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Double Bass Upton Revolution PUP unhappiness

#21
From the point of view of physical vibration, I don't see how the position of the Realist or FC is superior to the bridge wing. None of those positions are really driven by the resonance of the top plate. That goes for the Realist because, even though it's in contact with the top, it's sandwhiched between the bridge foot and the top right over the bass bar. The pickups all sound different but there are a number of factors at play.
 
#23
I never liked the Underwood sound when I was playing but I've heard other people make them sound great.

My EUB and Shen hybrid both wear RS1s and I get a good sound, especially arco. I can get away without a preamp with my Ampeg but i always run through a Fishman preamp straight into the PA. It is really, really sensitive how it sits in the bridge.

I'm gigging in New Paltz tomorrow night if you want to check it out.
 
#24
I tried the RS2 on 3 different basses. None worked for me. Then I used a Full Circle. Definitely better. Then, I just got a new bass yesterday...an absolute beast of a bass. It sounds incredible unamped, but I put an old Underwood on there, through my EA Doubler....I have never been so happy with my sound! The Underwood sounds completely natural on THIS bass. I had it on a ply at the school I taught at....sounded quacky and horrible. I guess my new bass just likes this pickup. (BTW, using D'Addario pizz strings/med tension)
If any of you are interested, I got my new bass from a high-end builder over here in China. PM me and I'll tell you where and for how much. I won't say publicly, as this bass is distributed in the US by a well-respected shop, and their cost is over 3x what I paid, so in the interest of fairness, we can take it to PM. It is a fully carved bass with excellent figure, and a tightly-grained spruce top. TONS of sustain and growl.
 
#25
Congrats on the new bass! So, will you try the RS II on it? That would be an interesting experiment, especially given the topic of the thread. :)
 
#26
Hey Doc!
I don't know...I sold my old RS2. I don't know why, and can't explain it, but the Underwood has had the piezo 'quack" on every bass I've used it on except for this one! Almost mic-like. It doesn't sound middy or honky at all! If someone wanted to drop one in the mail for a week or 2, I'd gladly try it out (I just hope I wouldn't need to widen the wing slots on my bridge. If there was an Underwood-sized/sanded RS2, I'd give it a good workout!!)
I am seriously in tone-heaven at the moment. My new baby is lying next to me on the floor as I type this....just a good ole' violin-cornered spruce and maple bass....but with CAJONES, sustain, and growl. Here I am in Suzhou, with the Shen factory 20 minutes away, and this bass eats every Shen I've owned or played for lunch. Shens are really fine basses for the $, but this thing is a madman. Maybe I just got lucky! Crazy.
I know many cats have had GREAT results with the RS2. Maybe my new "tone Buick" would like one better than my previous basses! I like the folks at Upton...I just haven't had a bass that "liked" the pickup yet. Maybe now's the time to try again!
 

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