String Charger?

[bassopotumus]

(Yes I did look in the newbie section -didn't help) Do any of you know if this is a good pickup system for a Jazz Trio setting - piano bass, drums? Just wondering if any of you knew. Thanks in advance.

-Bassopotumus

[Francois Blais]

You need to use steel strings with this pickup because it's a magnetic design.
I've read many comments who said that you sound like a giant fretless bass with this.
On the other hand, there is much less feedback.
If you want to sound natural and "acoustic", I'd advice to avoid this.
An Underwood, Realist or K&K Bass Max will do the trick, and they'll work with any string because they use a piezo sensor.
(I deliberately avoided to list the Fishman BP100 because I don't think it's a good PU...)
On the other hand, if you have more money, there's the Wilson, Schertler, Barbera, etc.
Get a look here:
http://www.doublebassguide.com/
Very good site with a comprehensive guide to pickups and other gear.

[larry]

[quote=bassopotumus](Yes I did look in the newbie section -didn't help) Do any of you know if this is a good pickup system for a Jazz Trio setting - piano bass, drums? Just wondering if any of you knew. Thanks in advance.

-Bassopotumus[/QUOTE


Hi, I am a new member, this is my first post. I play piano trio gigs a couple nights a week. I own a String Charger, but no longer use it. It sounds like an electric bass. Not good for Jazz. That said, it is outstanding for any rock-type gigs. I played in a Barenaked Ladies-type group for a couple years and it was great in loud clubs. No feedback, but not a natural sound. I use a Realist, and I am going to buy a Full Circle and blend them. Good luck.

[bassopotumus]

Thanks so much, and please do tell me how that Realist/Full Circle combo turns out!

-Bassopotumus

[larry]

[quote=bassopotumus]Thanks so much, and please do tell me how that Realist/Full Circle combo turns out!

-Bassopotumus

The Fishman Full Circle is good. I have only had it a day, but so far I think it is like a Realist, but a little better. Now, I have heard that Realists may each have slightly different characteristics, which makes sense because I hear guys on this forum say they can't get enough high end on a Realist. I have to crank mine down almost all the way! The Realist is also boomy on the low end, but once you dial it in it's great. The Full Circle was not as boomy and sounded more "woody". A little too much brittle high end (like the old BP100) but easy to dial out. I tried recording direct with the Full Circle; not bad. A little electric sounding, but acceptable when a mic is not possible (loud drummer!). I won't know about feedback until I gig with it a few times. Not sure blending it with the Realist is needed, it sounds great as is (with or without a preamp, but better with). I'll post again after a few gigs.

All in all, as to the original question, way better than a String Charger, IMHO. My String Charger will be on Ebay shortly.

Larry