Double Bass First Pickup/Amp combo, right one?

[BKBassDude]

Hey TBDBers,
I've read the newbie links but am looking for a bit more in depth info on choosing a pickup/amp combo for my DB. Little background first, I was a full time BG player for several years in my early 20's until a broken and and a band break up got me out of the game. Now at 26 with my BG stuff rarely played for the past few years, I've decided to reinvent myself as a DB player. I owned a CCB that I played occasionally with my rock band in acoustic settings, with a Fishman BP-100 (ugh) through my BG rig. The tone left something to be desired to say the least but it wasn't my main thing so I didn't care much.
Now I've got a brand new Upton Hybrid on its way in the next week or so, and I'm thinking about amplification. Most of my playing will be small clubs with friends from the NYU Jazz scene, and perhaps a folk/rock project that I've been messing with on BG. Mostly pizz. Bass is coming strung with EP Weichs.
I don't have alot of disposable income to try out lots of set ups, so my goal is to make the first one stick (at least for a few years). After doing some research here and elsewhere, I thought that a good set up would be the K&K Golden Trinity with Bass Max and Bullet mic through a AI Contra. I know it's a bit premature with no bass, but I want to be prepared when the time comes. What are peoples thoughts on this combo? The sound I like is very natural (who doesn't?), but without tons of fingerboard sounds. I also strongly dislike amplified DBs that just sound like big fretless BG's.
It seems lots of people used the K&K stuff a few years back but more people have switched to the Full Circle/Realist/RSII. Is that the case or is the Trinity system still thought of as good, and if not, why?
For the AI, that seems to be the main choice, although there seems to be a strong EA/Wizzy brigade as well. What are the pros/cons between these two? I'd like something versatile that could work with the rockish project which will likely be a higher volume (but not super loud, think how the Decemberists use DB)
Thanks for any input you guys have, hopefully I don't have to go broke trying to amplify!
On a side note, I will likely at some point put guts on this bass, so I'd be interested in pickups viability with guts.

 

[B String]

One idea might be to match the pickup and amp to the bass.
Maybe start with the bass. Live with it for a minute to get an
idea of the instruments tonal strengths and weakness. Then
find a pickup and amp that will help give you the sound you'd
like to hear when its amplified. Just my opinion.

 

[jlilley]

I would consider a Realist. They seem to sound good on a wide variety of basses and with a wide variety of amplification. I personally love AI heads, but the combos have never really worked for me. If you can swing it an AI head paired with either a EA 10 or 12 would fit your needs.
Good Luck,
John

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I owned one of Upton's hybrid basses and the Realist was terrible on it. Of course, all basses are different and yours may be entirely different. The Full Circle would be a safer bet, but there may be less expensive options.

 

[Roger Davis]

I owned one of Upton's hybrid basses and the Realist was terrible on it. Of course, all basses are different and yours may be entirely different. The Full Circle would be a safer bet, but there may be less expensive options.

If you've got an Upton coming, why not ask them to fit an 'amp ready' Revolution Solo? As it's one of theirs they may give you a discount and they should be able to achieve a good fit. 'Amp ready' means properly set up too. Enjoy your bass first - it'll be a good one - and then later think of pickup options. But enjoy your bass first!