Double Bass Took the Plunge.

[catty]

FWIW...I have a brand new never used Fishman BP-100 and an unused F-deck preamp -- I purchased these a couple of years ago and don't anticipate using them in the near future. With that bridge of yours having pre-existing issues, you can glue the Fishman onto that bridge without worry.

PM me if interested.

 

[Bass]

Hey man, don't be down about your bass. It looks to me like an awesome bass to get started with. It's as of yet unidentified, right? It looks a little bit to me like my Eberle (German factory bass).

 

[TroyK]

The truth is that you may never identify it. A lot of these are mysteries. It's not that important.

I know where mine was made and when within about 10 years. There is also a logo that ids it as a Karl Hofner, but Hofner says they didn't make basses on that side of the river...I'm not that I believe that that really know, but it does maintain a bit of mystery.

Your best chance for finding a clue, not to sound like a broken record is you luthier. They have strange little mirrors and tricks to find a sticker, label or stamp that you could use every day and not see for years.

As I said, it's not that important with a vintage instrument.

 

[Red Planet]

I understand the importance should be placed on how an instrument plays and sounds.

I think on a whole this Bass is a decent old beat up player. The fact that it has a rosewood fingerboard and tailpiece is more a problem of economics. It would make better sense to purchase a Bass with Ebony already.

I think had this Bass had Ebony and not have been Shellacked for me, it would have been a keeper. I learned a boat load from everyone here as well as the experience of purchasing, working on, and playing this Bass. That alone is invaluable.

All that being said though, I sold this Bass.

I am going tomorrow to look at an Emanuel Wilfer Hybrid that is in way better condition. It has a few bumps and bruises but it is in waaayyyy better condition than the unit I just sold. Nothing wrong with that just making the statement.

I know a little more now than I did before I made a purchase so hopefully this will help me to judge this one better.

 

[barbarbass]

Whoa. What's with the hate for the K&K pickups? What's wrong with a little mid-range, too? That's where the growl lives, gentlemen.

 

[drurb]

Whoa. What's with the hate for the K&K pickups? What's wrong with a little mid-range, too? That's where the growl lives, gentlemen.

Nothing wrong with a little or even a properly balanced amount of midrange. In my experience, and that of a number of others, the K&K BassMax is dominated by midrange and sounds quite unrefined. IMO, my $0.02, on my basses, to my ears, YMMV.

 

[Bass]

DRURB, I find myself nodding my head and agreeing with you nearly always.

And I suppose I even agree with your description of the bassmax as BGish and unrefined.

But here's where we depart - in our respect for the Bassmax. For me the Bassmax is perfect. Playing in a loud band, the Bassmax cuts through and fights feedback. And while it may sound more electric, it still sounds like a DB I think.

And besides, for my application it suits (playing in a surf band), I think most surf music is done with an e-bass rather than DB.

 

[Bass]

...As I understand it the sounpost should be directly under the trebile end of the bridge?

Interestingly, some people recommend putting about 1/4 of the soundpost under the bridge to fight feedback [FREE].

 

[Red Planet]

Interestingly, some people recommend putting about 1/4 of the soundpost under the bridge to fight feedback [FREE].

Hmmm may have to try that.

 

[drurb]

DRURB, I find myself nodding my head and agreeing with you nearly always.

And I suppose I even agree with your description of the bassmax as BGish and unrefined.

But here's where we depart - in our respect for the Bassmax. For me the Bassmax is perfect. Playing in a loud band, the Bassmax cuts through and fights feedback. And while it may sound more electric, it still sounds like a DB I think.

And besides, for my application it suits (playing in a surf band), I think most surf music is done with an e-bass rather than DB.

Well then, it seems we haven't departed at all. You agree with my description but it works for your application. Sounds good to me! No disagreement. For my application-- jazz in small combos-- the characteristics of the Bassmax on which we agree just aren't suitable.

 

[MIKMAN]

I also play jazz in small combos and in two of my basses the K&K max sounds midrange. Les what would you suggest in such cases?
I tried Fishman's and David Gage's without any significant improvement.

 

[drurb]

I also play jazz in small combos and in two of my basses the K&K max sounds midrange. Les what would you suggest in such cases?
I tried Fishman's and David Gage's without any significant improvement.

I have been quite happy with the Rev Solo 2. For me, on three basses, to my ears, with my rig, given my preferences (I hope that's enough qualification for everyone ), I find it very much more natural sounding than the Bassmax. It does have to be fit very carefully but, Mike, given your expertise, it would be very simple for you.