When I was searching for best pickup for upright bass to improve my performance and make my work easier, I wanted something that offered both quality and value. After exploring various options, I found a few standout choices that deliver impressive features and reliability. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, these products offer a seamless experience tailored to your needs.
Product OverviewAfter testing several options, I discovered that not all best pickup for upright bass are created equal. I focused on key aspects like performance, durability, and ease of use. Some models stood out for their superior build quality, while others offered advanced features that made a real difference. Finding the right balance between these factors helped me choose the best fit for my specific requirements.
Performance and UsabilityUsing best pickup for upright bass firsthand gave me a clear understanding of what works best in real-life scenarios. Some products excelled in precision and efficiency, while others impressed me with their ergonomic design. Whether I needed something lightweight for on-the-go use or a more robust option for heavy-duty tasks, I found choices that met my expectations.
The 5 best pickup for upright bass:
- KNA Pickups Portable Piezo Double Bass Pickup
- Fishman BP-100 Classic Series Upright Bass Pickup
- The Realist RLSTSB1 Copperhead Bass Pickup
- Upright Bass Pickup
- Fishman Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup
KNA Pickups Portable Piezo Double Bass Pickup
KNA Pickups Portable Piezo Double Bass Pickup (DB-1)
KNA Pickups Portable Piezo Double Bass Pickup: My Experience
Using the KNA Pickups Portable Piezo Double Bass Pickup (DB-1) has been quite an adventure for me. I’ve gone through a few pickups before, but this one has really made a difference in how I play and enjoy my bass, especially when performing jazz. Let me walk you through my journey with this handy gadget.
Easy to Use, Anytime, Anywhere
One of the things I appreciated right off the bat was how simple it was to install and uninstall. It’s perfect for someone like me who likes to experiment with different settings and placements to get the best sound possible. I ended up installing it on the G string side, which worked great for my style of play.
Something neat about this pickup is that it comes with different shim thicknesses, which allows you to find just the right pressure for the sound you want. I found that it sounded best when it wasn’t too tight, giving me a rich and well-balanced tone.
Sound Quality and Performance
Speaking of sound, I was truly impressed with how even it was across all the strings. The lows, mids, and highs all blended together beautifully. This is so important when playing jazz, where every note counts, and you want clear, lively sound. I mostly play pizzicato, and the pickup captured the nuances of each note perfectly.
In the studio, I did a lot of experimenting and the pickups performed well when recorded directly. They even outshone some of the other pickups I own, such as the David Gage realist and K&K bass max. The neat trick, I found, was to use it with a direct box with high impedance. I recommend using at least 1 meg-ohms, although I used a Countryman Type 10 with 10 meg-ohms for the best sound. Live, I paired it with my Radial Engineering Bassbone OD, and they worked brilliantly together.
Live Performance Insight
On stage, this pickup is an absolute boon. It helps in getting more volume before feedback, which is essential when you're playing live. While I still use a high-quality microphone, like my DPA 4099, for the absolute best in sound and recording quality, the DB-1 is unbeatable for live monitoring. It helps me keep track of my sound without worrying about feedback.
Final Thoughts
In essence, the KNA Pickups Portable Piezo Double Bass Pickup (DB-1) has truly enhanced my bass playing experience. Its user-friendly features and excellent sound delivery have made it indispensable for both my studio work and live performances. Even though I still rely on my DPA microphone for live and recording sound, the DB-1 serves as a reliable and excellent monitoring tool. If you're looking for something that enhances your sound while being incredibly easy to use, this might just be it. Happy playing!
Fishman BP-100 Classic Series Upright Bass Pickup
Fishman BP-100 Classic Series Upright Bass Pickup
Exploring the Fishman BP-100 Classic Series Upright Bass Pickup
As a jazz bass player, finding the right pickup for my upright bass has always been a journey. I've tested various pickups, but the Fishman BP-100 Classic Series quickly emerged as my favorite. The tone this pickup delivers is particularly suited for jazz, offering a rich, full sound that brings out the best in my playing. What's more, it works beautifully even when bowing, which not all pickups manage to do.
One of the first things I noticed was how easy the Fishman BP-100 is to install. I didn't need any tools, and it took less than five minutes to get it up and running. I learned that leaving a small space—about 3mm—between the strings and the pickup makes a world of difference. This little trick empowers the pickup to capture each string's full range with amazing clarity.
When it comes to performance, the Fishman BP-100 is highly versatile. I've used it both directly into an amplifier and through a pre-amp. On both occasions, I found it worked exceptionally well. The pickup is quite sensitive to adjustments, allowing me to tweak the sound to achieve anything from a smooth big band vibe to a punchier rockabilly tone. And for someone like me who dislikes noise, the very low noise output is a big plus. Even with the treble cranked up, I didn't feel the need for a noise gate.
This product does exactly what it promises—delivering great sound with simplicity and no fuss. It's unobtrusive, requiring zero maintenance, which is something I truly appreciate. However, it's worth mentioning that initial installation isn't always smooth for everyone. When I entrusted my luthier to install it, the first unit I received was faulty. Thankfully, the customer service was outstanding, and my replacement arrived promptly, which got me back on track.
Additionally, the Fishman BP-100 is not limited to basses. I was so impressed with its clear "banjo" tone that I decided to get another one for an old pickup in my banjo. Hearing the positive feedback from listeners only confirmed my decision. I'm extremely satisfied with the quality and performance of the Fishman BP-100, and I'd strongly recommend it to anyone looking to elevate their sound experience.
