these pickups, but they are affordable and easily installed.

[Stan Haskins]

Originally Posted by bolo

Stan,

Here is another similar thread. Links nested within links.

Good links, Boletchik, thanks.

[Silversorcerer]

I like the K&K bassmax and it's easy slip in slip out at the bass side bridge wing make it a good choice. With my current setup (Ampeg PB 800 and PB 212H cab) the bassmax is pretty rich in arco sound and is OK for pizz. It does have a kind of that to me is not as good as a good condenser mic, but it doesn't feed back too quickly either. I put some parafin wax on the transducer jacket to make it easier to position and get out.

[drurb]

Rev. Solo II. Hands down.