Double Bass My first DB, advice for setup and pickup...Channel Blaster II

[FloydBurney]

So I finally went ahead with a lifelong dream and picked up an Engelhardt M1 3/4 to start off my DB journey. I'm a long time enthusiast, new player. I've done some reading, and my plan is to get the Channel Blaster II pickup by blast cult, a new bridge (mostly for aesthetic because the one that comes with it looks awfully cheap), and a set of gut strings. I have the option of the magnetic or piezo system, I understand that Guts don't pick up so well on the Magnetic system so I thought the piezo the better choice. So my question is, should I be wary of anything in putting this gear on my M1? Any advice for set up? how about guts? Good stuff, or waste of money? I think my plan is sound I'm just very paranoid I'm going to spend all this $ to have something go wrong. I'm mainly interested in fast pace rockabilly/psychobilly/slapping. Thanks!

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[Jay Corwin]

Guts will not work at all with a magnetic pickup. Magnetic pickups are for metal strings. I played gut for quite a while, and I wouldn't recommend them for a beginner. They add additional challenges that will make the learning curve even steeper for you. Start with a more stable string while you are learning.

The preamp you linked isn't a stand alone piece of equipment. It looks like it's integrated into a tailpiece that Blast Cult makes. It's also has a ridiculous price tag.

You can't just buy a bridge and slap it on your bass. It needs to be fitted properly to the top of the bass, and grooved for which ever strings you plan on using. You'll want a luthier for that. What exactly do you mean though when you say your bridge "looks cheap". If it's functional, than there's no reason to replace it.

Also you probably want to post this in the rockabilly forum so some of the serious slappers can give you setup advice.

 

[FloydBurney]

Guts will not work at all with a magnetic pickup. Magnetic pickups are for metal strings. I played gut for quite a while, and I wouldn't recommend them for a beginner. They add additional challenges that will make the learning curve even steeper for you. Start with a more stable string while you are learning.

The preamp you linked isn't a stand alone piece of equipment. It looks like it's integrated into a tailpiece that Blast Cult makes. It's also has a ridiculous price tag.

You can't just buy a bridge and slap it on your bass. It needs to be fitted properly to the top of the bass, and grooved for which ever strings you plan on using. You'll want a luthier for that. What exactly do you mean though when you say your bridge "looks cheap". If it's functional, than there's no reason to replace it.

Also you probably want to post this in the rockabilly forum so some of the serious slappers can give you setup advice.

I've been playing EB and guitar fort a number of years so I'm used to doing most of my own work. I knew I would have to do some filing for the guts to fit. I considered a luthier, but I don't really want to be spending money on a luthier the rest of my life as opposed to just learning to set it up myself. I didn't really want to do a beginner set up, I'd prefer to just do it right the first time rather than replace stuff a few months from now. I've been playing a couple months now and am progressing pretty nicely, but not crazy about all the tension on my steels for slapping.

The preamp is indeed integrated into a tailpiece. It is a hefty pricetag, but designed by a company I trust specifically for my style so I thought it was a good option. Also considering the KK bassmaster pro though. I'm sure the bridge is perfectly functional it just looks like a very cheap piece of wood and really shows off my 'student' model M1, so I was considering replacing it while I'm setting it up. Really not essential though. Overall the setup is a process I'm sure, but something I feel it's important for me to learn. I played in a rockabilly band in highschool, and my highschool bassist did his own set ups and sounded pretty good, so I can't imagine it's impossible. We'll see though maybe it's too much for me.

 

[Jay Corwin]

I've been playing EB and guitar fort a number of years so I'm used to doing most of my own work. I knew I would have to do some filing for the guts to fit. I considered a luthier, but I don't really want to be spending money on a luthier the rest of my life as opposed to just learning to set it up myself. I didn't really want to do a beginner set up, I'd prefer to just do it right the first time rather than replace stuff a few months from now.

Someone is bound to say this, so I'll just go ahead and say it first. Your bass guitar experience doesn't mean jack in reference to upright bass. The sooner you lose that thought, the quicker you'll start progressing on double bass. I've played bass guitars for 20+ years as well. I can set one up in my sleep without gages. However setting up a stringed instrument like a bass, cello, or violin is a completely different animal. While I admire your enthusiasm to learn, you have some misguided beginners thoughts here that are pretty common. Go for it if want, but just be aware that mistakes can be costly. You're not just turning screws anymore.

