Double Bass Underwood lifetime

[tito mangialajo]

Do you think that the Underwood pickup is lifetime guaranteed? Or it dies in some years?

 

[Jeff Bonny]

It comes with a two year warranty but if you don't abuse it an Underwood will last many times longer than that.

 

[deste]

I bought mine in 1988: still perfectly working, and my only piezo until 2010, in continuous hard working...
Now I use it only sparingly, but I know I can rely on it

 

[eh_train]

I still have mine from the late '80s, and it still works great.

BUT, I'm posting because I want to give the Underwoods (still a family run business) a shout out for fantastic customer service.

This summer I bought an older bass that was rough around the edges (literally and figuratively). It had an Underwood pickup that was missing the tie to attach it to the tailpiece. So the previous owner taped it on with duct tape. I really like using the plastic tie, and asked the Underwood folks if they could replace it for me (if you've not seen one lately, the tie is neatly fitted into a plastic casing - I couldn't figure out how to do this). So they said sure, send it to us and we'll fix it.

Today I got home and the pickup was back. Except, they didn't like the look of the piezo elements on the one I sent them - so they sent me a brand new pickup! I don't know if they do this with every customer, but I really appreciate their thoughtfulness.

This kind of customer service is harder and harder to find. Speaking from another positive experience, Acoustic Image does something similar.
I love both companies for this!!!!

Cheers,

Paul (eh_train)

 

[BHBassman]

Have Underwood PUs on my 3 Basses.
You need to learn how to EQ with & without a preamp.
Strong signal live & in the studio blended with a mic
Had them since the late '70s
Great PU!

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Mine from the late70s is still working fine. They also replaced another at no charge when it wasn't working optimally.

PS. You can buy jack ties at any hardware store.

 

[eh_train]

PS. You can buy jack ties at any hardware store.

Yep, I have a bunch. But you can't get the tie into the clear plastic sleeve that surrounds the female plug. Those sleeves are put on to stay. That's why I sent it back.

 

[Eric Hochberg]

Yep, I have a bunch. But you can't get the tie into the clear plastic sleeve that surrounds the female plug. Those sleeves are put on to stay. That's why I sent it back.

I've gotten them through mine. Tight, but I can pull them through with a pliers.

 

[MR PC]

Tito, all transducers fade or shift sound somewhat with time..including very high end studio types used in some mics and plate reverbs. I'd say that if you are enjoying your Underwood, just use it. Having a spare around isn't all that expensive. Think of it as gig insurance or maintenance material costs...like needing a new broom or hammer once in a while.

 

[Earl]

My early 80s Underwood was shorting out, sent it to them and they gave me a new one no charge.

 

[MR PC]

I had the same good experience. Except Don didn't even want the old one back. I then went right out and purchased a second unit. After that I felt safe in tearing the old one (bought in '77) apart and making a repair.

 

[Feral Feline]

Mine's not as old as some others' UWs, nearly a decade old and swapped between 4 different basses without any problems whatsoever. Touch scroll...

 

[Roger Davis]

I've got four. The oldest is, I suppose, about 20 years old. A very happy UK player.

 

[B String]

I had number 007. Got it from Don when he first opened up and I just happened to be working the area of his shop. He was a great guy. The pickup start to short out about five years ago. I called to ask him if he wanted it back as a keepsake of the first ones he made. He not only insisted on sending me a new one, but he got a little testy when I insisted on paying for it.
They do not have a lifetime warranty, but they are a fantastic company who genuinely see to care about customers.

 

[pnchad]

same experience here - mine is at least 35 yrs old - it came one a bass so not sure