Double Bass A Question for H-Clamp Users...

[neddyrow]

I am thinking about getting an H-clamp for my bass...

I currently just take a shure SM 58 or 57 and fold it into a piece of foam and wedge it in my tailpiece when I play with my bluegrass band. I've been thinking that though this method works pretty good, having the mic and foam where it is may dampen my sound a bit. I was thinking that the H-clamp may be the solution to my problem. I was also thinking that the mic and foam setup may dampen my sound and help prevent feedback during larger shows. Is there anyone out there who has tried both these methods or something similar that could put in their $.02?

 

[Kamuilija]

Hi Neddyrow,

I've been using the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] since spring this year. I've liked it a lot, and I've had no problems with feedback.

 

[martinc]

Neddyrow:

Before you spring for the H clamp, why not try shoving your mic and foam under the bridge instead of the tailpiece?
You might be a lot happier with the sound. I use a windscreen on my mic (Audix D4) and keep it close to the bass top at about 45 degrees. I play a lot of bluegrass festivals and shows.
I like a mic better than a pickup and was going to buy an H clamp but after I tried this I have been quite happy.

 

[neddyrow]

Thanks Martin!

I'll give that a shot first. I've got a couple shows coming up and try it out.

 

[bobsax]

How many folks make a DB H-Clamp ?

Is there a buying guide somewhere (wishful thinking)
ExplorAudio's basic model is $139 . That seems kind of expensive for what it is.
H-Clamp Light Upright Bass and Cello Microphone Mounts at Gollihur Music - Double Bass, Upright Bass, String Bass Specialists
Are there any cheaper ones out there ?
Maybe somebody has a DIY one with hardware store parts ?

This thing also , not an H-Clamp. More like the Mic stuffed under the bridge alternative .
Choice Products Upright Bass Microphone Holder-Maple Made in U.S.A.-UR 1M

 

[Michael Eisenman]

You might be able to hack this onto your bass: Invalid Link Removed

 

[bobsax]

You might be able to hack this onto your bass: Invalid Link Removed

that's pretty cool ...thanks

 

[Mark Gollihur]

ExplorAudio's basic model is $139 . That seems kind of expensive for what it is.
H-Clamp Light Upright Bass and Cello Microphone Mounts at Gollihur Music - Double Bass, Upright Bass, String Bass Specialists

I don't disagree that they ain't cheap - but note that they are precision-made of very light aircraft-grade aluminum with machined composite clamp discs; they really don't fool around -- they're very sturdy, and yet as light as something like that can be. That's important when it comes to weight damping down on an acoustic instrument.

 

[Michael Eisenman]

I agree with Mark. I have an H-Clamp, and it's very good. But it is a bit pricey. The Audix clamp is a possible option, but it obviously doesn't have as much clamping surface to protect the bass.

 

[martinc]

I have had one for about three years and agree totally with Mark. Put it in perspective: at $139 it's about the same price as a Pirastro Oliv D string....and just a bit more than an SM 58 mic.
The H clamp will outlast most of us and will give you an excellent range of options for positioning your mic. And you can leave it on your bass when you put the bass bag on. It is designed very well.
I checked out the Audix CabGrabber before I bought the H Clamp (from Mark!) and found the Audix much bulkier and more limited as to mic placement.
The only downside to the H Clamp is that you cannot use any of the heavier mics like the Electro-Voice RE 20 if you like to point it anywhere near the bridge area.
A lot depends on the kind of mic you want to use though. You would not need the H Clamp for a miniature mic like the AT 350 but it is ideal for most hand -held mics.

 

[bobsax]

Some folks gravitate towards high end things even if they don't really effect the desired output. I know guys that will buy a crappy BMW that breaks down over a new Ford Focus. ...anyway.
This thread has a nice DIY H-Clamp that could be adapted to any mic and some interesting opinions on the expensive H-Clamp from people that bought it and don't use it any more.
H-Clamp alternatives?

This is a pretty cool DIY mic holder and elegant in it's simplicity .
mic clip unit I built