The Realist RLSTSB1 Copperhead Bass Pickup
The Realist RLSTSB1 Copperhead Bass Pickup -The Most Respected Acoustic Instrument Pickup - Transparent Sound & Texture- Unmatched Dynamic Response - Self-Powered - USA Made
Upright Bass Pickup
Upright Bass Pickup with Flexible Micro-Gooseneck by Myers Pickups
Upright Bass Pickup: A Real Game-Changer
I never thought I'd end up writing about upright bass pickups, but here I am, excitedly sharing my experience with the Upright Bass Pickup with Flexible Micro-Gooseneck by Myers Pickups. Trust me, as someone who spent quite a bit of time researching and trying out different options, this little gem turned out to be just what I needed to give my music that missing touch.
When I first set my hands on this pickup, I noticed how it veered away from the typical idea of one. Instead, it presents itself as a small, clever microphone. Unlike my early days with a piezo pickup that squashed my bass's sweet, complex tones into something more electric, this Myers pickup truly captures the authentic voice of my upright bass.
Setting up for live gigs has always presented its own set of challenges, especially in tight, loud spaces. For an authentic performance, achieving natural sound at the Front of House (FOH) is a must. Stationary microphones, though useful, often restricted my movements. This is where the Myers pickup really shines. Its practical design allows you to simply attach it to your bass, and voila! The gooseneck is flexible, making it easy to direct towards the sound source for optimal results.
Using it is a breeze. Just plug in a 1/4-inch cable, and it powers up instantly. It runs on a small hearing aid battery that incredibly lasts for weeks, sometimes even months. The compact build delivers clear sound across all frequencies without the need for extra equipment tethered to your belt, unlike some of the trumpet and saxophone mics out there.
Performance and Usability
In terms of performance, the output is rather soft, like a gentle whisper among louder components. This slightly quieter signal led me to use a 1/4-inch to XLR adapter to let my mixing board's internal mic pre-amp take care of the boost. Personally, pairing it with my LR Braggs pre-amp really amped up its potential. It has everything from an EQ, signal boost to a tuner, all in one box right at my feet.
Adjusting the Myers pickup for minimal feedback can take a bit of experimenting. I keep the volume knob at about three-quarters and the gooseneck positioned near where the sound is richest. Currently, mine is set just a quarter-inch from the f-hole, snugly under the bridge with 3M Command tape. It's kept safe when in the bass bag and holds firm despite the cable's weight. Once you find that sweet spot, its natural bass sound shines through, even with a monitor just a foot away on a boisterous stage. Who'd have thought that was possible?
Sharing is caring; hence, I've urged many musician friends to try it. I even bought one for my girlfriend to use with her washboard, much to the amazement of our sound crew. The uncomplicated beauty of this pickup makes it well worth every penny. It's a delightful mix of sound quality, ease of use, and affordability.
Fishman Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup
Fishman Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup - UNC 1/4-20 Format
Discovering the Fishman Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup
From the moment I tried the Fishman Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup, I was met with an unexpectedly delightful experience. This little contraption isn't overly flashy or complicated, but it seems to be just what my bass needed. The unique design allows me to adjust the tone incredibly easily. All I have to do is turn the height adjuster about a quarter turn while playing an open string, and voilà! A whole new spectrum of sound emerges. It's amazing how such a small twist can tune my bass so accurately for different songs or acoustic settings.
One situation where this pickup really shines is when I'm working in a larger venue with a sound technician. The ease of adjusting the tone on the fly is not only convenient but also something that sets this pickup apart from others. Whether I need to make changes to suit a large concert hall or an intimate coffee shop, the Fishman Full Circle never falls short. It offers a convincing and natural reproduction of sound, which is as close to the true acoustic bass as I think you can get in an amplified setting.
Mounting and Sound Quality
However, I will confess that mounting the pickup proved to be a bit of a head-scratcher. For someone who's not particularly handy like myself, attaching it to the bass initially seemed daunting. The lead wire of the pickup is delicate, so it's important to handle it with care. If you're not really familiar with installing pickups, getting a professional to do it might be a wise choice. But once it's securely in place, the payoff is more than worth the effort. The sound through my bass guitar amp is full and rich, giving me great volume without that annoying feedback.
In terms of the connection issue, a small glitch arose with the metal flange. It chews up some of the colored string below the bridge. But with a simple wrap of gaff tape, the problem was mostly solved. And it's comforting to know there’s a straightforward solution to what initially seemed like a tricky issue.
Final Thoughts
What ultimately makes the Fishman Full Circle Upright Bass Pickup special is its capability to deliver outstanding sound quality effortlessly. Whether you're a professional musician or a passionate novice, this pickup seems to adapt and grow with you, offering a robust solution for upright bass amplification. It's clear to see why many consider it the industry standard, as its natural sound quality is hard to beat. It might be a little challenging to install initially, but the immense value it brings in enhancing tonal clarity makes it an incredible tool for any bass player. I can't help but recommend it wholeheartedly!
Investing in the right best pickup for upright bass can make all the difference in performance and creativity. After thorough testing, I found that the best choices strike a perfect balance between quality, functionality, and affordability. No matter your level of experience, having a reliable product can truly elevate your results.