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Double Bass Anyone changing up their setup for this year?

#41
I’ve recently gotten back to playing and gigging on a somewhat regular basis and besides upgrading my rig, I’m trying to upgrade my playing and musicianship.

I have been putting the work in to read sheet music and rhythms, and utilizing educational resources from TalkBass that I only recently learned of: walking bass theory, music theory, sheet music. I’ve been ‘playing’ bass clef reading apps, learning more appreggios and watching YT videos, looking for insights to see how others play songs we cover. Reading sheet music is coming along as is intonation, dexterity and stamina. Still trying to confidently dial in my slap triplets, and improve my arco in general.
 
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#42
Yes.

I picked up an old Eden Time Traveler combo and have been using it with good results, in addition to my GK MB150. Though, I still wouldn’t mind a MB 200 II if I can get a good deal on one.

Been also thinking about some sort of HPF, but don’t feel like I desperately need one.
 
#43
I changed my entire rig from last year. I was using my Ampeg PF500 and PF-115HE, which I had been using for electric bass. It worked, but I thoight it to be a bit boomy and electric sounding for double bass.

I bought a TC Electronic BQ500, as well as a PJB Compact 4 cab. The two make a wonderful pairing and sound much warmer and more natural for upright. I also added a TH Audio Piezo buffer, as well as a Broughton high pass filter.

Finally got to gig with the new setup tonight. My band loved the new sound! Much less feedback and rumble problems.
20240210_221018_HDR.jpg
 
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#44
I'm really thinking of changing my light spirocores for medium. But in the same time I'm tight on money, I have other competing purchases, and the change of strings would be only for my personal pleasure, I guess the rest of the band wouldn't really care about the change. So I'm not sure if I'm going to make the leap.
 
#45
Back when I was gigging (15 years ago) my setup was.. Strunal 5/20 strung with all plain guts with an Underwood p’up straight into the amp or later a REDDI (when I went ampless) I always was able to get a good sound with the amps EQ.

This time around I’m going with an Upton plywood strung with Gold Spring Vintage with a Wilson K1 p’up into a HPF then into an Ampeg B100R.
 
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#47
BassGreaser said:
Back when I was gigging (15 years ago) my setup was.. Strunal 5/20 strung with all plain guts with an Underwood p’up straight into the amp or later a REDDI (when I went ampless) I always was able to get a good sound with the amps EQ.

This time around I’m going with an Upton plywood strung with Gold Spring Vintage with a Wilson K1 p’up into a HPF then into an Ampeg B100R.
Click to expand...
I always thought guts with those more string focused pickups was a nice combination.
 
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#50
Myers pickup was intermittent when it came in. Dissection revealed a damaged condenser (broken legs) Cost way to much to send it in for repair, so I spec’d a replacement condenser, used a good quality milspec wire, and potted/ruggedized is so it wouldn’t snap at the base again, and rebuilt the gooseneck. That little mic is pretty awesome, I cranked it pretty loud and it sounded great through my quilter setup without feedback, but I haven’t had a chance to see how bad the bleed is yet.

Part of me is wanting to try some spiro reds, but I’m pretty happy with the weichs both arco and pizz , so I don’t know if I want to risk the change!
 
#51
Literally just got a ToneDexter 2 after USPS and Canada Post took it on a month-long tour. Looking forward to some preliminary training tomorrow with a Royer ribbon mic before big band rehearsal Monday evening. This box has a lot of computing power and tonal options built into it; expect it’ll take some time to optimize what it can offer.
 
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#54
Quentin MCB said:
I'm only familiar with the spirocores (I've played weich and medium). How would you describe the Evah in comparison ?
Click to expand...

The general differences are:
1) the Evahs are tonally MUCH darker and have less sustain.
2) thicker, especially on the upper strings due to the synthetic core.
3) easier to bow. There are exclusively orchestral bassists who use them.
4) more of a “gut like” (for lack of a better term) pizzicato attack.

There are some who say that they don’t last very long. I personally know someone who’s had the same Evah G & D (over Spiro E & A) on his bass for nearly 9 years. So, YMMV.
 
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#55
I don't plan on buying much, but I think that for double bass gigs with my improv project, the Ampeg PF50T and more old-school sounding DIY 1x12 that's my usual electric bass rig might come out more than my GK MB200 and more neutral sounding 1x10 I'd been using. I had the Ampeg out on a recording session late last year and I was enjoying what it does.
 
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#56
Used something different tonight. 8 piece jazz combo in a college theater/auditorium.
20240313_182440.jpg
Audix D4 --> FOH
Full circle --> fdeck --> backline amp

Backline amp was the unfortunate fender rumble combo, and was all I had to listen to on stage, so the fdeck earned its keep as usual. Sound guy was ecstatic to have literally anything other than the di from the amp, so I can only assume it sounded okay. I used the bow a little, and hopefully this setup spared the audience the experience of Arco alla Piezo.
 
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#57
bassfiddlesteve said:
I'm sticking with the same simple rig:

Full Circle > Markacoustic AC 101, sometimes augmented by Nadine mic > FOH in concert settings.

I also have this option for when one trip from the car is important:

Full Circle > Fishman Platinum Stage Preamp > Markbass Micromark 801

I only use the preamp with the Micromark as I find it's the difference between it being a nice practice amp and something I can use on gigs. Sometimes I think about upgrading the preamp since there are so many new options out there, but the Fishman works fine for my needs. However, if @Kai Sanchez tells me that he still loves his new Yamahiko pickup after a few gigs, I may have a decision to make :greedy:

- Steve
Click to expand...

I use the exact same components as your one-trip setup and love it! In some rooms, I don't even bother with the preamp because the Micromark sounds so good.
 
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#58
The '70's Czech ply bass that is my backup and bluegrass bass really came to life when I took off the Obligatos and replaced them with Spiro mediums, much louder and not as muddy as the Obligatos.Then I installed a KNA DB1 pickup to replace the Vic's and that has also made a difference, the Vic's sounded good with the Obligatos but not so nice with the Spiros.
I have played a few gigs with it in the 4 years I have had it but usually use my Shen SB100 or Yamaha SLB 200 EUB for jazz but I have three bluegrass festivals this summer and a couple of jams and it will be interesting to see how this set up works acoustically and amplified in outdoor settings.
 
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#60
neddyrow said:
i've always been a gut guy and you all are making me want to try spiros. with all the talk over the years, i'm surprised i haven't yet.
Click to expand...

I also have them on my Shen and use it for jazz and shows mostly but I have been taking lessons with the bow for the last 18 months and they work well for me and my teacher approves of them. I and a couple of other adults help out the low string section in his youth orchestra and the bass sounds great.
These are very versatile strings and many people have been surprised at how well they work on their bass.
 
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