Mark,
I recently purchased one from a luthier who does work for my wifes music shop here in Lexington. I would have been put off by the instrument if it was from anyone but him (ie, the price seemed way too reasonable to possibly make this a good piece). However, I too, noticed the extra sensitivity of the pickups.
My solution: went to Walmart and spent 22 cents on a piece of black felt and a buck or so on some Velcro tabs. Weave the piece of felt through the strings between the tail piece and the bridge, secure with the Velcro. This tames down the sensitivity but does not muddy the sound (plus, it is easily reversible and does not look too noticeable).
Regarding eqing the bass, I set the tone knob about midpoint, keep the volume knob very low, and run into a Fishman ProEq Platinum bass preamp (I got it for ~$170 online). Starting with the recommended settings on the preamp for studio acoustic bass makes this thing sound unbelievably like a traditional double bass.
To note, all this is on the stock strings. I do have some Pirastro Obligatos on order and will try them out in a week or so when they come in.
I have been playing bass guitar for years and have just moved to the electric upright recently. I must say it is more fun than I could have imagined. Hope this helps.
Regards,
- Ken
I recently purchased one from a luthier who does work for my wifes music shop here in Lexington. I would have been put off by the instrument if it was from anyone but him (ie, the price seemed way too reasonable to possibly make this a good piece). However, I too, noticed the extra sensitivity of the pickups.
My solution: went to Walmart and spent 22 cents on a piece of black felt and a buck or so on some Velcro tabs. Weave the piece of felt through the strings between the tail piece and the bridge, secure with the Velcro. This tames down the sensitivity but does not muddy the sound (plus, it is easily reversible and does not look too noticeable).
Regarding eqing the bass, I set the tone knob about midpoint, keep the volume knob very low, and run into a Fishman ProEq Platinum bass preamp (I got it for ~$170 online). Starting with the recommended settings on the preamp for studio acoustic bass makes this thing sound unbelievably like a traditional double bass.
To note, all this is on the stock strings. I do have some Pirastro Obligatos on order and will try them out in a week or so when they come in.
I have been playing bass guitar for years and have just moved to the electric upright recently. I must say it is more fun than I could have imagined. Hope this helps.
Regards,
- Ken
Well depends on what YOU think of the sound of the orig. strings. I didn't like 'em & also didnt have any more $$$ for upgrades so I got Helicore Hybrids, & put thin rubber- like inner tube off a bike- under p/up Not muddy at all & sounds 99% better IMHO.
have come up to me at gigs & said that it sounds great & they've said it sounded nicer tone wise-for the jazz style we're playing I s'pose- than when I used my Fender jazz with flatwounds on it!
