Double Bass Best pickup when no bridge adjusters

[ShawnLBass]

Any pickup recos for basses without bridge adjusters (not needed for removable neck)? I've used the og realist for 20 years, but having trouble with the copper wrapping buzzing once the pickup is a few years old. I haven't loved anything that wedges into the bridge, but maybe there's something I haven't tried?

 

[Ed Fuqua]

I primarily use a microphone but when I have had to use a pickup I use a Realist Soundclip.

 

[jj.833]

I can recommend Ehrlund EAP (or other contact microphone). Better details than Copperhead or Lifeline. More feedback sensitive though.

 

[Jeff Kissell]

What about the wood version is the Realist?

 

[DoubleMIDI]

Shadow SH-965NFX. Can be used with a single foil below the bridge feet too.
Output is a bit lower than most other piezos, piezo foil doesn‘t have the piezo ceramic quack, pizz sounds a bit more distant than bridge mounted pickups. Very good with the bow.
Carry a few CR2032 batteries with you and plug the cable out of the battery adapter to save battery power if you don’t play.
If the PCB rattles inside the battery adapter, open it up (4 small Phillips screws) and put in some foam. No big deal.
If you only use one foil, you have a spare one.

 

[Don Hergert]

For a simple piezo bridge wing pickup, Vics Model B.

 

[bass player 53]

I bought a used Eminence EUB that had a David Gage Realist Copperhead pickup installed. It was just ok sounding until I used a Sarno Black Box, with the
variable input impedance set to
around 5-6 Mohms. That produces a really good sound going into a variety of amps, such as the GK MBE III.

 

[Earl]

Schertler Stat B (my favorite non-piezo for the most natural sound). ANS BassBalsereit, Wilson (both require drilling holes in the bridge), Vic’s, EAP.

 

[Ric Vice]

I’ve used a Ehrlund EAP for at least 10 years. I do not recommend purchasing the Ehrlund Preamp. The RedEye Twin is my preamp of choice for that although the RedEye will work (it just doesn’t have the ability to boost the signal as much.

 

[JBarz]

Vic’s gets my vote. I didn’t like the Realist getting under my feet because it just seemed janky and throws off the beauty of a well fit foot on the top of your instrument (but they do sound good!). On my EUB I have a Schertler and it’s the cats PJs, but dang (!) I guess they cost like $1k.

I’m on a big fixed bridge kick — just setup 3 of my basses with nice solid well fit Despiau bridges, Vic’s Model B, into a Redeye preamp.

$50 for a Vic’s Model B. Crazy value - makes everything else seem really bougie IMHO.

From there, you can run into a Tone Dexter if you really want to shape the sound and futz with stuff, but Vic’s doesn’t like going direct into the Tonedexter w/o a Redeye.

 

[Earl]

Vic’s gets my vote. I didn’t like the Realist getting under my feet because it just seemed janky and throws off the beauty of a well fit foot on the top of your instrument (but they do sound good!). On my EUB I have a Schertler and it’s the cats PJs, but dang (!) I guess they cost like $1k.

I’m on a big fixed bridge kick — just setup 3 of my basses with nice solid well fit Despiau bridges, Vic’s Model B, into a Redeye preamp.

$50 for a Vic’s Model B. Crazy value - makes everything else seem really bougie IMHO.

From there, you can run into a Tone Dexter if you really want to shape the sound and futz with stuff, but Vic’s doesn’t like going direct into the Tonedexter w/o a Redeye.

A schertler Stat B from Django is $680 with the Stat Pre, $375 for just the pickup (Headway preamp will power it if you have one), or $790 for the pickup with the new Uno preamp.

 

[JBarz]

A schertler Stat B from Django is $680 with the Stat Pre, $375 for just the pickup (Headway preamp will power it if you have one), or $790 for the pickup with the new Uno preamp.

I’m not gunna lie, I’m probably going to spring for one at some point for my carved big bass if I can hold myself back from installing adjusters and putting the Yamahiko back in. My EUB amplifies arco better than any other bass I have and I think this Schertler is to thanks.

 

[sean_on_bass]

a new copper Realist. if the foil is buzzing that would be an installation issue IMO. i've owned two and never had that issue.

 

[ShawnLBass]

a new copper Realist. if the foil is buzzing that would be an installation issue IMO. i've owned two and never had that issue.

not an installation issue - I have owned several over the past 20 years and this is my first time experiencing this as well (well, the second time on this specific bass). Talked with a luthier who said I'm not the only one (and that it can happen seasonally, funny enough). Great that it hasn't happened for you!

I'm probably going to have a lifeline installed into the bridge. No more copper realist for me

 

[Frank Miller]

The Ehrlund EAP is a fantastic pickup, but it requires absolutely precise locating to get it to sound its best, plus, it is rather pricey. Of late, I have gotten very good response from the $99 KNA DB-1 wing slot pickup. It’s very easy to install (KNA supplies shims to get a tight fit) and sounds surprisingly good, especially on arco.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

A schertler Stat B from Django is $680 with the Stat Pre, $375 for just the pickup (Headway preamp will power it if you have one), or $790 for the pickup with the new Uno preamp.

A Headway EDM1 is $225 at Gollihur. Works well. I used a Baggs Gigpro for years before the Headway but they are discontinued now. I got the two GPs I had for <$100. They are both better than the Schertler Pre's for features and length of service. Three Schertlers crapped out on me too soon.

 

[Earl]

A Headway EDM1 is $225 at Gollihur. Works well. I used a Baggs Gigpro for years before the Headway but they are discontinued now. I got the two GPs I had for <$100. They are both better than the Schertler Pre's for features and length of service. Three Schertlers crapped out on me too soon.

Yes, I sometimes use the EDM1 with the Stat B, works fine. Lately though I prefer the sound of the Stat Pre which has an HPF and LPF built in. Never had a problem with any Stat Pre I have had.