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Double Bass Pickup for beginner ?

G

garagebassman

May 22, 2005
231
4
outside of Boston, MA
#1
I have no experience with DB , but have recently been able to borrow a japanese made 3/4 double bass .

It's a real handful to get some notes/sound out !

I am interested in a reasonable ( & cost efficent, as I may not ever really have the time needed to invest to become competent in any way with htis instrument) to get this baby's sound into my little gk m150s.

I guess a pickup suggestion is what I'm after ?

thanks
 
#2
If it's not your bass, probably something that can be installed and removed later when you return it to it's owner. Probably a bridge wing pickup for that reason. Since you're still trying to figure out how to get the sound out of your fingers, I wouldn't suggest spending money chasing a "sound". Your GK is a fortunate amp as I think most things play nicely with them without needing a pre-amp.

K&K Bassmax, Upton Revolution Solo, Planet Wing, Underwood...

Find a deal or maybe even something used in our classifieds.

...and get a teacher. :)
 
#3
garagebassman said:
I have no experience with DB , but have recently been able to borrow a japanese made 3/4 double bass .

It's a real handful to get some notes/sound out !

I am interested in a reasonable ( & cost efficent, as I may not ever really have the time needed to invest to become competent in any way with htis instrument) to get this baby's sound into my little gk m150s.

I guess a pickup suggestion is what I'm after ?

thanks
Click to expand...
Cheapest @ $15 is Pulse Kick Drum Trigger:

Pulse KD-1 Acoustic Kick Drum Trigger @ Musician's Friend

Next up the list is the Original by SixRounds, costs $50, see
SixRounds.com and click on Products

Both are piezo transducers - you wedge-fit them, using little bits of cardboard or cork or similar, into the bass side wing of your bridge - installation take just a few minutes. Go for snugger than needed to just hold it in place but not so snug that you have to pound anything into place.

-S-
 
#4
Thanks Troy.

Yes an important objective will be not to make any "permanent' changes to the instrument....although I have a verbal "ok" to do what could be necessary to make it more playable....the main issue there is my limitations I believe.

+1 to the teacher being needed.....I know if I wanted to make a dedicated attempt to learn the instrument correctly, that would be an important step.

This is more of a "whimsical venture" right now, as I know I don't have enough time to dedicate to "learning" proper technique

I know it may sound counterproductive and a waste of the time I do have. but it was basically an idea born from the fact that 1)the instrument was available to me and has been sitting around in storage unused for quite a while, 2) I like the lil gk for my electrics and have heard it sounds nice with DB
and 3) I've always respected the DB players, and that has increased several times over as soon as I put my hands around this one !

thanks for the suggestions, I'll check into them

thanks steve also !
 
#5
garagebassman said:
...This is more of a "whimsical venture" right now, as I know I don't have enough time to dedicate to "learning" proper technique
Click to expand...

I understand what you're saying...BUT... please keep in mind that without proper technique there is a substantial probability of injury. If for no other reason, you'd do well to arrange for at least a couple of lessons so that you can avoid hurting yourself.

Much as I dislike the sound of the K&K Bassmax, it would be a good choice for you, especially if you can find one used. It's easy to install and remove, offers plenty of output, and will get you up and running quickly and reliably. You can also resell it relatively easily if you decide not to continue your venture. I hope you will, though, because DB is a blast! :)
 
#8
The kick drum trigger should be slid into the bass side wing of your bridge, just like the SixRounds.com Original model pickup, which is essentially the same thing as far as I can tell. Use thin pieces of cardboard or cork to take up any extra space and get snug fit.

-S-
 

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