Tone problems with Realist and Shuttle 6.0 210

ahahum · #1 02-15-2009, 09:07 AM

Hello everyone!

I'm having a problem getting a decent tone with my URB with my new amp. Previously, I've used a Metro and was able to get a great tone without a pre but I've downsized my rig and I can't seem to get a tone I like.

Here is my current setup:
Realist>FDeck>Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 210T combo.

The sound I'm getting is muffled and thwrappy. Especially from open G up to D. The lower register is ok, but it could definitely be better. There is a significant lack of attack.

I've tried adjusting the EQ but I can't seem to dial in anything I like. I have no problems with getting a great tone on the slab side.

Anyone else running a similar setup like to share ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Adam

jgbass · #2 02-15-2009, 09:16 AM

Realists do have a limited life span. I know of a bassist who had to replace his after several years. Apparently the pressure of being under the bridge eventually compromises it.
Is this a new piece of equipment? Could possibly be the problem here.

ahahum · #3 02-15-2009, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgbass

Realists do have a limited life span. I know of a bassist who had to replace his after several years. Apparently the pressure of being under the bridge eventually compromises it.
Is this a new piece of equipment? Could possibly be the problem here.

Good idea! I'll try to find my old Barcus Berry and hook it up to see if it gets a decent tone. I stopped using it because it was cutting in and out. But when it was working, it sounded fine. Thanks!

Marc Piane · #4 02-15-2009, 09:40 AM

Recently I saw a bass player what had that setup minus the the f-deck pre and I thought it sounded like crap. Just like you describe. I was actually kinda excited to hear the Genz Benz but was very unimpressed. I sat in a bit and the bass sounded nice acoustically but the amplified sound made it hard to even play. Maybe the pickup didn't fit right or something. Maybe those two are not a good pair.

I've had great success with the Realist (with a GK) and I've heard other guys that with good sounds from that pickup. That said I am not crazy about the sound I get with my AI/EA rig. Its just an ok sound coming from a well reputed rig.

ahahum · #5 02-15-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingers

Recently I saw a bass player what had that setup minus the the f-deck pre and I thought it sounded like crap. Just like you describe. I was actually kinda excited to hear the Genz Benz but was very unimpressed. I sat in a bit and the bass sounded nice acoustically but the amplified sound made it hard to even play. Maybe the pickup didn't fit right or something. Maybe those two are not a good pair.

I've had great success with the Realist (with a GK) and I've heard other guys that with good sounds from that pickup. That said I am not crazy about the sound I get with my AI/EA rig. Its just an ok sound coming from a well reputed rig.

Yeah, it sounds like crap for sure without the FDeck, although I didn't get quite what I wanted after I bought the FDeck.

I wonder if it is the cabinet? I know there are other URB guys using the Shuttle line and loving it.

Hmmm...maybe lugging the Metro wasn't so bad after all!

Greg Clinkingbeard · #6 02-15-2009, 11:35 AM

I haven't tried either amp, but I did own an Eden head for awhile. Compared to the Focus head I now use, it had much more up front attack. I found it to be a bit artificial sounding.
FWIW, the Realist isn't really known for having as much attach as other pickups. It can be a bit muffled but I like it.

This is worth $.02, more or probably less.

Marc Piane · #7 02-15-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clink

known for having as much attach as other pickups.

Really? To me the DB to have a particular upfront pulse of air that helps drive the music. That punch in the gut is the sound I like. That is why I don't really care for porkchop in straight ahead jazz. No hump.

I feel like the Realist reproduces that better than any other pickup.

Bflat · #8 02-15-2009, 02:19 PM

Hey guys I'm new to this forum, but I have played upright since 1964.... I also have been making pickups since 1998 with piezos, for me the realist is in a no win situation, since it has way too much pressure on it, Check out www.Piezopickup.com, I believe this will solve all of the issues for you. The web site isn't finished yet but you will get the idea...

ahahum · #9 02-15-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingers

I feel like the Realist reproduces that better than any other pickup.

I have to agree here. I hope it's just that my pickup has gone bad...much cheaper and easier than searching for another amp.

fretlessspence · #10 02-15-2009, 04:47 PM

Do you still have the metro? If so plug the genz head into the metro cab and vise versa. You'll be able to weed out the culprit.

agedhorse · #11 02-15-2009, 04:58 PM

If the piezo crystal is cracked, it may still make sound but the quality will be all over the map. Maybe thin, maybe muffled, maybe distortions etc.

Try your URB through your other amp to see if it has the same sound you are used to.

Also, your pickup may sound better with the gain in the passive position.

ahahum · #12 02-15-2009, 05:09 PM

I don't have any other amps anymore. I traded the metro in plus some cash for this GB. I will see if I can borrow an amp from a buddy to see if there is tonal problems there.

I will also try adjusting the gain back a little. Thanks for everyone's input. I'll post back later with my results.

Greg Clinkingbeard · #13 02-15-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingers

Really? To me the DB to have a particular upfront pulse of air that helps drive the music. That punch in the gut is the sound I like. That is why I don't really care for porkchop in straight ahead jazz. No hump.

I feel like the Realist reproduces that better than any other pickup.

Attack, attach....what's the difference.
Sure, on my bass the Realist has more of that low end woodiness than the Full Circle. As you know, I've tried an RSII an Underwood and Shadow 965. In my experience, these other pickups have all had an added edge somewhere from the midrange up that doesn't sound as natural to me. I love the Full Circle, but it has something in the upper mids that can sound weird to me. Granted, these other pickups will give more volume before feedback than the Realist, but at lower volumes I think the Realist sounds more like an acoustic bass. I have found it to be warm and natural, taking some of the edge off compared to other pickups I've tried. YMMV, YMWCB, TEHO, whatever.

I won't be expecting you to pay me the $.02........

Greg Clinkingbeard · #14 02-15-2009, 05:37 PM

As a reminder, the bridge feet must fit perfectly for the Realist to sound right. Double check that first as things can change.

simandlhandle · #15 02-16-2009, 09:03 AM

I got a Genz benz shuttle 6.0 just over a month ago and have used it for just about every gig since. I run it into an EBS 1x12. It sounds amazing with both with my precision and my double basses. One double bass has a Full Circle on, the other a brand new Realist. I had on old Realist but it was sounding bad, so as this bass doesnt have risers, I popped for a new one rather than put a full circle on, and am glad I did.
The amp is nice and clean, but I can grit it up a bit with the build in tube pre. Both double basses are run straight in with no external pre amp( I obviously don't use them both at the same time). I am very impressed with the sound, and the weight is amazing. Pity they don't do a 2 chanel one, so I will still use my Epifani UL502 for doubling gigs.

ahahum · #16 02-16-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simandlhandle

I got a Genz benz shuttle 6.0 just over a month ago and have used it for just about every gig since. I run it into an EBS 1x12. It sounds amazing with both with my precision and my double basses. One double bass has a Full Circle on, the other a brand new Realist. I had on old Realist but it was sounding bad, so as this bass doesnt have risers, I popped for a new one rather than put a full circle on, and am glad I did.
The amp is nice and clean, but I can grit it up a bit with the build in tube pre. Both double basses are run straight in with no external pre amp( I obviously don't use them both at the same time). I am very impressed with the sound, and the weight is amazing. Pity they don't do a 2 chanel one, so I will still use my Epifani UL502 for doubling gigs.

That's good to hear. Thanks for the insight! I too wish it was a 2 channel. I've been using an A/B box lately and it does the trick...although all the cables are a little messy!