Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: –
Similar to the classic Underwood. The piezos are embedded in a bronze case covered with plastic. There are two sizes available: 5 mm and 8 mm. For precise fitting to the bridge slots, the height of the sensors can be modified to 3.3 mm and 5.3 mm by removing some material from the plastic cap.
Igor Zubkov, Kase 55, 12012, Tallinn, Estonia Tel./Fax (372) 6 48 01 94
CPS-DB
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: —
This PU uses a piezo sensor housed in the wheel of a bridge height adjuster. Because the cable(s) can be removed, it is possible to rotate the adjuster easily. It’s offered a single (one wheel) or double (two wheels) sensor model.
This japanese PU has been offered since 1987, but is almost unknown outside Japan. Eddie Gomez is an endorser, and has provided a soundclip playing the CPS-DB for Yamahiko’s website.
Growling Tiger
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: –
Similar to the classic Underwood PU. The Growlin’ Tiger is handmade by the double bass maker and restorer Heiner Windelband (Bramsche, Germany).
K4
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: –
The strings are picked up by small cylinder shaped piezo elements with the size of 5 x 15 mm installed directly underneath the strings in holes drilled into the bridge. The volume and sound of each string can be regulated individually by turning the elements.
K1
The Wilson PU is also available as single element PU, which can be installed into the bridge’s leg. Depending on its position, the element capture more of the strings’ or the body’s vibrations.
available at www.kontrabass-atelier.de
Type: contact microphone
Mode: active
Preamp: optional (phantom power needed)
The Vektor pickup was developped by German luthiers Tobias Pöhling and Sven Gawron. The first version of this contact microphone got permantly installed into to bridge foot. The new improved version of the Vektor pickup gets easily installed (and removed) by means of a screw, which holds the pickup between bridge and top. It picks up the sound directly from the top, and not from the bridge.
The Vektor pickup needs 9V phantom power (max.) which can either be supplied by a suitable amplifier or a pre-amp with a phantom power function.
available at www.kontrabass-atelier.de
Revolution Solo
Type: piezo
Mode: passive
Preamp: –
“The Revolution Solo” transducer piezo element is embedded in a piece of spruce, and wedged under the bridge wing. Different sounds can be achieved by mounting the sensor with either one or the other side facing upwards.
The Source
Type: piezo
Mode: passive
Preamp: –
“The Source” pickup is based on the Revolution Solo pickup, but built into the bridge’s leg permanentely.
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: –
The classic version, available since the early 1970ies! Simple handling; the two piezo elements are simply stuck in the slots under the wings of the bridge (as far as the Model of the bridge allows this). A Cello version is also available. This principle found a lot of imitators.
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: –
This piezo pickup is made by Rocco Phipps and was designed to be placed under the bridge foot (E-string side).
UB-1
Type: piezoceramic, built in bridge
Mode: active
Preamp: mandatory
The american guitarmaker Rick Turner (co-founder of guitar manufacturer Alembic) installs his PU in your existent bridge, one sensor for each string. The sound can be optimized by sliding the elements in the slots.
He also offers to copy your bridge from a drawing. The Preamp is not included, but necessary.
Type: condenser microphone
Mode: active
Preamp: incl.
A contemporary version of the principle introduced by the Ampeg bass pickup in the 1940ies. The micro is led to the inside of the body by a special endpin. The preamp has a notch filter to eliminate unwanted frequencies.
A rubber clamp for mounting the microphone outside of the instrument’s body is also available.