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Double Bass When Did Underwood Pickups Get So Expensive?

brianrost

brianrost

Apr 26, 2000
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Boston, Taxachusetts
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#1
After watching yet another bassist with gut strings on a Kay bass using an Underwood with only one half installed on the G side of the bridge I got to thinking maybe I should give that pickup another shot (used one briefly in the 1990s during my pickups from hell rathole period).

So I went to their website and discovered the current price is $265. Ouch. When did the price get that high? I recall paying about $100 and yes, I understand inflation, but still was surprised.
 
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#2
brianrost said:
After watching yet another bassist with gut strings on a Kay bass using an Underwood with only one half installed on the G side of the bridge I got to thinking maybe I should give that pickup another shot (used one briefly in the 1990s during my pickups from hell rathole period).

So I went to their website and discovered the current price is $265. Ouch. When did the price get that high? I recall paying about $100 and yes, I understand inflation, but still was surprised.
Click to expand...
It’s been a while for me, but I recall Shadow’s version to be sonically really similar to the Underwood but a lot less expensive. I hope I’m not hopelessly dated on that comment:

shadowelectronics.com

All Bass Pickups & Preamps – Shadow Electronics

shadowelectronics.com shadowelectronics.com
 
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#3
I don’t know the particular details and it’s unfortunate that they have gone up. As I recall, just like you, I paid around $100.00 for my first one circa 1980. I bought a second one sometime later and it cost considerably more @ $175.00. The Upton Revolution Solo is similar in design maybe that’s an option. Just my take.
 
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#5
Bought my first Underwood in the 1980s, and the price had just gone up to $125.

TomB said:
... I recall Shadow’s version to be sonically really similar to the Underwood but a lot less expensive.
Click to expand...

Yes, the Shadow was a decent imitation of the Underwood. The only drawback was that the plastic phono jack was a little flimsy compared to a nice metal Switchcraft...
 
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#8
brianrost said:
After watching yet another bassist with gut strings on a Kay bass using an Underwood with only one half installed on the G side of the bridge I got to thinking maybe I should give that pickup another shot (used one briefly in the 1990s during my pickups from hell rathole period).

So I went to their website and discovered the current price is $265. Ouch. When did the price get that high? I recall paying about $100 and yes, I understand inflation, but still was surprised.
Click to expand...
Yup me too. Paid a hundred + $1.75 shipping for mine in the ‘80s 👍

IMG_8688.png
 
#9
DJ Bebop said:
Yup me too. Paid a hundred + $1.75 shipping for mine in the ‘80s 👍

View attachment 7182871
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Me, too! We've discussed R. Keene before and what a fun experience it was dealing with him. Good times. I wish I would have saved one of his product sheets. I want to say that he was originally in Whitestone, Long Island before NJ. Is that correct? Anyway, a unique shopping experience.
 
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#13
$265 for an Underwood Pickup? Yes.
As a 70 yr old Boomer, I'm shocked and sickened by the Many Youngs (& Olds) who are quick to complain about the cost of handmade things/stuff/gear.
Come back at me after you have successfully made or fixed (by hand) any "thing" - not a virtual "thing" or an idea for a "thing", but a tangible, working, "THING".
Yeah. I've made some "things" in the past.
$hee$h...
Don't get me started.
IMFO, of course.
 
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#15
I’ve been pretty happy with my equipment and haven’t priced out any DB stuff in a while and the prices of everything for the instrument have gone up quite a bit. The Krivo pickup is $240 now which is 100% material costs for the high quality stuff he uses. I’m sure it’s the same for the underwood.

What is KILLING me is the price of the European strings I’ve been using forever. My Superflexible solos are a little long in the tooth figured it’s time for a new set. Looked at the prices of Thomastik and Pirastro string and holy crap. I luckily had a set of Sprio Weich on hand and that’s what the bass is going to be wearing for the foreseeable future….
 
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#18
I want to say I paid $150 or so for my underwood in 95 from Best Music in Oakland CA. Thought it was really good at the time. Have had k&k and kna since in different basses and have been similarly happy. The only pu I haven't liked was the dual element fishman with the clips.
 
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#20
TomB said:
It’s been a while for me, but I recall Shadow’s version to be sonically really similar to the Underwood but a lot less expensive. I hope I’m not hopelessly dated on that comment:

shadowelectronics.com

All Bass Pickups & Preamps – Shadow Electronics

shadowelectronics.com shadowelectronics.com
Click to expand...
I used the single element SH951 for over a year and really liked it. It’s still only 110 bucks which seems like a screaming deal.
 
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