Double Bass Any more thoughts on the Realist SoundClip?

[bassfiddlesteve]

I'm intrigued by this pickup but the reviews here seem kind of mixed. Has anyone else tried the SoundClip recently? I've been happy with the standard Realist but if I could get a similar sound with the removeable version I might give it a try.

- Steve

 

[GrowlerBox]

No new thoughts I haven't already expressed elsewhere.

You've no doubt read the posts by Mark Perna (I think??) who found some similarities with the "traditional" Realist, despite the completely different design -- I have no experience with the underfoot one, so I can't comment further.

I would say, that given the design of the thing and the minimal risk of causing damage to it, a retailer like the Gollihur boyz might offer a trial period. If you get hold of one, be prepared to spend some time moving the thing around on your bridge, using different weight combinations, even inserting various shims (I haven't found this last option terribly helpful, but others seem to have) and adjusting your amp EQ to suit; the differences these things make are not subtle, at least in my experience. Once you've found your configuration, it's pretty much set and forget.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

Thanks for the response. Bob Gollihur does offer a seven day trial on the SoundClip, however the idea of endless options dissuades me quite a bit. I'd probably obsess over these things.

- Steve

 

[Frits]

is good. I have been a 'regular' Realist user in the past and have found it to be more 'hifi' than the regular. I like the idea of having nothing under the bridge foot as well. I use it with a DPA 4099B condenser mic into a Schertler Yellow preamp into a Bergantino IP112. An ideal setup for me. I also use it with a Galien-Krueger mini combo, straight without preamp. This works as well. Mind: I place it on the INSIDE of the bridge, which alters the sound in a positive way.

 

[TroyK]

I've got some new thoughts that I haven't posted yet, but will put up in a Soundclip v Ehrlud thead at some point.

I traded for a SoundClip a month or so ago and have played gigs in different settings with it.

It's a good pickup. It's been a while since I owned the original Realist, but there are certainly some commonalities. Reminds me partially of a few other things too, but it's got it's unique thing too. The TB'er who traded it to me sent it with some rubber bits that make a big difference between the element and the bridge. They make a HUGE difference, I think Gage needs to explore this in in the design. Without them, it's pretty harsh sounding.

With them, on a gig in a restaurant like last weekend, it's on par with any good pickup I've ever used. When circumstances are perfect, the Ehrlund sounds more transparent for sure. For me circumstances are rarely perfect, the SoundClip is more useful and produces what I need consistently on a gig.

Not a hassle for me to find the right placement on my bass. there are a couple of spots that seem to work. I like it, I think it's a good option. Because the ability to remove is important to me, it's a keeper. I also really like that there is no lead wire to mount, nothing on my tailpiece.

I have to give it a thumbs up. Mine will get a lot of use.

 

[Watermelon Man]

My thoughts are Invalid Link Removed

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

Sam Ash now carries the SoundClip and with my employee discount (I give lessons there on Saturdays) and their 30 day return policy, I though I'd give it a try.

I asked my daughter who is a college music major to listen as I compared the SoundClip with the original Realist that I have used since 2003. She and I perform as a duo, so she knows the sounds of my bass well, both acoustically and through the amp. First I played the standard Realist though my GK MB150S with my usual EQ setting: fairly flat with a the Contour dialed in a bit and Hi Boost up most of the way. Then I installed the SoundClip in the starting location behind the E string bridge adjuster and with both weights in place. At first the sound was thin and honky and generally unpleasant, but after adjusting the EQ (rolled off Hi Boost, set the Contour about halfway and cut the hi mids) I got a tone that was pretty similar to the standard Realist, albeit with a bit more focus and string/finger sound.

I still plan on experimenting with placement, adding and removing the weights and placing a piece of rubber in between the piezo element and the bridge as many users recommend, but I am encouraged by my initial experiment. There are two things about this pickup that concern me though:

1) It's prone to rattling if not installed correctly
2) It leaves pretty substantial marks on the bridge.

Soon I hope to A/B the Realist and SoundClip on a gig.

- Steve