Double Bass EQ Help

[jmc213]

I use a Fishman BP-100 bridge-mounted pickup to amplify myself in my college big band. My bass was made by Barry Kolstein, and it has a really beautiful, warm pizz tone. But I am having trouble getting that tone to come out of the amp. I do not have a real acoustic bass amp at my disposal, which is probably a lot of the problem.

The D and G strings sound tinny
ANY finger noise is picked up
None of my bass's warmth is being picked up, leaving my tone kind of hollow sounding

Any advice concerning EQ, setting up the pickup, or otherwise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ric Vice]

I use a Fishman BP-100 bridge-mounted pickup to amplify myself in my college big band. My bass was made by Barry Kolstein, and it has a really beautiful, warm pizz tone. But I am having trouble getting that tone to come out of the amp. I do not have a real acoustic bass amp at my disposal, which is probably a lot of the problem

.


The BP-100 can sound very good on some basses. Mine is not one of them. You might consider the Fishman Full Circle if you already have an adjustable bridge.

The D and G strings sound tinny
ANY finger noise is picked up
None of my bass's warmth is being picked up, leaving my tone kind of hollow sounding

The BP-100 usually needs a buffer preamp like the Fishman Pro Platinum or F Deck's HPF pre amp. That will help with the tone quality.

Any advice concerning EQ, setting up the pickup, or otherwise would be greatly appreciated.

 

[anonymous02282011]

Yes, the bp-100 can be very good at picking up unwanted finger noise. Further, if you are not using a bass amp this may limit how closely you can make the amp sound like your acoustic bass.

Bear in mind, people spend thousands trying to replicate the acoustic bass sound through an amplifier. If I were in your shoes I'd start with a new pickup.

For starters, cut the high frequencies to get rid of the finger noise.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Full Circle.
The Pro Platinum EQ (whatever you call it) works well and is a versatile way to get a usable tone, but I would change the pickup first.