Double Bass Tone Quest - Mids: Sarno BB, Fishman FC & PPro

[BassDuex]

I have a Sarno BB and love it. It has largely solved feedback issues with my Full Circle.
FC -> BB -> Platinum Pro

However I cannot get a mid/upper mid tone that sounds good to my ear (I can get awfully close when using my EA iAmp and 2x10 but I play in a few settings where I have to use whatever amp is available) Anyhow, It’s just not that ‘clear’ in the midrange. I suspect the Platinum or the FC may be limiting factors. It comes across like the signal in that range just isn’t that strong, and boosting/twiddling doesn’t quite fix it.

I was previously using FC > BB > Boughton HPF > Avalon U5 which sounds incredible but the lack of a notch filter and phase switch resulted in endless battles with feedback, went back to the Platinum Pro for simplicity. However, I the quality of uppper mids was still an issue so perhaps the FC is my weak link?

I have been considering trying a Vic’s pickup stereo with wing/fingerboard, however if I put anything I front of the BB (like a stereo pre) I would think that is negating any impedance matching benefit, no?

For the Vics I was considering a Fishman AFX pocket blender (has true bypass) for the Vic so that it might not negate the impedance matching (not sure). However I also see posts talking about coloration from the Fishman PB - but I’m not clear if that refers to the prior, non AFS version.

Another option might be to find a notch filter to use with the Avalon U5, remove the Platinum Pro, and keep the FC.

Perhaps some of the newer preamps - Grace, EBS Stanley, etc are better suited?

Thoughts?

 

[Ric Vice]

My only suggestion for you is to avoid the Fishman Pocket Blender, it's a relic from another time before all
the tone shaping tools we have now. I had the original Fishman Bass Blender with a Underwood Pickup and the Crown CLM 10.
It was quite expensive and didn't really improve my sound. Just my take.

 

[lrhbass]

Make life simple, try the Grace or Headway with your BB. Our check out the Red Eye in front of either those two units. Tone... with plenty of features!

 

[BassDuex]

I just ordered a Headway VAP model.

 

[Ric Vice]

That's a very wise choice in my opinion, congrats! I have an EDB-2 H.E. and it really is a "one size fits all" preamp.
After taking it out on several gigs, you may find that it's all you need for some of your performances. Good luck.

 

[Pat Harris]

Try the HPF again.

You may have the mids you seek, especially if it’s that 800hz-1khz “mwha”, but they are getting masked by an overpowered low end.

 

[BassDuex]

Good point I’ll explore further.

I also repositioned my sound post, that certainly made a difference in acoustic tone - haven’t had a chance to plug it back in yet.

 

[neddyrow]

I prefer the Alix and messenger with my black box.

also, I prefer a simple bassmax over the full circle. Never could get the full sound I was looking for. I know many of the pros use it but I never had any luck with it.

 

[BassDuex]

Ordered a Vic’s single wing and fingerboard pickup as separates.

It sounds like its compared often to the bassmax, if the Vic’s doesn’t cut it I’ll try out the K&K.

 

[BassDuex]

So after adjusting the sound post, I have seen a complete change in the tone of this 1942 Kay. It was apparent acoustically, but I had the opportunity to play in an ensemble the other night and the plugged response is notably better in the mix as well. Instead is trying to boost mids and balance with the treble, can actually cut mids and leave treble flat. TBH if I had done this first I would not have just bought a ton of new stuff. I guess I still have to try everything out - you know, in the name of science and everything…


Headway EDB-2 VAP is en route, as well as a set of Vic’s and a used EAP.