Double Bass Yamahiko Double Bass Pickup

[lowfreqgeek]

As long as the Yamahiko puts out less than 6Vpk-pk, the -10dB cable should suffice to keep the input under 2Vpk-pk.

@edfriedland
I just looked at the FDeck HPF Series 3 specs and the input range is 6Vp-p. Since the Yamahiko doesn't clip the FDeck, that means the output is less than 6Vp-p. By my statement above, a 10dB attenuation from the maximum FDeck input range would drop you to just under 2Vp-p, which is the max range of the Redeye. In other words, the FDeck has 10dB more input headroom than the Redeye.

You could probably get away with the -10dB cable, but for more margin, the -12.5dB cable would guarantee a clean signal.

 

[Jeff Kissell]

Where does this thread address how much attenuation is needed for the Yamahiko into the Redeye? The discussion centers around which capacitance gives how much attenuation and how to do the mod if one is so inclined. But how do you choose the required attenuation if you just want to buy the factory cable and use it?

I have no idea... but Ed was asking about his pickup output being too hot and that discussion was about a solution to deal with the output being too hot.
FWIW, my single element Yamahiko output has been just fine with whatever I've plugged it into so far.
That is all.

 

[DoubleMIDI]

The recommended capacitor values were given here. Just search for nF, which means nano-Farad the unit for capacitance.
Get plastic foil capacitors of these three values and try them between hot and shield in an opened plug. Then you know what works best and either order the attenuator cable or make a short plug-jack cable with this capacitor soldered inside that you plug in between.

 

[JBarz]

I run my Yamahiko into a redeye.

4.7nF is the capacitance you seek, imho, but any of the values listed above will do the business.

 

[bassmanbrent]

Just bought a single element Yamahiko from the classifieds here. Will report back once it arrives and I have a gig or two under my belt with it.

 

[Earl]

The single element runs hotter than the dual. Having said that I have never had a problem with the single being too hot.

 

[Jeff Kissell]

In my case, I bought a new, unused M8 pickup element here on TB. And then bought the jack cable and the other adjuster directly from Yamahiko. I didn’t specify anything regarding the jack so I have no idea if there is any attenuation in it. My experience so far has been the output is solid but not out of line with the Realist Lifeline it replaced.

 

[Earl]

In my case, I bought a new, unused M8 pickup element here on TB. And then bought the jack cable and the other adjuster directly from Yamahiko. I didn’t specify anything regarding the jack so I have no idea if there is any attenuation in it. My experience so far has been the output is solid but not out of line with the Realist Lifeline it replaced.

I have the M8 and I wonder if it is not quite as hot as the other size?

 

[dylanjohnson]

I have the other and I don't have clipping issues. I think it may be more amp specific based upon input level?

 

[SamuelHarris]

I also think the amount of pressure that happens to be on the surface of the adjuster will play a role. The exact same pickup is hotter on my older bass than the one on my new bass (both M8). Maybe something about bridge fit or general instrument setup is putting more pressure one than the other and that is causing different output levels between the two?

 

[lowfreqgeek]

I also think the amount of pressure that happens to be on the surface of the adjuster will play a role. The exact same pickup is hotter on my older bass than the one on my new bass (both M8). Maybe something about bridge fit or general instrument setup is putting more pressure one than the other and that is causing different output levels between the two?

The pressure is part of it. Piezo crystal elements translate mechanical energy into electrical energy. The larger the mechanical vibration put into the device, the bigger the electrical signal coming out of the device. Part of that equation will be the mechanical efficiency, which will be affected by the pressure on the sensor. Lower pressure results in less efficiency, i.e. less mechanical coupling between the foot/leg of the bridge and the piezo element. This could be affected by the bridge height and neck angle, the responsiveness of the top, the location of the soundpost, etc.

This is why an acoustically louder bass and player will get more signal from the same pickup than an acoustically softer bass or player, and why Yamahiko states that results will vary among different basses and bassists.

 

[Jeff Kissell]

Keep in mind the piezo element of the Yamahiko is in the shaft not the disc like a Full Circle.

