Double Bass Installing a Realist Pickup

[andy6126]

I'm having some problems with my David Gage Realist Pickup. It sounds like I have a bad speaker or bad cable but the problem seems to be at the pickup. I've never installed one myself and am wondering if I'm asking for trouble taking it on myself - I could switch a known good one from my old bass and replace the new one on my newer bass to make a final determination that the pickup is actually bad. I've always had then installed for me when I purchased the basses.

 

[LouieV2]

I just got my realist today. I had the same issue at first, especially the first time. I believe it happens because the piezo element does not make full contact with the bridge., probably because the bridge foot is shaved incorrectly. When I repositioned it, it got better, but would still break up when I dug in. I then tried installing it "backwards", in other words, with the side that has the piezo elements facing the body, and bingo. I guess it made better contact with the body. Try it out.

 

[LouieV2]

Update: I expiremented a little more with repositioning the pickup. Try repositioning it a few times until you get it to where the "fuzz" doesn't come thru. (that would mean the piezo elements are in full contact with the bridge foot) Third time was the charm for me.

Edit: just wanted to clarify, I placed it in "normally" this time, not backwards.

 

[Ethan Eriksen]

This is a frequent problem for users of the Realist. The issue is typically, like NachosDip stated, that the pickup is not making complete contact with the body. This causes tiny vibrations between the pickup and the wood. While these vibrations may or may not be audible acoustically, they get amplified, causing the noise you are experiencing. I would not recommend installing the pickup upside down as you may risk damaging the piezo elements. I would recommend simply re-positioning it a few millimeters until you get rid of the buzz.

 

[moles]

Any idea if the newer wood casing alleviates this issue?

 

[andy6126]

Okay, I'm ready to experiment positioning it tonight. I suspect the arch of the bass doesn't align perfectly with the bottom of the bridge. Having never done this, do I just loosen the E string so there is some "space" to shift the piezo?

 

[Ethan Eriksen]

Any idea if the newer wood casing alleviates this issue?

Unfortunately I do not. I only have experience working with the copper version. I'm sure somebody else with more experience can chime in on this, though.

Okay, I'm ready to experiment positioning it tonight. I suspect the arch of the bass doesn't align perfectly with the bottom of the bridge. Having never done this, do I just loosen the E string so there is some "space" to shift the piezo?

You may have to loosen all the strings a little bit, depending on your bass. You just need enough to lift the bridge foot up a bit to slide the element. Try to keep the bridge foot in the same place.