Double Bass RS Solo help

[grassgirl]

I bought this pickup a couple of months ago, tried running it right through our powered Mackie mixer. No signal.

Finally borrowed the Fishman Bass Preamp thinking that's what I needed. Still no signal when playing any string (and no signal showing up on the Fishman). When I tap the thing directly the Fishman lights up really bright.

Its a tight fit, I can wiggle it. I opted for trimming the bridge wings as opposed to sanding the pickup to 4mm (which is what I would have needed to do). I tried putting some scotch tape around it to tighten the fit, still nothing when playing a note, but a signal when I tap it.

Am I doing something wrong?

thanks
I'm a total gear idiot

 

[davpal]

Have you tried removing it from the bass running it directly into your amp? Tapping it with your finger like this should make a very obvious noise. If this works but it still won't make a sound when installed in the bass then something about it being squeezed is the issue. It may be damaged internally. Perhaps you could get away with a looser fit but if it's this sensitive it may stop working altogether eventually....

 

[grassgirl]

Yes, removing and tapping get a signal. The initial fit is loose enough to wiggle, and I also tried making it tighter. Both were the same result.
I've got an email into Upton, there could be something wrong that just makes it weak.

thanks
kelly