Second thought here, I'm not sure who convinced you that you'll be "spending money for the rest of your life" on luthiers to set your bass up. A properly maintained bass can go years without needing setup work done depending on how much it's played. Taking your bass to a luthier isn't like dragging your Chevy into the service bay at the dealership. Luthiers have much more to offer than just repair bills to their customers. Furthermore you're willing to blow a stack of cash on that Blast Cult setup sight unseen, but you aren't receptive to paying a luthier to give your bass a proper setup from the get-go. You've got the process backwards here.

Maybe you'll find have the knack for setup work. If you do, then more power to you. But be aware that if your bass is set up poorly, there isn't a piece of equipment in your amplification chain that will overcome any shortcomings the instrument has when it's played acoustically.

 

[jasonrp]

If you're set on a channel blaster, keep an eye out for a used one. I've got the K&K rockabilly myself and it works just fine..(cheaper too) As far as the guts, it's a matter of opinion. They cost a lot but nothing sounds quite like them. The climate that I live in has almost made me give them up but I can't quite bring myself to do it...yet. 7years has been playing guts (and upright) longer than me, and lives in the same climate so, if I switch, I'm gonna check out whatever he's using. I would say if you want to try gut's get a used pair first and decide if the tone is worth the maintenance.

AS far as setup goes, I'm all for learning how to do it BUT research what you are doing and start easy. I would try to make the bridge you have work with whatever strings you end up with first. Fitting a bridge sucks and if I have to do it ever again, I would rather just pay for it to be done. Filing the nut, thinning the top, playing with the post, are all fun little tweaks to learn but fitting a bridge sucks.

Check out the rockabilly threads here. I want that area to come back to life (I also think it should merge with the bluegrass threads since they are kissing cousins as far as slapping goes)

EDIT:BTW I wouldn't worry about the bridge showing off your student model M1. For one, Bill Black played an M1 and once you bring your bass out in public, you'll see that a majority of people have no idea what they are looking at anyways.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

The stock bridges on Engels are flatsawn like the necks and warp if you look at them too hard. He's got a point on that part at least.

BC has problems, again, and the thought of a new player fitting a bridge correctly is simultaneously funny and sad. Neither idea holds water.

OP, find a good luthier in your area and be friendly when you keep your appointment. If you want to play 'billy on the bass you have, invest in Rotosound RS-4000 strings, an Underwood pickup professionally fit in a professionally fitted adjustable bridge, and an Ulsa endpin.

A body could pay $700 up front and gig that setup for decades, or a body could spend $1400 learning that lesson on their own. Your call.

 

[robobass]

See if you can arrange to have a bridge fitted while you watch. Then you will see why we are all shaking our heads, and during the job you will likely pick up all kinds of very valuable tidbits. YouTube videos only get you so far. The other thing you will almost certainly have to deal with on a bass like this is fingerboard shape. If the Luthier lets you play some of the basses in his shop then you will quickly see the value of a good FB dressing. Once these two items are sorted, though, you hopefully won't need to go back for a very long time. And, a well set up bass is much easier and way more fun to play!

 

[Matthew Rawls]

I am just reading this and I am a bit confused. Why the guts right off? They need some tender love and care. I had one set in my 15 years of playing. Sound fantastic and your hands will thank you but you are learning for Crist sakes. Clipping and conditioning makes me sick. I have no patience. I played steel, finger grinders for years. I was poor, no M1 to lose my virginity on.

Please, and I say this for you to truly take into consideration, you can buy all the most expensive, top of someone's line crap, do whatever to you bass so you don't LOOK like a beginner, because that is what it is all about right? Looking good right. Learn to play, and learn to play well. Up beat, Rocka/ Psychabilly (P.Paul French) you have a long road ahead. I still am trying to hone in on my sound and what suits my body and mind the best. I don't want you to fail mate, be prepared for you ego to be crushed because you are unprepared, fumble fingers playing catch-up and a left hand that's MIA.

Just enjoy the ride brother. I have for many years with minimal equipment. Find a chucker bass somewhere and go Dr. Frankenstein of that one. That is what I did and that is the bass I play now. Where do you stay at man? Hit me up an we will chat about whatever. I am always willing to help with what I know and also for learning something new.

Matt "THE BUTCHER" Ralws