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Double Bass Amplification Nightmares continue... AKG C 416 ??

Bret Higgins

Bret Higgins

Oct 28, 2005
14
1
Toronto
www.brethiggins.com
#1
Hey all,

Just thought I'd post to see what people's opinions might be. I have a really fantastic upright. I do tons of classical, jazz and folk playing, however I just can't find a satisfactory amplified sound for my bass (go figure). I am using a GK MBE amplifier. I started out using an Underwood pickup which I used for years and basically hated. I then added the Fishman Platinum to it in the hopes that it would improve the sound. The sound improved slightly, however I lost a lot of volume. I found, that in order to get a half decent quality of tone, I had to use a significant amount of compression which resulted in lost volume. I then switched to the Schertler DYN-B-SET, which was spoken of as the next "level in quality" in bass amplification. Again I was admittedly disappointed, especially considering the amount of money they are asking for the unit. I found it sounded ok a low volumes but simply wanted to feedback at volumes needed to play with jazz drummers (even the light non-Elvin inspired ones!)..

I'm at a loss as to which way to go. Have people gone through the things I have? I am now considering trying out the Fishman Full-circle (reluctantly at this point), or even toying with an AKG C416 (for gigs where I can run a line into a PA. Perhaps trying a two channel mix of sorts.

Any feedback or positive stories would be appreciated. Also
I noticed that the C416 (which AKG recommends for use with the double bass has a 'C' model and a 'LL' model. Which one is better suited for the type of playing I am doing.

Thanks for any advice, responses or simply commiseration!
 
#2
Hey Bret. I went through four other pickups (including a short trial w/ the DYN-B) before I settled on the Rev Solo. Doesn't work for everyone or for every bass. And it takes a lot of patience fitting it for optimal tone IME. Still sounds like a pickup, but it has some nice elements of wood and warmth and pluck and blossom to it on my bass.

Then (somewhat in parallel) I went through two other mics before I settled on a Beyer M 88 TG. I mount it to the bass using a contraption called an H-clamp. So for amplified gigs I blend the Rev Solo and the mic thru my amp. So yeah the 2 channel solution makes me pretty happy.

That said, I'm just a part-time pro doing largely unremarkable gigs. Many posts on TB guided me thru the whole process. Lots of other experiences here in this forum if you search a bit.

I will say the Full Circle seems to have a higher general success rate, based on what I've read here. I have not tried it myself.

Nice commiserating with you. I loved Toronto when I spent time there.
 
#3
I don't understand why you would get a lack of volume using an Underwood thru the Pro Platinum. I use this combo and can play at LOUD Rock volumes with little to no feedback issues.

Are you using the manual's way to set your gain stage with the preamp? Using alot of compression is a good way to lose volume also. I keep my compression knob at about 9 o'clock or off and get a very punchy cutting tone. Not the most "natural" tone, but a very nice usable tone for the music I play anyway.
 
#4
Hmmm,
It sounds like you've done a reasonable amount of experimenting. Here are some suggestions off the top of my head.

1) My 32 band EQ has become my best friend, in terms of feedback killing. My gigs run the gamut from quiet dinner time duos to loud rock'n'roll volumes - the eq stays at home for the quiet stuff but is indispensable when things get wacky.

2) Have you played around with the fit of the Underwood? I'd try shimming it, widening the slots, moving it around - I'm sure you did all that when you acquired the pickup....worth a shot though.

3) What was it about the sound when you were going through the Fishman that made you want to crank up the compressor? Heavy compression will increase the potential for feedback - did you spend a good amount of time playing with the depth control and eq on the pre- before compressing?
 

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