Double Bass Multi piezo bridge problem

[RobZon5]

I think my bridge has piezos under each string but not positive. The problem is that my D string is super quiet/muffled compared to the others. When I tap the bridge below each string, it’s louder under the other strings as well. The bridge is wired directly to a 1/4 output Jack. No onboard volume or tone. The D string seems fine acoustically. Any repair or diagnostic suggestions before I buy a new piezo (probably a wing mount)? Technically a Merchant Vertical EUB, but since it's a traditional bridge shape I figure I'd try posting here.

 

[Don Hergert]

Your testing seems logical for a multi-piezo system, assuming that there are multiple piezos involved. Seeing the small single wire supporting the pickup system, I have to wonder about that...

I'm not sure how old your bridge/piezo setup is, but piezos don't last forever, my understanding is 10 years is about average piezo lifespan. It could be that piezo failure is the problem, or it could be that the wire connection is failing.

If it were me, I'd be tempted to try a different D string just to make absolutely sure the string itself isn't unraveling or something like that, but your testing results seem to be pretty much pointing to the piezo.

Also if it were me and if I had decided to replace the pickups, I'd replace the bridge too since the existing bridge has been pieced together to support the pickups. And I'd install bridge wing pickup(s) that I can easily replace...

An inexpensive but very viable pickup system can be bought from Vic's Pickups (NFI). There's an interesting TB/DB thread about them here: Thread: Vic's Pickups

Good luck with this, and stay healthy!

 

[Wasnex]

I think my bridge has piezos under each string but not positive. The problem is that my D string is super quiet/muffled compared to the others. When I tap the bridge below each string, it’s louder under the other strings as well. The bridge is wired directly to a 1/4 output Jack. No onboard volume or tone. The D string seems fine acoustically. Any repair or diagnostic suggestions before I buy a new piezo (probably a wing mount)? Technically a Merchant Vertical EUB, but since it's a traditional bridge shape I figure I'd try posting here.

It sounds like the piezo element under the D-String may be dead.

Have you tried contacting the maker? The Merchant Vertical Bass Home Page

 

[Maple]

Or you could contact Barbera Transducers who made that bridge Barbera ultra high performance pickups for stringed instruments.

 

[Wasnex]

Or you could contact Barbera Transducers who made that bridge Barbera ultra high performance pickups for stringed instruments.

Here's a page specifically on the Barbera bass pickups Upright bass pickups, acoustic bass pickups, double bass pickups and upright bass transducers by Barbera Transducer Systems

 

[RobZon5]

Your testing seems logical for a multi-piezo system, assuming that there are multiple piezos involved. Seeing the small single wire supporting the pickup system, I have to wonder about that...

I'm not sure how old your bridge/piezo setup is, but piezos don't last forever, my understanding is 10 years is about average piezo lifespan. It could be that piezo failure is the problem, or it could be that the wire connection is failing.

If it were me, I'd be tempted to try a different D string just to make absolutely sure the string itself isn't unraveling or something like that, but your testing results seem to be pretty much pointing to the piezo.

Also if it were me and if I had decided to replace the pickups, I'd replace the bridge too since the existing bridge has been pieced together to support the pickups. And I'd install bridge wing pickup(s) that I can easily replace...

An inexpensive but very viable pickup system can be bought from Vic's Pickups (NFI). There's an interesting TB/DB thread about them here: Thread: Vic's Pickups

Good luck with this, and stay healthy!

That's a lot of helpful info. Is this still the internet? The bass is WELL over 10 years old. Didn't know about the lifespan. I do have another D, I guess I need to give it it's due. Vic is somewhat local, so yes, been looking that way. And the bridge too, good reasoning. Again, thanks!

 

[RobZon5]

It sounds like the piezo element under the D-String may be dead.

Have you tried contacting the maker? The Merchant Vertical Bass Home Page

I did send Bill an email, thanks. NY is sorta busy though, so... thought I'd ask here as well.

 

[RobZon5]

Or you could contact Barbera Transducers who made that bridge Barbera ultra high performance pickups for stringed instruments.

Ah, Barbera, that narrows things, thanks!