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Double Bass Realist SoundClip issues

bassfiddlesteve

bassfiddlesteve

Your first second choice™
Supporting Member
Dec 3, 2003
3,141
5,477
#1
I've been experimenting with this pickup and found that it tends to rattle if not installed just right. With the weights in place this thing really effects the acoustic sound like a mute and I've also found that the top part of the clamp with it's rough surface leaves marks on my bridge, even though I don't feel that I am over tightening it.

Anyone else have these issues with the SoundClip?

- Steve
 
#3
I really wanted to like this pickup but I'm taking it back for a refund on Monday. Getting a good, feedback free sound is a crap shoot, even when you try the same location twice. If the pickup is too loose it rattles and if it's too tight is marks up your bridge. For now I'm sticking with the original Realist.

Sometimes I wonder how practical it would be to gig with just a mic, but many of my gigs have no PA support so playing though my GK combo with a mic sounds like it could be a feedback fest. I have a D-TAR Solstice pre-amp that will let me blend a mic and pickup, but that sounds like a complicated set up.

- Steve
 
#4
Steve Boisen said:
I really wanted to like this pickup but I'm taking it back for a refund on Monday. Getting a good, feedback free sound is a crap shoot, even when you try the same location twice. If the pickup is too loose it rattles and if it's too tight is marks up your bridge. For now I'm sticking with the original Realist.

Sometimes I wonder how practical it would be to gig with just a mic, but many of my gigs have no PA support so playing though my GK combo with a mic sounds like it could be a feedback fest. I have a D-TAR Solstice pre-amp that will let me blend a mic and pickup, but that sounds like a complicated set up.

- Steve
Click to expand...

It's a funny ol' instrument we play, isn't it? I've not had any of those issues, except for feedback with the pickup mounted below the adjusters. Fortunately, it's a simple pickup to experiment with and return if it doesn't do it for you.
 
#5
I'm surprised more people haven't complained about the SoundClip leaving marks on their bridge. Mine is pretty chewed up in the spots where I installed the pickup, and this is just after a few days. I can imagine what the bridge would look like after a few years of installing and removing the pickup. People have suggested inserting a piece of rubber on the transducer side, but would think adding a piece to the rough surface of the clamp would be imperative to protect your bridge.

- Steve
 
#6
bassfiddlesteve said:
I'm surprised more people haven't complained about the SoundClip leaving marks on their bridge. Mine is pretty chewed up in the spots where I installed the pickup, and this is just after a few days. I can imagine what the bridge would look like after a few years of installing and removing the pickup. People have suggested inserting a piece of rubber on the transducer side, but would think adding a piece to the rough surface of the clamp would be imperative to protect your bridge.

- Steve
Click to expand...
What did you end up using for a pickup? I have the same issues with my SoundClip (rattling and bite marks).
 
#8
bassfiddlesteve said:
I was able to return the SoundClip and I have been using the Fishman Full Circle for the last few years. I have been very pleased with it and I now have this pickup on both of my basses.

- Steve
Click to expand...


I experimented last night with a thin strip of plastic under both feet of the clamp. Made a huge difference. Also, you really do have to tweak the position. The smallest changes in location do affect the sound significantly. My open A string was super boomy until I found the sweet spot. I also played through my Genz-Benz Streamliner 900 which has three tubes and has a very rich low end. Best amplified sound I have ever heard from my bass.
 
#9
Alexis Duntov said:
Also, you really do have to tweak the position. The smallest changes in location do affect the sound significantly....Best amplified sound I have ever heard from my bass.
Click to expand...

I hope you are still happy with the sound next time you install the pickup in the same location. As for me, I'm glad I don't have to futz around with my current pickup.

- Steve
 

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