PJB Suitcase 400 & Upright Bass Compatibility

[Mark G59]

I bought a PJB suitcase 400 last September online on reputation to use with my double bass
I had been using Aguillar which works but doesn't sound that natural.

My gear: Double bass with David Gage Realist Lifeline pick up and a spare copperhead pickup
My aim: To get a more natural acoustic sound
I also have bass guitars but use Aguillar gear for them.

The problem. Virtually no volume from the amp. Really a whisper even with knobs at 10.
Tried every setting.
Bass guitars work ok-ish, not very loud but ok for a very quiet gig or studio/bedroom use.
I do notice even bass guitars struggle to clip the pre amp even at 10.

I doubted the pick up although I do get ok volume out of the Aguillar, just a very boxy sound.
Had the pick up completely checked over by a specialist, It’s ok. We also dealt with how the pick up sits on the bridge.

My conclusion is the PJB suitcase just isn’t compatible with a Piezo pickup despite have the Hi/Lo impedance switch (which is partly why I bought it)

PJB support completely side stepped the question by saying they were not familiar with the David Gage pick ups (the worlds best selling pick up!!!). A follow up email was ignored so I guess they don't want to go there.

Anyone out there with similar experiences, good or bad?

 

[donk]

is then switch an input pad rather than an impedence switch? my flighcase has an active/passive switch that pads the input quite a bit.

 

[Mark G59]

is then switch an input pad rather than an impedence switch? my flighcase has an active/passive switch that pads the input quite a bit.

Hi there,
The switch says mute/low/high. The manual calls it mute/passive/active.
There is a slight difference in output with a bass guitar but makes no difference to the upright.
Clearly the output from the piezo is much lower to start with but the Aguillar does a better job volume wise.
PJB do claim to be good for upright players but I am struggling to find evidence of this.
Thanks

 

[Mingo Sanders]

Welcome to talkbass.

Here's a thread that might help: Preamp Needed?

 

[quickervicar]

Something's wrong. I have a PJB Suitcase and I can use it with my Rev Solo piezo without a problem. Does it sound better with a Fishman pre in between? Yes. But I love being able to grab the bass in one hand and the amp in the other and hit the stage and go (Briefcase is battery-powered). Volume isn't an issue.

 

[Mark G59]

Thanks for your replies.
There is some interesting stuff on the 'Preamp needed?' thread. I'll join in there.
Still very interested to hear from PJBass/Upright users.
My gut feeling is something is not right. The amp just can't be that bad, can it?
I have tried a preamp. It does help some, still not great. I feel the PJB preamp should be able to pull its weight a lot more. You shouldn't really need another preamp going into a preamp and yes it just takes away from the bass/combo/play scenario.
When you have problems you do find out a lot about a company.
Have to say I am not impressed by PJBass support.

 

[quickervicar]

I'm not doubting you, but that is opposite of my experience with them. I had an issue with an obscure crackle, so I emailed them. I recorded a response within a day with a solution, how-to guide, parts list, and my option of sending it back to factory or finding someone local to perform the work. It was excellent service.