Double Bass Noobie Lurker Introduction w/ a P/U Question

[ZonGuy]

Hi folks,

I have been reading the stuff here with a lot of interest since I started back on the DB seriously. I am a working pro on electric, but a hack on DB, so I am paying my dues now with the bow and a instructor from the Symphony, relearning the instrument and hopefully headed to a civic orchestra spot in 6 months or so.

I have been reading the threads on P/U s and wondering if the Fishman Air would be a good choice for both pizz and arco work? I plan to do jazz gigs, but also variety of other jobs from bluegrass to church work to alternative.

My current instrument is an old EC-1 strung w/helicores & German bow. I have a K&K pick-up and belt-pak from years back which I really don't care for. Very tinny.

I will probably upgrade to an orchestral quality fully carved instrument in a year or so, but would like to get a top flight pick-up now. I have a variety of amps and cabinets, but mostly use a an old SWR Working man 10" in restaurants and a SWR Super Redhead or a GK 700RB w/ Aguilar GS-210's on stage where I dont go direct. I also have a SWR Bassic Black with a 15" speaker.

I realize there is probabaly no "best" pick-up but I would be interested in suggestions especially regarding the Fishman Air (especially from jazz and arco players). I like to keep it simple and stay away from the two pick-up systems some of my jazz buddies use.

Cheers

PS. I saw Michael Moore out of NYC playing arco on a Czech Ease and was blown away by both his flawless technique and his tone (he was using my Workingman for the gig). He is the reason I went back seriously on DB. If anyone has a way to contact him, I would appreciate it very much. Thanks

 

[ZonGuy]

Correction - make that "Fishman Full Circle". Sorry for the screw-up

 

[Jason Hollar]

A lot of people here use a Fishman Full Circle. I have one and think it's a very good design...lots of low end and clarity plus good volume and growl too.

I also use an older SWR Bass 350 head with Goliath 2x10 cab. I think the Red Head and Basic Black are really fine amps as well.

If you get a good preamp for the Fishman, you should be good with all your amps for the various jobs you want to do. I can run mine without a preamp on quieter jobs, but I need more juice for the louder gigs.

There are also tons of good conversations about many of the pieces of gear you own or are interested in...try searching these amp threads to see if you can come up with any good advice. There's plenty of it!

Good luck.

 

[jrlynch]

i do believe the trick to just about every pickup out there is a preamp with a super high input inpedence ... like +1meg. anything else just loads the thing down and it sounds like **** ... and since all piezos sound like **** out of the gate, you at least have a fighting chance.

that and a high pass filter so all the subsonic stuff doesn't overwork your amp ...

check out fdeck's box for one affordable solution.

jeff.