Double Bass installing a pickup

[Duck Stab]

Hello. This is my first post here, so go easy on me. I have a 3/4 double bass (a Siko Suzuki model 1969 from reading the sticker on the inside), and want to get a pickup for it. I've been considering a K&K Bass Max or a Revolution Solo II after reading reviews and whatnot. The only hindrance is my father (who really owns the bass since he inherited it) who is worried that if I have to file down the bridge a bit to make the pickup fit, it could potentially do some damage and we'd have to buy another bridge and have it installed etc.

So my question is: is there reason to worry about doing harm to the bass with a slight modification such as this one, and if damage is done to the bridge how much does a basic one cost and do I have to spend the money to get it put on by a professional? I've put my own strings on the bass before and adjusted the bridge slightly for it, so I'm a little knowledgeable.

Thanks for your time.

 

[bassist14]

if you buy a revsolo you can file the pickup, not the bridge. so the bass will not be altered.

filing the bridge to fit a pickup will do no harm to the bass

 

[ToneRanger]

Or buy a Gage Realist that goes under the bridge foot.

 

[bolo]

I would ask your luthier how much they would charge (parts and labor) to install a new bridge. That way you will know for sure what it will cost. I would want a luthier to do it.

While you're at it, maybe you should ask them for an written appraisal of the value of the bass. It might influence how you (and your Dad) approach what I'm about to say next.

I have used the K&K Bass Max and the Rev Solo (I and II). I have sanded both the top and bottom portions of my bridge in the wing slot in order to get the surface planes parallel where the p/u slides in. And as bassist14 said I have sanded the RS itself.

 

[SAlcott]

Installing pickups that fit in the wings, such as Underwood, KK, Rev,etc., causes no harm whatsoever to the bridge. Just follow the instructions and take your time. I can't imagine what you could do to the bridge while installing the aforementioned pickups that would require its replacement. IMO, though, the Realist is the easiest to install.