Double Bass Declining pickup output?

[turf3]

OK, so thanks for the responses on "gain-input vol" vs "master".

On my AI Contra 1, honestly it doesn't seem to matter. All the way up on either and controlling loudness with the other gives pretty much identical results.

But it also seems like pickup output might be declining over time. I'll go check to make sure the bridge feet are in full contact. But one of the reasons I bought this amp was to avoid using a separate pre amp. When I first got it it would shake the rafters, no pre amp. I should mention my pickup is a Realist, the copper colored one that goes under the bridge foot.

Yesterday I put the pre amp back in the chain and loudness was restored.

I have read the Realist has a finite lifespan, but all the accounts of it failing have it doing weird things to the sound. Is it possible mine is just gracefully losing output as it reaches the end? I guess it's about 12 years old.

 

[Francois Blais]

Maybe the bridge is a bit tilted?
If the contact surface between the bridge and PUP has changed, it may be a reason.

 

[BucketOfFish]

Saving The Realist Pickup

(pg.26, post 504, Eminence mega thread)



Gary E. Bartig said: ↑

Hey Bribass,

Spam folder must have eaten your email...didn't see it, so I'm here.

The Realist pickup either works or it doesn't. If it's acting weird, it doesn't have enough pressure on the ceramic piezos situated within the copper foil.

Remove the bridge from the top of the pickup and you will see 2 small (about 1/8" in dia.) round raised areas. Those are the ceramic piezos. They must have pressure on them to operate. Kinda like some people I know.

After a time the piezos can dent the top of the bass, thereby reducing the pressure on them. It's your job to add pressure to those 2 little areas and nowhere else.

To do so, cut 2 pieces of electrical tape, 1/8th inch square (.007" thick) and place them directly over the 2 raised areas (in other words, directly on top of the piezos). If you only see one raised area, put the tape on that one.

If you're not getting a big, fat sound, put on another piece of tape. If you don't have electrical tape, you can use masking tape (.005" thick), or Scotch tape (.002" thick). Pile acordingly.
Re-string and have at it! THIS WORKS!!!