Double Bass Wireless options for my upright bass.. any suggestions?

[yousaiditman]

I play jump blues, swing and rockabilly. Looking to go wireless if I can find the right setup. Anyone on this board using a wireless system and can give me some suggestions?

Budget is under $500

Thanks.

 

[BobKay]

Line 6 G10 has worked well for me. There is an older thread on this - have you used the search function?

 

[Zbysek]

I've been using Shure GLXD16 with my bass guitar. I happy with it.

I haven't used it with my upright though...-no reason to do so.

 

[Don Hergert]

I'm using some of the less expensive Getaria 2.4 tx/rc sets from Amazon, I got two sets expecting to use the 2nd set when the 1st set's batteries became exhausted. But battery life is so good I never have to switch, in typical 3-hour gigs, so I feel free to use both at the same time if desired -- I have both a piezo system and a mounted mic on my DB.

I went with 2.4 for better tx distance and better battery life. I've had no interference issues in the 2 years I've used them.

P.S. Some reliable folks here have experienced on/off switch problems with these units. I haven't experienced this myself, but I believe the reports...

And yes, I do come prepared with cables just in case. However, it is wonderful to not have any cables attached to a double bass.

 

[Jefenator]

The tricky part as I see it would be either to make sure the transmitter works well with your pickup, or to insert a buffer preamp ahead of it and mount all that on the bass.

 

[Don Hergert]

In theory, at least with the tx/rc sets I use, if it works with a conventional amp cable it should also work with the wireless set. I've successfully used mine plugged into the output on my piezo system mounted pre-amp, and I've used it plugged into the output on my mounted mic (clean). Both have 1/4" mono phono socket pigtails.

 

[JBarz]

I try to avoid wireless signals and subsequent radiation wherever possible. I ask in all seriousness — Why would you want a wireless upright bass rig?

 

[Don Hergert]

For me, it's simple -- to avoid having the extra complication of dragging a cable (or two) around.

And regarding radiation, it's the same 2.4MHz frequency that every router in the world provides as a higher distance alternative to 5MHz. How are you connected to the internet now? If it's wireless or bluetooth, you're using the same technology.

 

[JayLaughlin]

I try to avoid wireless signals and subsequent radiation wherever possible. I ask in all seriousness — Why would you want a wireless upright bass rig?

Depending on what kind of shows you play, having a wireless system frees you up just a bit on the performance side of the show. You don't have to worry about your cables if you're moving around on stage or lifting it in the air. And, if you like to do bass spins, you don't have to worry about spinning the opposite direction to unwind the cable.

It's not game-changing to go wireless. But it does free you up just a bit.

OP...I'm using the X-Vive system that I got from Gollihur Music. I like them a lot and they're well within your budget. I even use two sets of them simultaneously sometimes (one for the bass side and one for the clicky side of the Shadow Rockabilly Pro preamp). You can also hit Mark Gollihur up with any questions you have about it. He's very responsive. But there's some detailed explanation on the product page as to why he chose to stock them over others.

 

[quickfix]

I'm using the Shure PGXD14. Been using it for my upright bass, bass guitars, and my archtop guitars.
It's been going strong for about five years now.
About $400 at my local L&M back then.

My upright has a Shadow NFX965 pickup. They work very nicely together.

 

[yousaiditman]

Thanks for all the responses. I should have added more info on my bass setup when I posted my question.

I play a blast cult 145 with a channel baster 2 pickup system (newer model). See pics attached.

I've been using Shure GLXD16 with my bass guitar. I happy with it.

I haven't used it with my upright though...-no reason to do so.

yeah I checked out the Shure GLXD16. I don't really want a transmitter pack on my bass if I can avoid it. I do see Johnny Hatton has a pair Velco'd to his bass.. at least I think that's what he's doing. It's probably my best setup for sure.

I'm using some of the less expensive Getaria 2.4 tx/rc sets from Amazon, I got two sets expecting to use the 2nd set when the 1st set's batteries became exhausted. But battery life is so good I never have to switch, in typical 3-hour gigs, so I feel free to use both at the same time if desired -- I have both a piezo system and a mounted mic on my DB.

I went with 2.4 for better tx distance and better battery life. I've had no interference issues in the 2 years I've used them.

P.S. Some reliable folks here have experienced on/off switch problems with these units. I haven't experienced this myself, but I believe the reports...

And yes, I do come prepared with cables just in case. However, it is wonderful to not have any cables attached to a double bass.

Wow.. can't beat the price. I checked and the 2.4 version is $31 on Amazon. Can't really go wrong with it. Might give that a try even as a backup

The tricky part as I see it would be either to make sure the transmitter works well with your pickup, or to insert a buffer preamp ahead of it and mount all that on the bass.

Yep.. those have been my exact thoughts. What will work with my channel blaster 2

I try to avoid wireless signals and subsequent radiation wherever possible. I ask in all seriousness — Why would you want a wireless upright bass rig?

Meet girls.

Depending on what kind of shows you play, having a wireless system frees you up just a bit on the performance side of the show. You don't have to worry about your cables if you're moving around on stage or lifting it in the air. And, if you like to do bass spins, you don't have to worry about spinning the opposite direction to unwind the cable.

It's not game-changing to go wireless. But it does free you up just a bit.

OP...I'm using the X-Vive system that I got from Gollihur Music. I like them a lot and they're well within your budget. I even use two sets of them simultaneously sometimes (one for the bass side and one for the clicky side of the Shadow Rockabilly Pro preamp). You can also hit Mark Gollihur up with any questions you have about it. He's very responsive. But there's some detailed explanation on the product page as to why he chose to stock them over others.

Yeah, I actually saw those X-Vive's at the NAMM show in 2019. Pretty cool, but I have an active pickup in my tailpiece so not sure if that would work. I remember the X-Vive guy saying that setup had issues with battery powered pickup systems but maybe they fixed it.

I'm using the Shure PGXD14. Been using it for my upright bass, bass guitars, and my archtop guitars.
It's been going strong for about five years now.
About $400 at my local L&M back then.

My upright has a Shadow NFX965 pickup. They work very nicely together.

Yeah those are pretty cool and very solid.

--

I've been thinking about the Sennheiser XSW-D PEDALBOARD Set. Would be nice to replace my tuner and get a wireless system all in the same pedal housing. Plus I like the transmitter being so small it could hang off my input jack on my tailpiece. I hate buying the first version of anything so that's really my hesitation. Also I wonder about the battery life in the transmitter and I could see having to need 2 of them and switch between sets. Anyone using a Sennheiser?

 

[Stewie]

I try to avoid wireless signals and subsequent radiation wherever possible. I ask in all seriousness — Why would you want a wireless upright bass rig?

a wire will get all looped around the end pin when you spin the bass. I have used a Line-6 G10 for a few years with no problems

 

[Steven Ayres]

.I remember the X-Vive guy saying that setup had issues with battery powered pickup systems but maybe they fixed it.?

That's correct, mine won't work with my active basses. I've had the system for a few years, though, and would like to know whether that problem has been addressed. I probably need a new set after they've been sitting for a year and a half.

 

[Alain Bass]

Whatever you buy, choose a system with screws that will allow you to change the battery once it is dead. I have the Xvive and it is very difficult to change the battery.

 

[johnh89]

I have used the Xvive for 2 years or so with my piezo only J bass . The bass is fitted with an onboard buffer powered by a 9v via the stereo jack , and has worked flawlessly . The output of the piezo is hot (so no need for a preamp ) . The only problem I could see is if your preamp was turned up to 11 you may get some clipping but I would be surprised .