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Double Bass BSX Megathread
- Thread starter jokerjkny
- Start date
That’s a different tailpiece on the BSX Allegro than what I have. Mine looks like a compensating tailpiece in the wrong direction. Did you make that modification?
Here's what the tailpiece on my Allegro (built earlier this year) looks like:
I was deciding which EUB to buy this spring, and my choice came down to Allegro or Eminence. After seeing the photos of them side-by-side, I am sooooo glad I chose the BSX. The Eminence body is way too long and clunky-looking IMHO, and if it is indeed heavier than the Allegro that reinforces my decision. The BSX is big and heavy enough for me! And prettier to look at. It sounds close enough to a real bass for my needs.
Houston....,now I see what’s up. That’s an Allegro Mini. Now I see why your comparison of the two is as such. 
Either way, if you’re happy with the pair them you’re good to go, especially w that foot you made.
Either way, if you’re happy with the pair them you’re good to go, especially w that foot you made.
Tried something new this week. I have an old Yamaha NE-1 Bass Parametric EQ box that I haven't used in 10 years or so. Ran my BSX Allegro through it, and the NE-1 on the DEEP setting helped tame some of the Allegro zing. I've also changed my D & G strings from Spiro Solo to Obligato and liking that better for arco. Still have Spiro Solos on the E and A.
I also tried the Allegro through a Sarno Black Box to see if that would help warm it up. It did maybe a little. The Sarno works better if it is the next device in the signal chain following the piezo; however, the Allegro has a built-in preamp.
I also tried the Allegro through a Sarno Black Box to see if that would help warm it up. It did maybe a little. The Sarno works better if it is the next device in the signal chain following the piezo; however, the Allegro has a built-in preamp.
On the built-in preamp, Bartollini, I roll off the treble all the way down. If you used your bow on it you'll see why. I've come to love this "lowpass" sound. It sits great in a mix this way. I also like to go to a Sansamp Bass Driver DI for some grit and a sweepable mid.
I like to add a little reverb also when playing arco.
Nice convo going on here. I'll add my 2 cents on outboard processing. This works best for Arco though still helps on pizz. But the Fishman Aura series has an ENORMOUSLY positive effect. If you're not already familiar with them they essentially mimic the result of a microphone on the piezo and the boxes usually come with 16 or so presets so that you can fine tune it to your instrument. Anyhow...it's still no substitute for a 4099 on a "real" bass. But it helps a LOT especially if using in ears.
I'll add my 2 cents on outboard processing. This works best for Arco though still helps on pizz. But the Fishman Aura series has an ENORMOUSLY positive effect. If you're not already familiar with them they essentially mimic the result of a microphone on the piezo and the boxes usually come with 16 or so presets so that you can fine tune it to your instrument. Anyhow...it's still no substitute for a 4099 on a "real" bass. But it helps a LOT especially if using in ears.
Next step for me is to take the Allegro to my luthier to dress the fingerboard. Since I only use it for rehearsals, I’m not too concerned about improving the sound other than trying different strings and preamps that I already own.
Yeah the FB is sooo friggin thick. I'm used to a little flex to cushion the blows of slap playing. The hipshot tuning machines are just barely adequate for the job. I would like to have a little more neck angle, but the bridge is too low. Been thinking bout having my luthier add about 1/4" to the bridge feet, which would let me tip the neck angle back a bit more
Interesting ideas here. After a recent neck removal job on my Pollmann, which also still has an adjustable bridge, I wondered if the same would be of worth on the BSX. I'm pretty sure it would help things for Dino's model overall...but likely increase the cost I would imagine. As for the fingerboard....yeah...you could dang near carve 2 boards out of that slab! HAHAHA How is that cost effective with the prices on Ebony these days?
BSX Allegro does not need adjustable bridge because of the adjustable neck angle. I think the bridge can be a bit taller which would allow for more neck angle, which would make it more comfortable (i.e. take less effort to weight the notes down) to play on.
- Feb 8, 2005
- 3,636
- 1,053
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Bag End - Dean Markley - Thunderfunk
I started doing that years ago with every different kind of piezo equipped bass (EUB or ABG) that I’ve ever had (except the Wendler) and they work wonderfully for those type instruments.
I haven't taken my Allegro to my luthier yet, regardless, I was wondering if anyone has any updates regarding soft cases and/or modifications? TIA.....John
I had Messina Covers make a case for my Allegro. 1000% better than the floppy bag Dino shipped it in. Solid construction - not perfect, but an improvement. The placement of the shoulder strap connections are unusable, but I plan to fix that. Also, there's a bit too much room in the neck area, could have tightened that up bit. Kinda pricey too.
Yeah I can see the issue with the strap connections. Looks nice. Really like that back pocket turned around!
I have a Messina for my Big Bass and that's about where he puts the strap D-rings. I get the sense he just transported the concept without having the chance to really make an adjustment for the EUB size format. That being said....I'm not sure the WILL BE a good spot for them considering how slender it is compared to actual upright.
But how are you carrying it? Maybe that's an issue too. I've seen uninitiated people pick up my Messina and damn near drop the bass hahaha.. So it could even be awkward for some if they aren't already familiar with the ergonomics involved.
But how are you carrying it? Maybe that's an issue too. I've seen uninitiated people pick up my Messina and damn near drop the bass hahaha.. So it could even be awkward for some if they aren't already familiar with the ergonomics involved.
I would be inclined to agree until recently but now I'm going to have to disagree with the "does not need" statement. What an adjustable bridge and an adjustable neck angle do are slightly different. I can confirm this fully because of my recent Decapitation of my Pollmann on which I still have the adjustable bridge and am glad I do. Try one out some time and you'll see what I mean...but feeling is believing.
True, and with adjustable bridge you can in effect preserve the neck angle...if that's what's important to you.
I think most bassists would prefer a nice fixed bridge on their double basses and have an adjustable neck to tweak the action. As the DB evolves, I would expect that an adjustable neck with a fixed bridge will be the norm on most new basses.
Daniel, what benefit do you think you get from having BOTH adjustable neck angle and bridge height adjusters on the same instrument?
