what is your favorite pickup?

BassGreaser · #1 03-19-2007, 12:29 AM

I'm looking for a new pickup..I have used a bassmax, Rev Solo I, and String Charger and I want to hear want all you guys favorite pickup is and why you like it!

tornadobass · #2 03-19-2007, 07:53 AM

Current favorite pickup is Rev Solo II. Nicely defined, well balanced natural sound. Good output level (mine is installed with the label down).

I've also been through Underwood, BassMax, and Realist. Each had its strengths, but the RS II seems to sound right with my bass, an early '60s American Standard.

bolo · #3 03-19-2007, 09:41 AM

Same here. My pal tornader summed it up nicely.

On my bass (carved Czech flatback) I have used the Bass Max, Double Big Twin, RS I and II. Also got to try a Schertler DYN-B as a loaner for a short time.

Haven't tried the Full Circle yet though. It is next on my list.

tornadobass · #4 03-19-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bolo

Same here. My pal tornader summed it up nicely.

On my bass (carved Czech flatback) I have used the Bass Max, Double Big Twin, RS I and II. Also got to try a Schertler DYN-B as a loaner for a short time.

Haven't tried the Full Circle yet though. It is next on my list.

I've stopped keeping a list of what's next...time to start playing...I'll still suck the same regardless of pickup

Ale · #5 03-19-2007, 02:27 PM

My favourite is probably the Wilson .. I really like the "electric" and growly one i get with it. Use it with a Fishman Model B preamp. I does not work great with all basses , but with my low action its perfect.
I also like the BP100 .. I know a lot of players hate it , but it works great with my bass.

BassGreaser · #6 03-19-2007, 02:42 PM

I know someone that wanted to sell me a Wilson, and I have the money now. If you read this PLEASE contact me

fingers · #7 03-19-2007, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ale

My favourite is probably the Wilson .. I really like the "electric" and growly one i get with it.

I borrowed a bass with a Wilson and this is what I didn't like about it. I felt like I was playing a BIG fretless. I didn't mind as much for soloing but I didn't dig the response and tone for walking/groove suff. Too sing-songy. Not much wood.

Practically immune to feedback though.

drurb · #8 03-19-2007, 03:28 PM

Rev. Solo II for all the reasons tornadobass stated.

damonsmith · #9 03-19-2007, 04:57 PM

The old polytone bar that goes between the bridge feet. Mine sounds great.

msw · #10 03-19-2007, 05:09 PM

A BP-100 but this is REALLY important; the bridge must be flat where the elements make contact, the elements have to be exactly the right distance from the edge of the bridge, the clips have to be adjusted to the right amount of tension and last but certainly not least the impedance must be correct between the pick-up and the amp or preamp. Above all, the EQ has to be adjusted to roll-off the unnatural frequencies (low and high) inherent to the BP-100. With all of this in place, and after using one for 25 years, I have never liked any other as much or found any other to be as versatile.

tornadobass · #11 03-19-2007, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damonsmith

The old polytone bar that goes between the bridge feet. Mine sounds great.

I'd forgotten about that one...my first pickup. Good boom, but not something I liked much...it eventually started cutting out and died. Not sure how much the bridge liked having its legs spread by the pickup...er, I didn't say that quite right

**ExaltBass** · #12 03-19-2007, 05:13 PM

Gotta luv my EMGs! They ALWAYS seem to come through.

Michael Case · #13 03-19-2007, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExaltBass

Gotta luv my EMGs! They ALWAYS seem to come through.

When did EMG start making DOUBLE BASS pickups?

damonsmith · #14 03-19-2007, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tornadobass

I'd forgotten about that one...my first pickup. Good boom, but not something I liked much...it eventually started cutting out and died. Not sure how much the bridge liked having its legs spread by the pickup...er, I didn't say that quite right

If you put it diagonally (one end on the bridge foot) use it with a modern amp, it gives a great tone.

Don C · #15 03-23-2007, 11:11 PM

Can anyone give me a comparison between these two pickups ?
I bought the Underwood many years ago and tried it on all five Basses I have had over the years.
On all of the Basses, I've found that the Underwood has so much midrange that I don't have enough EQ on my amp to bring it down to acceptable levels.
I've been using Wilsons for the past 10 years - much better as long as you keep the volume under control.
However, I'm looking for a pickup thats more portable than the Wilson. I don't want to drill holes in my new bridge on my number two bass and I might want to use it on other Basses.

Thanks.

BassGreaser · #16 03-24-2007, 11:47 AM

Don if you want to sale the wilson let me know. I've been looking for a used one for a while. ~Joe

Don C · #17 03-24-2007, 07:30 PM

Hi Joe,

I have the Wilsons installed on my number 1 Bass and they work too well to get rid of.
I'm looking for a different pickup system for my other two Basses. One that I can move from Bass to Bass as the need arises.
As I mentioned above, the Underwoods just have so much midrange that I can't EQ it out without carrying an outboard EQ with me and I wondered how the Revolution Solo II sounded as it seems to be a similar idea to the Underwoods and looks very portable.
From what I've read people seem to like it a lot.

Don

musicman5string · #18 03-24-2007, 09:48 PM

I think the question we all forget to ask when asking about pickups and such is: What style and sound are you going for? There's a big difference in a modern jazz style with a NHOP like tone and a swing band with a Walter Page like tone.

Wilbyman · #19 03-25-2007, 06:31 AM

Underwood plus mic here...seems to work great everywhere

Jeff Guevin · #20 03-25-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilbyman

Underwood plus mic here...seems to work great everywhere

Wilbyman, that's what I use, but I'm not very happy with the sound. What are you using (preamp/mixer/amp)?