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Double Bass Toby Timber's Vektor pick up review

#81
Hi Toby
Just started trying the pickup with my regular bass. It combines very well with the Full Circle pickup through the new EA Doubler. I'm still messing with it to get the sound just right. The new Doubler amp has 2 channels with a variable phases control on one channel. It is not functioning on my prototype, but will be on the production models. When combining with the FC there is some nasty phase interaction. ( low end way down) Fortunately my Fishman direct box has a phase switch. This fixed the problem in the low end, but exchanged it for some less damaging phase irregularities in other areas. Which is why I can't wait to use it with the new Doubler. I'm convinced that it can be optimized with the new variable phase control. It seems to add just what the FC is missing in terms of a more acoustic sound. We were playing pretty loud and there were no feedback problems and as I'm close to the drummer when we play I was concerned with how much of the drums I'd be picking up. Obviously more than just a piezo but MUCH less than any mic I've ever used. I'm going to be trying it on a few quieter gigs by itself. To all of the TalkBass guys, Toby is a great guy to deal with.
 
#83
I'm sorry for the lack of update on my website. I'm not the smartest when it comes to html and other stuff, and the workshop is full of broken basses, I much rather spend my time there than on the computer. However, I take orders either via pm or via email. Also, any information you need, question you might have, are answered as soon as possible.

Give me a little bit more time and I try to get all info on my site. Until then, just pm me or email me. You can even cal me, but only during German office hours please (GMT+1)
 
#85
I have Toby's newly designed Vektor pickup on my Prescott. Very mic like of course. The bow tone and pizz sound are both dead on.

The thing I know about most gigs is that that pure tone (the bass sounds very dark and round) will get lost and/or drowned out before feedback. I wanted to try adding a piezo element sound. I've tried in the past the realist, k&k bass max and bp-100. I wanted to try a full-circle but my bridge would not accept it. So-

I found an Underwood PU on ebay and went for it.

Upon installing I now realize that's the CLASSIC pickup sound. The "finger" tone is so cool sounding - especially with a darker sounding instrument. It also sounds compressed too but it's balanced throughout the entire range. However, there's not a lot of richness to the tone.

So I pulled out my Focus head and blended the Underwood and Vektor together. I put the Vektor volume up as far as I could, and then slowly blended in the Underwood and it sounds perfect. I don't hear any phasing issues. It seems like the underwood is providing the punch and presence and the vektor provides the body and wood.

I'm planning on getting a Headway EDB-1 Acoustic Preamplifier to blend these two because I'm using a Phil Jones Super-Flightcase combo amp now which only has one input.

I think the Vektor blended with your favorite piezo pu is the way to go for ultimate DB amplification!
 
#86
Well, I've tried them all and I rate the Underwood very highly on its own. In fact, I was playing my new bass not too long ago with an Underwood and a fellow basist came up and told me it was the best bass sound he had ever heard -have I posted this already?

Toby does a money-back guarantee if you don't like his Vector so I'll be taking the plunge - broke again! Thanks for the recommendation hb.
 
#88
flatback said:
I tried the Vektor with the Headway preamp and the headway does not fire up the Vektor...I'm bummed cause I thought the phantom would work...maybe there is a way?
Click to expand...

I've been communicating with Nova Strings trying to get my hands on a EDB-1. I emailed John at Headway and he got back to me right away with the news that the Headway would indeed power the DPA-4099

Ric
 
#92
al808 said:
Hi Don,

I don't use mine anymore, I find it lacks top end, and am much happier with the Ehrlund pickup.

Cheers, Al.
Click to expand...

Did you have the newer generation model?

I used the older version mounted in the bridge for about two years and when it started acting funny I discontinued use in favor of a DPA 4099b mic exclusively.

I still would like to try the newer version someday, but am not willing to shell out the $$$ to do so on a new one.
 

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