Double Bass Hello AGAIN!

[Fletcher Lanning]

So I haven't posted significantly for a number of months because I have been having a great time PLAYING. In addition to a great new day job, I have been picking up a huge amount of gigs through another local player\teacher who is excited to have another double bass player in the area (passing all the low level gigs to me lol). I've only been playing for about a year now but I've been playing for musical theatre\stage band and orchestra. Most recently I've picked up a big band gig that is the source of my current trouble. I'm sure that this is a really common topic but I'm trying to figure out how to be loud without being overpowering when playing with a full horn band.

For reference, I play on an early 60's Kay with Spiro Mitts on and I'm playing through an old fishman pickup...the crappy one (I know, I know, I need to get a better pickup but good strings were more important). At lower volumes I'm able to be a really good mellow sound with just enough punch to get me over a smaller group. Issue is that when I turn up loud enough to be heard by the band and the audience in a big band, the only two sounds I can get after messing with the EQ are giant and BOOMY or tinny and stringy. I'd appreciate any tips that involve either EQ adjustments or equipment that won't break the bank (I promised my wife no new big equipment purchases till September lol).

 

[Jake deVilliers]

You don't mention the rest of your signal chain ie preamp, amp etc but what you need is one of Francis Deck's delightful preamps.

It will fatten up your piezo signal to a level where your amp can deal with it better.

There are many posts about this little box and you can order one here: Invalid Link Removed

 

[Fletcher Lanning]

Sorry, forgot the mention that I'm playing through an Ampeg BA115 combo.

The website said no orders to the US any other places to get it or another suggestion?

 

[zeytoun]

no orders OUTSIDE the US.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

I'd appreciate any tips that involve either EQ adjustments or equipment that won't break the bank (I promised my wife no new big equipment purchases till September lol).

Can you define "won't break the bank"? Many people feel that most pickups are more usable on most basses than the BP-100.

 

[Fletcher Lanning]

What I've been thinking is that I can either afford a pre-amp or a pickup. Ideally I think I want to buy a full-circle but that would also require me getting a new bridge with adjusters so I think I'll just save and spend 50 bucks on a pre-amp if you think that would solve the worst parts of the issue.

 

[Chris Symer]

This one is free and may help. Put the pickup on the other side of the bridge, i.e. the tailpiece side. It can make a difference with the BP-100. And yes, get fdecks preamp!

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

Fdeck's unit is great, but it may not help with the string noise issue. I think a Full Circle is a good thing to shoot for, but the initial outlay is going to cost more than your budget right now.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

Fdeck is the man. The high pass (low cut, if you like) filter is essential for taming the boom and it fattens up the tone at the same time. WHODATHUNKIT!