 

[flatback]

I am not sure if this is relevant (I have not run into the too hot,(gainstage-ing) problem...Like Jeff said the pickup is in the shaft but the instructions also say leave a slight gap (ever so slight if you are needing every mm) just not touching the leg on either side. If you do it can sound hyper articulate with too much microphonic handling sounds, just not a good thing. I can see that sounding "hot".

 

[SamuelHarris]

Keep in mind the piezo element of the Yamahiko is in the shaft not the disc like a Full Circle.

Whoops, forgot about that!

 

[Earl]

I am not sure if this is relevant (I have not run into the too hot,(gainstage-ing) problem...Like Jeff said the pickup is in the shaft but the instructions also say leave a slight gap (ever so slight if you are needing every mm) just not touching the leg on either side. If you do it can sound hyper articulate with too much microphonic handling sounds, just not a good thing. I can see that sounding "hot".

Yes!

 

[Brad_Pearson]

Just using logic here: If only the notes you dig in on are clipping, get the 5 db attenuation. If all your regular dynamics distort get the 10. And if it distorts even with light play get the 15. I don't think there can be a blanket statement made here. The Y has a ton of range (one of the things I like about it). Unlike a magnetic pickup, there isn't as much of a hard ceiling where no matter how hard you hit it, the output maxes out.

Another line of thinking, get the 10, and it will probably be good. On the off chance theres still a some clipping, or you feel like you have to boost a lot to get enough signal, bump up or down. Most gear will give you plenty of gain after the pickup.

 

[danengland]

Hi

I’ve used the double sensor Yamahiko for a couple of years, with the Tonedexter pedal and I’ve been largely very happy with the results. I’ve primarilly used it with in-ear monitors, so I’ve tended to run the Yamahiko totally flat at the TD and my amp, and leave it to the soundman to EQ it for FOH and the in-ears.

When I use it for amp-only for rehearsals, (in a sub-optimal room) I have sometimes found that it’s hard to hear it and I ended up turning it up louder than I’d like in those instances, so i'd like to improve the way i'm using it in those situations.

I wondered what people tend to do in terms of EQ on the Yamahiko? Do people tend to use it fairly flat or are you using quite a lot of EQ to sculpt and focus the sound? Any thoughts?!

Thanks
Dan

 

[TroyK]

Hi

I’ve used the Yamahiko for a couple of years, with the Tonedexter pedal and I’ve been largely very happy with the results. I’ve primarilly used it with in-ear monitors, so I’ve tended to run the Yamahiko totally flat at the TD and my amp, and leave it to the soundman to EQ it for FOH and the in-ears.

When I use it amp-only for rehearsals, (in a sub-optimal room) and I have sometimes found that it’s hard to hear it and I ended up turning it up louder than I’d like in those instances, so i'd like to improve the way i'm using it in those situations.

I wondered what people tend to do in terms of EQ on the Yamahiko? Do people tend to use it fairly flat or are you using quite a lot of EQ to sculpt and focus the sound? Any thoughts?!

Thanks
Dan

I am using eq. Mostly cutting mids.

 

[Earl]

I also sometimes had a problem hearing myself with the Y. On my bass I found that I either had to cut a lot of bass or use an HPF liberally. Cutting mids as well.

 

[Karl Kaminski]

Hi

I’ve used the double sensor Yamahiko for a couple of years, with the Tonedexter pedal and I’ve been largely very happy with the results. I’ve primarilly used it with in-ear monitors, so I’ve tended to run the Yamahiko totally flat at the TD and my amp, and leave it to the soundman to EQ it for FOH and the in-ears.

When I use it for amp-only for rehearsals, (in a sub-optimal room) I have sometimes found that it’s hard to hear it and I ended up turning it up louder than I’d like in those instances, so i'd like to improve the way i'm using it in those situations.

I wondered what people tend to do in terms of EQ on the Yamahiko? Do people tend to use it fairly flat or are you using quite a lot of EQ to sculpt and focus the sound? Any thoughts?!

Thanks
Dan

in those sub-optimal rooms, a HPF is king. I typically run the YH into a AI head (mostly) flat and use the built-in HPF to tame the bottom and clarity—Only then employing the EQ to tailor the tone. YMMV

If that doesnt get you there; cab/spkr placement orientation will help.

If severe; decouple cab from floor. (especially helpful for those annoying 6" riser and box platforms)