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Double Bass need volume

M

mr-cheese

Guest
Sep 18, 2006
27
0
#1
i've been asked to play DB for a 50's band my school is putting on, and am using the school DB - however it is nowhere near loud enough to cut through the band members.

Just a question on the best way to mic it up, with least possible hassle [i have access to reasonable range of mics, and PA system], in such away that i have enough volume to be in the mix, but avoid feedback. [sadly no pup so it has to be mic'd]
 
#2
Do you play double bass? I'm sorry to say that, unlike bass guitar, generation of sound is not really a product of amplification. Like Rufus Reid says, if you're getting a thin, non-projecting weak sound acoustically , when you plug into an amp you get a louder thin, weak, non-projecting sound. If this is the first time you're picking up the instrument, there's no way you can get a good sound to get out in front of the band.

Especially if you're miking the instrument, you're going to have to rely on a pick up. There are a number that don't cause any alteration to the bridge (Fishman BP 100, Underwood, etc.) but these at least give something other than the acoustic sound to amplify. My supposition is that you still won't be able to get the bass loud enough to get what you want.
 
#6
I second Ed's statement.

That being said, I have a feeling you are going to go forward with whatever skills and equipment you have to make this work for you.

Try the "old school" method of wrapping one of your microphones in a piece of foam and then stuffing the wrapped microphone between the tailpiece and body of the bass GENTLY. (It sounds like you are an bass guitarist going at this; just remember the upright is fragile.) The microphone should face up towards the fingerboard. One common variation on this is stuffing the mic in the bridge instead of at the tailpiece.

Another starting point may be to use a mic stand to hold the mic up, pointing somewhere between the f-holes to start.

You will likely encounter feedback before you reach a usable volume level, especially if you are not trained on double bass.The other major consideration when using a microphone is bleed from other instruments, especially the drums.

So go for it, do some experimentation, try not to damage the bass or deafen anybody with feedback.

Let us know how it works out. Good luck.
 
#12
mr-cheese said:
why borrow one when i own one XD
Click to expand...

The sages on this thread are correct. Volume has a lot to do with your hands. Plus, I find everyone loves a DB in their band, but not everyone knows how to play with a DB - ie. finding a balance and keeping it. My comments are based on good band sound and mort important, your enjoyment, so I mentioned using a P Bass because at least it's "period correct" for the 50's.
 
#15
Hey Mr Cheese,

Also check out rockabillybass.com - lotsa good info there.

You're best/cheapest bet would be to at least get a cheap pickup (Six Rounds maybe? Look on Ebay) and a bass EQ pedal, and run that thru the PA.

Amplifying a double bass successfully requires some research, patience, and sometimes a decent investment in some gear.

Good luck.
 

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