ABG feeEEEEEdback

[Zerozeddy]

I use a resonator bass and am plagued with feedback, and I'm not sure of the best way of dealing with it. It hasn't got much in the way of soundhole to cover up with tape (or shove a towel into) and I can't stand away from the amp.

Would a parametric or graphic eq pedal be enough to stop it? Feedback destroyer rack units scare me and I can't work out if you can put them inline like a stomp box or whether it's all much more complicated than that.

My option at the mo is to get a solid body bass. But none is as ace as the reso.

Any input gratefully received.

 

[bongomania]

I would definitely try a parametric EQ pedal, or a rackmount parametric EQ if your amp has an fx loop. A graphic may not be able to pinpoint the problematic frequencies. And it looks like you've already covered the other usual solutions. Those rackmount feedback destroyers are fine if your amp has an fx loop, or if you use a separate preamp/poweramp rig.

 

[niftydog]

Is it always feeding back at the same frequency(ies)? If so, a parametric is ideal. Keep the Q high and hone in on that(those) problem frequency(ies.)

I've had a lot to do with feedback eliminators. I think they should be renamed "tone destroyers" or "infinite phase error creators" or something like that. Plus, they require setting up of the fixed frequencies, and the dynamic EQ features sometimes take a few seconds or more to nail the feedback. They're designed for vocal mics and PA systems and so might present some limitations when used in your context.

 

[bass-shy]

Have you tried any of the outboard Acoustic preamp/DI's? Fishman makes one called the Pro EQ Platinum that has 4 band EQ, a notch filter, phase reversal and a DI for around $179.00. It seems to me that the notch filter should clear it right up. It should be all you need plus a few extras, actually. I have a similar pre- built into my Martin ABG, a Fishman Prefix Pro, and when it starts to feed back, a quick turn of the notch filter is all it takes to make it stop. The additional EQ and the DI are just bonuses that really come in handy. Good luck.

 

[tplyons]

I'm all for the rackmount EQ unit (a stompbox may do the trick) but I'd be inclined to start with a graphic EQ before a parametric. If that doesn't work, try the parametric.

 

[The BurgerMeister]

i'd be inclined to start with a parametric EQ, as these allow you to sweep through ALL the frequencies (not a preset array) to find that (or those) trouble frequency (or frequencies).

a graphic EQ may be easier (at first) to use, but it may not be adequately equipped to deal with your problem completely.