Double Bass Bridge clamp

[Boppingtheory]

Here attached my simple solution for live application: a clamp screwed to a special metal base, placed near the bridge, on which you can fix the mic of your choice (ideally light and small diaphram condenser mic such as Rode, AudioTechnica, Sennheiser etc). It works perfectly during gigs or studio sessions, and you can avoid feedback, scratches, problems from arco movements as the distance beetween the mic and the sweet spot on the top of the doublebass remains fixed.

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http://digilander.libero.IT/tweakacoustic/bridge clamp4

 

[drurb]

Brilliant!

 

[bassist14]

Brilliant!

+1

 

[gnergaard]

Well done! Very elegant solution. Thanks for sharing this with the rest of the class!

 

[eeyorebass]

+1

+2.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Agreed - that's a really nice design.

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Good thinking Bop! That looks great.

 

[Peck_Time]

Genius!

Get them to market- I know they're simple, but I bet a decent percentage of DIY-phobic bassplayers would shell out $20 for one.

 

[B String]

Great idea. Well done. Now, how can I make this happen
for my bass? I can't wait to try it.

 

[wilsonn]

Very cool. Did you make the metal plate with the hole, or is that available commercially?
Thanks,
Neal

 

[Boppingtheory]

Thanks guys, glad you like the system.

I don't think the metal plate is available commercially: I started from the design and then I looked for the help of a craftman. He used a laser cutter for the contour and the central hole, and then a special machine to fold the edges with the right angulation.

The hole can also accept a 1/4" jack if tomorrow you will want to install a piezo system instead.

Probably the other interesting stuff is the special screw between the edges, so you can fix the clamp in place or unscrew it immediately without tools.

 

[Kevin Hsieh]

this is brilliant! when can i get my hands on one of these? please pm me!

 

[fdeck]

I guess this means you must like the Sony mike. Any comments on its use? Just curious because I have one.

 

[Uncletoad]

The best ideas are those that are simple and elegant. Bravo!

I'd bet the string retaining thing on a Full Circle would function just like that.

I'm going to try to do that with simple hardware store stuff....

 

[moles]

Wow - that's nice work. I like that you could conceivably just leave the mic attached and the bass would still fit in a bag. Perfect.

 

[Boppingtheory]

I guess this means you must like the Sony mike. Any comments on its use? Just curious because I have one.

Hi Fdeck, yes it's a Sony stereo electrect mic but it was fixed to the clamp only to show the application of the unit at the moment: in my opinion it's a good mic only if connected to a small minidisk or to a digital recorder to capture sonic image from acoustic instruments in small rooms, not ideal for the double bass, as there are much better solution for near field monitoring and recordings or live performances uses (i.e. AudioTechnica 3031, AudioTechnica Pro37, Sennheiser e614 or many others small diaphragm cardioid condensers).

 

[Boppingtheory]

The best ideas are those that are simple and elegant. Bravo!

I'd bet the string retaining thing on a Full Circle would function just like that.

I'm going to try to do that with simple hardware store stuff....

Thanks Uncletoad
Yes, I think you could try also in this way with good results as the solution is very simple.
Just a suggestion: I payed particular attention to the thickness and the dimensions of the small metal plate in order not to damage the strings and to balance different mics.

 

[fdeck]

Hi Fdeck, yes it's a Sony stereo electrect mic but it was fixed to the clamp only to show the application of the unit at the moment: in my opinion it's a good mic only if connected to a small minidisk or to a digital recorder to capture sonic image from acoustic instruments in small rooms, not ideal for the double bass, as there are much better solution for near field monitoring and recordings or live performances uses (i.e. AudioTechnica 3031, AudioTechnica Pro37, Sennheiser e614 or many others small diaphragm cardioid condensers).

Ah, thanks for clarifying.

 

[jlilley]

I just made my own version of this... out of some spare parts. I used the clip that holds the 1/4 jack from a K&K Double Big Twin and the stand adapter and bolt from the stereo mount from a Behringer C-2. I Haven't gigged with it yet, but looks like it will do the trick.
John

 

[Sam Becker]

Here attached my simple solution for live application: a clamp screwed to a special metal base, placed near the bridge, on which you can fix the mic of your choice (ideally light and small diaphram condenser mic such as Rode, AudioTechnica, Sennheiser etc). It works perfectly during gigs or studio sessions, and you can avoid feedback, scratches, problems from arco movements as the distance beetween the mic and the sweet spot on the top of the doublebass remains fixed.

http://digilander.libero.IT/tweakacoustic/bridge clamp6

http://digilander.libero.IT/tweakacoustic/bridge clamp8

http://digilander.libero.IT/tweakacoustic/bridge clamp5

http://digilander.libero.IT/tweakacoustic/bridge clamp4

Hi Boppingtheory,

I know it's many years since your original post but I was wondering if you had any of these plates available? They look fantastic and like the perfect solution!

Best wishes,

Sam