Double Bass Mic clip setup for the Double Bass

[flip18436572]

This is also listed in the bluegrass section, because that is the only place I usually check, but I thought I should post this for others as I am sure you have had to deal with sound people at other events that don't have a good setup for a double bass.

The first picture is with the SM57 in the stand.

Then without the 57.

Then off the bass.

And then also the requested side view.

I am trying to find some thin felt to glue to the metal, so it doesn't damage the finish of the bass. The hook part is wide, so it doesn't want to move around on the bass. I tried it with hooks from wires, but it seemed to want to move, so I decided to try this and it stays in place better. This is my prototype, and yes it is only tack welded into place.

 

[geoffbassist]

great idea, i really like the way it mounts....

 

[Ed Fuqua]

Do you like the sound you're getting? I've never been able to get a satisfactory live sound coming off the f-hole (especially with drummers), I'm happier with the sound when the mic is up between the bridge feet. I guess the other thing I'd be concerned with is transmission of vibration through the mic mount itself, any of that showing up?

 

[Eric Hochberg]

The weight hanging from the f hole makes me a bit nervous, at least on a carved top. How about instability if you move around a bit? Ed's point about mic positioning is my experience, too.
I've had success putting a 58 through the D and A afterlengths and resting the mic on the tailpiece, although I don't like adding any weight to the bass itself if I can help it.

 

[Marc Piane]

I've had success putting a 58 through the D and A afterlengths and resting the mic on the tailpiece, although I don't like adding any weight to the bass itself if I can help it.

That's exactly what I have been doing lately. I did the h-clamp with a beta-57a like we always talk about here and was always happy but ended up trying a SM58 like Eric describes when I didn't have the other stuff with me and I was very pleasantly surprised. Now I just throw a 58 in my bag an leave the other stuff at home.

 

[flip18436572]

I am playing plywood, and would not be concerned with any wood, because it doesn't weigh much. I tried the 57 on foam and didn't like the sound and if I hand off the tail piece I get vibration noises without foam and didn't get good sound either.

I will do some more playing with it and see what I decide, but I may decide on a different microphone and see what I get for better sound at a later date. I used a 57, because that is what is usually thrown at me, if we are not using our own sound equipment. Even though the 57 and 58 are supposed to be very similar, I have found multiple times that a 58 will sound better depending upon the room or even at some of our outdoor events.



Does anyone have pictures of their tail piece setups???

 

[Marc Piane]

you can see it at the bottom of this picture. just shoved in there. I put a foam wind thingy on there jsut to protect the top in case it falls or something.

 

[flip18436572]

Since I can't really make it out, is it a 58 with a windscreen over the metal windscreen that is just shoved in between the strings?

 

[Marc Piane]

yup. I think that's a Beta 57 but I do the same thing with a SM58. It's the same size and shape.

 

[robgrow]

When I use a mic, it's usually a Shure SM-57 with a foam windscreen and the mic's barrel between A and D string afterlengths. I've tried lots of different mics and mounting approaches, and this is what works best for me. Has the added benefit of being extremely simple. I've also used Shure SM-58 and Beta 56 and 57 but prefer the SM-57.

 

[flip18436572]

And that doesn't make funny sounds with the mic like that?

What about wierd vibrations from just hanging from the strings?

Hell, maybe I am just overthinking the entire thing.

 

[Marc Piane]

I stick a little piece of foam between the barrel and the tailpiece.

 

[father of fires]

I wander if someone makes a light enought gooseneck mic attachment that could attach to the OP's mount so you could aim the mic anywhere you want?

 

[flip18436572]

I tried a gooseneck, and it moved around a lot because it was not weighted correctly, but I wasn't aiming it under the bridge and above the tailpiece. That might actually work, but that is not where I expected to get the best sound.