Atention standup bass players: pickup advice requested!

[robinc]

Hi All,
 
Its time to get some professional amplification for my standup bass. I intend to be playing mostly bluegrass and folk, but I don't want to be limited into those genres by my equipment. If anyone has had any pickup knowledge please pass it along.
 
And while we're on the topic, any suggestions for portable cabs to go along with the pickup, in case I'm playing somewhere where going through the PA isn't an option.
 
Thanks!

[tubeperson]

The Realist Gage upright bass pickup - endorsed by Ron Carter and the late Niels Henning Orsted Pederson.  Two enourmous players.  This product is advertised in Bass Player Magazine.
 
For amps, the Phil Jones Sixpack may be of interest to you.  Good luck, and share your ultimate decision with us.

[sonicus]

Once back in the early 1990's I went to see Ron Carter play when he came to town. After the the show I asked him this same question.  
 
 He told me that he was quite pleased with his GK200MB . I took his advice and acquired one . I also have the model that replaced the 200MB : the GK MB150E.  I really like them both but the speaker is much easier serviced in the MB150E.( I just replaced both of them with original OEM replacements )
As far as pick ups go he told me to stay away from anything that robs your instrument of it's natural resonance, such as a pickup that clamps over the top of the bridge between the strings. Well___, I told him that was what I had , his response was I don't care for  those . He is really a great person and was so happy to help me with my questions.
 
(Message edited by sonicus on November 17, 2010)

[wayne]

In 25+ years of searching, the best I've found:
 
Schertler Stat series pickup.  It sounds like my bass and doesn't impact the acoustic sound.
 
The best amplification I've ever found is an F1X running through a Bergantino HT112.  Again, it sounds exactly like my bass, only louder.
 
I'll often use the F1X as my DI in situations where the PA is the only amplification.
 
With any pickup solution for an acoustic instrument the input impedance of the first thing the pickup sees is often paramount.  The bigger the better.
 
That's my $.02
 
C-Ya............wayne

[robinc]

any experience with the K&K Bass Master Pro or Double Bass Max systems?
 
I will probably be playing some jazz as well, and I read that the Bass Master Pro is good for a jazzy pizz tone.

[darkstar01]

I'll second the Realist pick up suggestion. Kind of odd Ron Carter and Niels Pederson endorsed them, because I'm pretty sure neither of them use(d) it.  
 
For amps, I have to suggest Acoustic Image (I have a Coda R). My favorite amp, ever - unless you can find a Walter Woods.
 
edit: I would also suggest thinking about using a mic/pick up combo.  Raven Labs makes a quality blender (like signal blender, not like smoothie blender - get a blendtec for that).  Mics specifically designed for bass can get really expensive. I had the AMT upright mic, it was like $650 but the sound I got blending that with my Realist was great.
 
(Message edited by darkstar01 on November 17, 2010)

[afrobeat_fool]

I use the K&K Bass master pro, I bought used from Phil Baker. He is using mic's only now. I really like it. The response is beautiful. It projects the sound of my bass very nicely. I too play thru an Acoustic Image Coda R and it is impressive for such a small amp. I really like the way the bottom speaker utilizes the floor for a warm broad sound. Good Luck!

[robinc]

Speaking of Walter Woods, how much does one of his amps go for? I ask out of curiosity, since he's done such a good job at creating this shroud of mystery around him. I suppose I could always call him and find out...

[darkstar01]

I'm not sure what Woods amps usually go for, but there are at least three of them on ebay right now ranging from $650 to $2500 (one with a BIN of $1500). There are a couple different versions of them.

[funkyjazzjunky]

I am getting Walter Woods amp. Underwood makes a very good P/U as does Fishman. I currently use a Polytone but new cab will follow my WW amp. Check out Jimmy Johnson's reply to my inquiry about Walter Woods amps.  
 
VMG

[robinc]

what model are you getting and what do you intend to use it for? What cab are you thinking of pairing with this new rig?

[robinc]

anyone ever seen one of these:
 
http://www.biesele.org/pickups/index.html

[cozmik_cowboy]

I've done sound for a few jazz big-bands; the best I've encountered was when the bassist wrapped the body of an SM-58 in a towel (for scratch protection) & stuck it in the cut-out in the bridge, head up.  Sounded like an upright bass!
 
Peter

[elwoodblue]

I'll have to try that,
 thanks cozmik

[dlbydgtl]

I use the K&K bass master pro and it works very well. Got it online from Gollihur Music. John
 
(Message edited by dlbydgtl on November 18, 2010)