Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi All,
I've been asked to install a pickup (+/- preamp) in an acoustic bass guitar. The owner has no particular preference re brands, but would like the bass to sound as "natural" as possible.
I have no experience in installing pickups in acoustic basses, but have been particularly impressed with K&K's in acoustic 6-string guitar.

Any thoughts?
Preferences?
Anecdotes?

Thanks in advance.

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Mike

(MH)===:::

I installed a K&K in an ABG and am very happy with it.

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

My vote would be the Lyric by LR Baggs

I installed a couple of 20mm piezos (selfmade) in a Michael Kelly 5 string, converted to fretless, strung w/TI Jazz Flats. The friend who bought it still calls to gush about it, occasionally.

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https://soundcloud.com/jeffreylsuits/he ... -runnin-13

Thanks guys!
Doug: Have you used the ABG on stage? I presume you have it coupled with a preamp?
Craig: Only heard reports (and good ones) re installation in 6-string steel guitars. Have you installed the Lyric in ABGs? Any feedback problems on stage?
Jeff: I've never made my own piezo's, but sounds interesting. What materials did you use? Any how-to info?

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Mike

(MH)===:::

Yes I have and plug it directly into a bass amp. I use a screech-halt (sound hole damper) to minimize feedback in a loud stage environment.

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Doug

Don't let fear or common sense stop you from trying to build something

Have you considered Dazzo Pickups ??? http://www.dazzopickups.com <-- web site kinda sucks.

You do need a 10 megohm input impedance preamp outside the instrument. The Dazzo motto is "Sound like your guitar", meaning that they accurately reproduce the unamplified sound of the instrument. LMI sells them. They seem like breeze to install. Minimal junk inside the box. No saddle futzing. One hole in the tail block. Minimal feedback issues. They specifically say they can be fitted to stand-up basses and cellos, so however you adapt them to your instrument, they will have adequate frequency response for bass.

Teddy Randazzo is a maniacal acoustic player and designed these for himself. He bends over backward for customer support. $200.

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If thee meddle with dragon kin, thou will become crunchy and good with ketchup.

Thanks Andrew,
I'll check Teddy's site out.
Cheers

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Mike

(MH)===:::

When I use a pickup these days (I prefer external mics), it is the Lyric, and I really like it. However, it is the design of the Lyric that might make me question whether it is the best choice for ABG. The Lyric is really an internal mic, but it is a PZM mic. So it is picking up the actual sound inside the box, as opposed to direct transmission of vibrations from the strings like a piezo or a contact transducer. Since ABGs have a limited box size compared to an upright bass, they really don't generate a lot of sound acoustically for the lower frequencies. Maybe an Anthem dual source system might be a better choice. That way, if the internal mic (which is a version of the Lyric mic) is not cutting it, you can blend it with the under-saddle transducer and get what you need. Just a thought.

Thanks for your input Don.
Actually went to the LR Baggs forum and found this advice from one of their "administrators":

Looks like your spot on.
Cheers

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Mike

(MH)===:::

20mm discs from ebay, skinny Mogami cable from Markertek, fast soldering technique. I always hit the bridgeplate with some CA accelerator, let it dry before the install. I never use gel CA, prefer a medium viscosity; Gorilla brand "Rubber Toughened" CA has always worked well for me, and it's a hardware store item.

_________________
https://soundcloud.com/jeffreylsuits/he ... -runnin-13