Type: piezo (PVDF-film)
Mode: active
Preamp: optional; several models available
The company Pick-up-the-World uses a paper thin film material for their pickup elements. They offer different sizes for nearly all kinds of stringed instruments. A specially sized element mounts under the bass bridge foot and rides up the inside face of the bass leg. The preamps offered by PUTW have a volume control and are very small and lightwight. They can be attached to the tailpiece.
PE-2B
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: incl.
Similar to the classic Underwood. The piezo elements are covered with leather.
PE-3B, PE-4A
Type: condenser microphone
Mode: aktive
Preamp: incl., dual channel available
It is a simple microphone attached to the surface of the belly and matches with the same maker’s piezo-PU. Both signals can be mixed in the preamp.
String Amp
Type: electrodynamic
Mode: active
Preamp: incl.
Calibrated permanent magnets are attached under the fingerboard, and the strings are connected to a preamp (attached under the tailpiece). By the movement of the strings (they have to be conductive, but not magnetic itself) in the magnetic field, there is a electrical signal generated, which is amplified by the integrated preamp.
Type: ?
Mode: active or passive
Preamp: optional
This pickup is mounted between the belly and the bridge. It’s adjusted by means of a thread.
Ultra Bass
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: optional
This pickup is glued to the rear side of the bridge. It is built into a small piece of maple (the same wood the bridge is usually made of).
“He was amazing. Duke Ellington’s band came through St. Louis and played a dance—back then it was dances and not concerts. Afterward Duke went back to the hotel to sleep, and all the musicians went to an after-hours session. This young bass player was playing, and these guys flipped out. They went back and woke up Duke Ellington, and brought him to the session. Duke hired Jimmy on the spot, and the band left St. Louis with two bass players. Jimmy Blanton made all those records in 1940 and ’41, and then he got what they called “consumption” back then, tuberculosis. He got very sick in L.A. and they had to leave him in a sanitarium. He had no family there; he was by himself in a little isolated cabin. Milt Hinton told me he went there every day to see him. Milt was playing in Cab Calloway’s band at that time, and every night they’d dedicate a song to him. Milt said he was there when Jimmy took his last breath. He was 23 years old. But if you’ve ever heard him play … man!”
The november issue of the Premier Guitar magazine features an article by Dan Berkowitz about searching for a rig that could double nicely for both electric and double bass: “Quest for an Acoustic Bass Amp”.
Soundpost
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: aktiv
Preamp: incl.
The pickup element is attached to the sound-post, that is to inside the body. To suppress interfering frequencies, the soundpost is wrapped with wool completely. For the connection to the amp, a small jack is drilled into the lower block. Endorsed by Ron Carter.
The double bass model is no longer available, only violin model is still in production.
King Doll Head Piezo
Type: piezo
Mode: active
Preamp: incl.
There is a piezo pickup for the wing portion of the bridge and a piezo for the fingerboard to pick up slap. A stereo cable runs from the pickups to the “Doll Head” blender box.
Bass Max
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: optional; several preamps (single/dual channel) available
A piezo-“sandwich”, consisting of two piezo elements in one housing, is stuck under one of the wings of the bridge.
Double Big Twin
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: optional; several preamps (single/dual channel) available
The four 3/4″ diameter piezo elements are attached to the bridge, one element underneath each string, with double sided adhesive tape.
Golden Bullet URB
Type: condenser microphone
Mode: active
Preamp: mandatory, dual channel
The Golden Trinity Microphone is mounted on the bridge using adhesive 3M Dual Lock and positioned using its built-in six-inch goosneck. With a K+K Dual Channel Preamp, you can use it along with your piezo pickup.
Bass Master Combo Pro
combination of Bass Max/Double Big Twin/Dual-Channel Preamp
Bass Master RB for Rockabilly Bass
system specifically for slap bass players, combination of Bass Max/Special Fingerboard Pickup/Dual-Channel Preamp
Golden Trinity (Bass Mic and Pickup combination)
combination of the Golden Bullet URB and Dual Channel Preamp with piezo pickup