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Double Bass Full Circle or YAMAHIKO for durability ?

Canauos

Canauos

Jul 30, 2023
20
12
32
France
#1
Hi,

I'm wondering whether to buy YAMAHIKO pickup compared to the Full Circle.

I don't really like the sound of the different pickup that I hear on YouTube or something else, but I'm looking for something simple that will allow me to play a direct on any bass amp, but also to work on the sound more finely with a preamp and possibly blending it with a microphone.

My luthier recommends the Full Circle but I regret a little that the cable is not detachable and replaceable.
In the event of a problem, you have to go to the luthier, buy a Full Circle and change everything...

In addition, I just saw that the single sensor configuration (the one that double bass players seem to favor) is only 10€ more than the Full Circle, taking into account French VAT.

Anyway, do you have any feedback or advice regarding this microphone?

Thanks in advance !
 
#2
They are both great pickups. The Full Circle is thought to be fragile by many here, but I’ve never had any issues except when the crystal died, and that can/will happen with any piezo I think. My only comment is that I wouldn’t put a FC on a travel (removable neck) bass, as I do think that the setup/breakdown might could put too much strain on the wire over time.
 
#3
Thank you for your reply !

I don't have a bass with a removable neck.
If both systems have similar audio qualities, I would be all for the YAMAHIKO system. I like the black cable better and the fact that I can remove the cable and the prose jack from my bass if I want to play in a more classical context.

Plus, I would always have the option to combine it with other systems, like a DPA 4099 style micro, Prodipe BL21, ATM35 etc.
 
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#4
I currently have the Yamahiko single element on my bass. It replaced a Gage Lifeline. I haven't had a Full Circle on this bass but I have used them on other basses. To me the Yamahiko is clearer overall but these three pickups are very comparable. The Lifeline is the most robust and versatile but I prefer the sound of the Yamahiko.
If I am using a bass with a Full Circle installed, I can easily get the sound I want.
 
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#5
Thank you very much for this response! This confirms my idea that for a similar budget (10€ / 30€), I would prefer to go with the YAMAHIKO system !

I had also thought about the David Gage Lifeline, but you have to install knobs anyway and the sound base seems less easy to work with, even if perhaps more realistic if you want something plug and play.
 
#9
Canauos said:
... also to work on the sound more finely with a preamp and possibly blending it with a microphone.
Click to expand...

Just speaking as someone with both a mounted piezo/pre-amp system and a mounted mic, while I have occasionally mixed both, I've found very little benefit in the extra complexity of trying to get a good blend of both. So for my use of one device or the other, the volume situation is the deciding factor...

If playing in a loud volume situation, the piezo system dominates without creating the typical feedback that a mic causes.

If playing in a sensitive volume situation, the mic provides warmth and clear double bass tone without the electronic tone that a piezo system produces.

I'll still provide both the piezo/pre-amp system output and mic outputs to an FOH if they desire it, but I won't bother trying to mix both myself; there are too many other double bass related details that I prefer to worry about.
 
#10
Subjectively from a feel-in-the-hand point of view: The Yamahiko feels far better made than the FC. The adjusters, both the pickup and the matching adjuster, are the best feeling that I've encountered. The fact that each pickup is serialized is another sign of quality and care from the manufacturer .I do like Fishman products in general, I install a lot of their acoustic and electric guitar pickups.

IMHO the Yamahiko is the superior pickup.
 
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#11
The Yamahiko is built like a tank compared to the Full Circle and is the better choice. For what it's worth I am liking the Yamahiko with both elements (as the pickup was originally intended) better than just one side. It is much clearer with a less heavy bass response. When I used one side I had to use a lot of HPF and EQ to get it balanced. This is with the M8 threads. The 1/4 threads might sound different. Of course this only applies to my big 7/8th Juzek. Others seem fine with one side only.
 
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#12
Just did a few gigs with the Y bridged (like E is talking about) into a Focus head and MAS16 (just an awesome micro rig) and sometime each night I would unhook it (to see how the one element sounded in each room compared to the bridged) and the bridged is like having an HPF on. With one element it sounds great but I have to eq the bass way down and turn the HPF way up. Either way sounds great with the single element being a little more open and unwieldy and the bridged more focused and quick.
 
#13
Thanks again for all your advice !

I wondered about the dual sensor, but it's also much more expensive. The advantage is that it can be installed later if I ever lack clarity with the single sensor. The ideal would be to be able to hear the comparison of the two.

Do you have a comparative recording ?

In any case, if the single sensor has a result similar to the Full Circle, it will surely be very good for me who is new to the instrument.

Regarding mixing the sensor with a microphone, I note that this may not be a viable option. But I will surely invest in a microphone later for acoustic training and for recording myself. I play with very sporty drummers, but also in a group with a very light sound and a solo flutist.
 
#14
flatback said:
Just did a few gigs with the Y bridged (like E is talking about) into a Focus head and MAS16 (just an awesome micro rig) and sometime each night I would unhook it (to see how the one element sounded in each room compared to the bridged) and the bridged is like having an HPF on. With one element it sounds great but I have to eq the bass way down and turn the HPF way up. Either way sounds great with the single element being a little more open and unwieldy and the bridged more focused and quick.
Click to expand...
Exactly!
 
#15
You make me hesitate with the two-sensor version, if the rendering is more natural and plug and play !

But if there is a lot of bass, it can still be equalized on the amp, as long as all the frequencies from bass to treble are reproduced by the sensor.

The ideal would be for me to take the dual sensor and for customs not to notice it ! :woot:

Until now, I was lent a hybrid double bass that was very difficult to play, due to poor tuning. I'm going to buy my first double bass for around 4000€, it's a massive Chinese one, built by a recognized luthier who is himself specialized in double basses and manufacturers of double basses (very expensive). Maybe I'm not close to 200€ if it's really worth it.
 
#16
Just ordered a dual-element Yamahiko for my new Shen hybrid that I'm picking up on Thursday. The ordering experience has been a little weird, so you pay and then within seven days they email you a confirmation? Anyone know how long it usually is for it to be delivered?
 

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