Howdy folks! As some of you may know, I recently purchased a Shen SB80. I've been trying to make use of some items I've assembled over the years as a guitar and bass player, and have finally managed to put together a DB amplification rig that serves my purposes. First, I purchased some cheap Belcat piezos from Amazon for about $25 (EG-202). I encountered a problem with them generating a pretty mean hum, which I alleviated by wedging a small strand of copper wire between the pickup and the bridge and then wrapping the wire around all four strings after the bridge, effectively grounding the pickups to the strings, much like a BG or EG. I then have the Belcats running to a Behringer ADI21, which really is a nifty little box for $40. The blend control, if used in small doses really puts a nice rumble on the overall sound, which allows me to cut through with the 7 piece band I use it in. Finally, I have all that running into a self powered American Audio DLS-15P 300 Watt PA speaker.
Last night I was finally able to use it in a rehearsal situation with the band. Now, the band has quite an eclectic mix of instrumentation (1 amplified acoustic guitar/banjo player, 1 trumpet, 1 amplified mandolin, 1 keyboard player, 2 percussionists with cojon and djambes and myself). The rig cut through like nobodies business! It sounded like my bass but louder, with very clean lows and accurate mids and highs. While I eventually plan to get a K&K bass max with a GK combo and an FDeck, this rig is more than adequate for most venues, though it may be a little under powered for a larger outdoor venue.
I wanted to post this as proof positive that with a little creativity and know how, even the most unlikely components, when used together in the right combination can produce a really workable rig that not only sounds good, but is dirt cheap.
I'll try and post some pics over the weekend.
Last night I was finally able to use it in a rehearsal situation with the band. Now, the band has quite an eclectic mix of instrumentation (1 amplified acoustic guitar/banjo player, 1 trumpet, 1 amplified mandolin, 1 keyboard player, 2 percussionists with cojon and djambes and myself). The rig cut through like nobodies business! It sounded like my bass but louder, with very clean lows and accurate mids and highs. While I eventually plan to get a K&K bass max with a GK combo and an FDeck, this rig is more than adequate for most venues, though it may be a little under powered for a larger outdoor venue.
I wanted to post this as proof positive that with a little creativity and know how, even the most unlikely components, when used together in the right combination can produce a really workable rig that not only sounds good, but is dirt cheap.
I'll try and post some pics over the weekend.
