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Double Bass Realist Lifeline Or Preamp?

FritzM

FritzM

Supporting Member
Jun 21, 2001
974
976
Madison, MS
www.fritzmartin.net
#1
After reading through all of the Realist lifeline threads, I will probably purchase one. I have a Copper Realist on my carved Chinese bass now, running through a Doubler/M line setup. I'm using Spirocore medium strings. It is ok in a very quiet setting, but not in a club venue. I play in an ECM-ish vibes, bass, drums trio.
My question: Would it make more of an impact to go from a copper Realist to a Lifeline, or to just get a really nice preamp? Most people have stated that the Lifeline has more clarity in the highs and is hotter and more even from string to string. Exactly what I need. Just wondering if people were still excited about the pickup. I did have an Ehrlund and it didn't really work for me. Also, I have delrin adjusters on my bass, so a full circle would not work.

thanks
 
#2
A Wilson K1 or a BassBalsereit in the bridge leg (you need a hole there for them) or a Shadow SH-965NFX (mounted like the Realist) might get you a brighter sound but still suitable for bowing. You can use only one pickup of the Shadow if you get phasing issues with both. For the Wilson and BassBalsereit you need to experiment with the angle and pressure until you can may a final decision. (BTW, the Wilson K1 hole is mich smaller than the one for the BassBalsereit.)
I played the Lifeline on a bass at Musikmesse Frankfurt for a minute or two and it was way to dark for me (but wasn't able/allowed to change EQ).
 
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#3
FritzM said:
After reading through all of the Realist lifeline threads, I will probably purchase one. I have a Copper Realist on my carved Chinese bass now, running through a Doubler/M line setup. I'm using Spirocore medium strings. It is ok in a very quiet setting, but not in a club venue. I play in an ECM-ish vibes, bass, drums trio.
My question: Would it make more of an impact to go from a copper Realist to a Lifeline, or to just get a really nice preamp? Most people have stated that the Lifeline has more clarity in the highs and is hotter and more even from string to string. Exactly what I need. Just wondering if people were still excited about the pickup. I did have an Ehrlund and it didn't really work for me. Also, I have delrin adjusters on my bass, so a full circle would not work.

thanks
Click to expand...


Hey Fritz,

I have a Lifeline AND a Headway EDB-2 and really like them both. I can't say whether doing one or the other would better, if you can afford it I'd get both.

Just for kic

ks, here is a little demo I just did with this rig (and a playwood Shen) played into my 11 pound EC8 Eden amp which has an 8 inch speaker and only 20 watts.



Good luck and let us know what you decide and how it works out.

Rick
 
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#4
I've been using the Lifeline pickup for a little over a year and I'm still happy with it. I think that changing from the copper foil Realist to the Lifeline will have a much greater impact (in a good way) on your sound than just adding a preamp. Even with a good preamp, the old Realist will start to sound less desirable as you increase volume.
At least one Lifeline dealer has a one week trial period.
 
#5
ctxbass said:
I've been using the Lifeline pickup for a little over a year and I'm still happy with it. I think that changing from the copper foil Realist to the Lifeline will have a much greater impact (in a good way) on your sound than just adding a preamp. Even with a good preamp, the old Realist will start to sound less desirable as you increase volume.
At least one Lifeline dealer has a one week trial period.
Click to expand...

I think you are absolutely right. I'll get the lifeline (to try) and maybe add a radial PZ deluxe later , if needed.
 
#6
@Rick

Thank you for going to the trouble of posting the video! That SB80 sounds good. It really has a nice low end growl for a ply. Maybe the lifeline helps? Man, the Headway is rather pricey. I'm hoping to get similar results with a Radial. Anyway, I play with a rather low string height due to a wrist problem and I'm sure that doesn't help the sound of my foil Realist. Thank you everyone for the help.
 

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