Double Bass Gooseneck mics?

[lucas vigor]

Question for all you bassists:

When I first started amplifying my bass, I found the k and K bass max served all my purposes, but one thing it did not give me was a lot of clarity. The bass fundamental is great, but there are no highs without an artificial and increased midrange, which leads to a rather “boxy” sound. In all, this pickup makes my bass sound like a bass guitar, if that makes sense. It’s not a natural tone at all.

Since my technique is better then when I first started, and I need to now employ more thumb and upper positions solos on pretty much every song, I think I need a new pick up.

I have an underwood installed on another bass, but have not tried it on my main bass yet. I am considering it, as it is the number one pickup in the poll in the sticky. Question, do those of you using it use BOTH pickups under each bridge wing slot?, or just one or the other?

My other option I am looking at is some sort of goosebeck mic, such as the golden bullet, but few people seem to like it.

As it is, I am going for an extremely natural tone, as similar to the bass’s acoustic tone as possible. Feedback will not be an issue, as we play very quietly. I find myself only needing a small amount of amplification for this application.

Any thoughts?

 

[Ric Vice]

.......but one thing it did not give me was a lot of clarity. The bass fundamental is great, but there are no highs without an artificial and increased midrange, which leads to a rather “boxy” sound. In all, this pickup makes my bass sound like a bass guitar, if that makes sense. It’s not a natural tone at all.



....... I think I need a new pick up.

Lucas,
If your ears tell you that the sound isn't right then it's time to try something else. It sounds like you've already decided it's time for something that sounds better.

I have an underwood installed on another bass, but have not tried it on my main bass yet. I am considering it, as it is the number one pickup in the poll in the sticky. Question, do those of you using it use BOTH pickups under each bridge wing slot?, or just one or the other?

The pickup was designed as a dual element pickup to be placed in both wing slots. I had a long conversation with Don Underwood about how his pickup works. I let others who have gone to using one element give you their take on
that.
I used an Underwood for almost 10 years, It's a very simple process to move it over to you're other bass and see what it sounds like. I think you should try that first. There are some basses that sound great with the Underwood.

As it is, I am going for an extremely natural tone, as similar to the bass’s acoustic tone as possible. Feedback will not be an issue, as we play very quietly. I find myself only needing a small amount of amplification for this application.

Any thoughts?

Newer pickups like the Realist and Ehrlund sound better on my bass with my amps than the Underwood did. If you're going to use the Underwood I'd recommend purchasing a buffer/pre amp to improve the tone quality. FDeck's HPF
Pre Amp. If you are bowing and using pizzicato I think the Realist, Full Circle, or Ehrlund would sound better. Just my opinion though. The Ehrlund sounds like my bass and is very simple to install. It is more expensive than the Realist or Full Circle.

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