Separating an Underwood pickup

Hi mikes.....
If possible, cut off and use the G side element, IF you can live with a shorter cable length. (See below - I am using a Fishman BP-100 jack afterlength mounting system, BTW.)
This is the second Underwood PU that I've modified this way, as there is NO Difference (acoustically/electronically, IME) between the G and E elements. On my bass, this single element on the E side sounds Very Good. I did not notice any negative changes in sound or volume - just an improved, fuller sound.
I have the (original) E side element and cable saved as a back-up in case the G side element ever fails, and I guess I would seal the cut cable with some Silicone/RTV, to insulate and protect the exposed bare wires. Cut it as cleanly as possible.
Good Luck.
Also - I wish Underwood would sell a single element version, with an afterlength mounting system like the Fishman.

 

(...continued)
It looks like I cleaned up the cut with an Xacto knife, and file, and then put a few drops of CA/Superglue there for protection.

 

Shadow sells the SH951 single-element pickup, which is physically identical to the Underwood elements. (of course the inside is probably somewhat different...)
This is what I use and it sounds very good.
I had an Underwood on that bass when I bought and it sounded awful.
If I had tried only one element maybe I'd have kept it, who knows...

 

Workbench + Sharp Objects + Electricity = FUN!!!
Measure Twice...etc.
Good Luck, @mikesworkbench.

 

I don't think Fishman sells just the jack - I removed mine from their BP -100 Pickup - the best and only usable part of that pickup, IMFO!
I believe they modify an existing Switchcraft jack, but you'd need a Lathe and some metalworking skills and tools to DIY. (They remove some material at the end of the jack, cut some threads, and fabricate the little metal tab and secure it with a nut.
Not sure what I would do if I didn't have one available.
Hmmm....
Thanks for your time and interest.

 

Below (on the Left) is the stock Switchcraft jack that Fishman modifies - the red area is where they cut threads.
I would try to use the Switchcraft Deep Panel jack (on the Right, below, comes with the nut and washer!), and fabricate a small metal piece with hooked wings to capture the strings, and then use some concentric layers of heatshrink tubing to cover and protect the solder connections and protect the whole connection.

 

www.superiorbassworks.com/Superior_Bassworks_Upright_Double_Bass_Pickup_Jack_Mount Late to the dance but here's a great alternative especially if you clip off the g side element, use the Underwood e side element and keep the original Underwood jack. No soldering this way.
Just like a vasectomy, clip away and don't look back!

 

Is Superior bassworks in the U.S.?

 

Find a Dealer

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Hi guys,

please, please PLEASE don't cut off the end element. It ruins the pickup's original design, which is a closed circuit. It is not going to work the same or how you think it might. If you want to use just one transducer, then tape or velcro the end piece off and away from the bridge. My reply may be too late, but perhaps for future searchers this will help. Always contact us for questions! Thanks

 

I've cut mine and it seems to work great.
Before I cut it, I tried isolating the other element but it wasn't working well.
Cutting solved it.

 

Well, although it may work, apparently it compromises the pickups
electronics. (See above) yuuTheir are several single element bridge wing pickups that sound remarkable.