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).
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
String Charger
Type: magnetic
Mode: passive
Preamp: –
The String-Charger is attached to the bottom end of the fingerboard underneath the strings. The coil can be bend to match the fingerboard curvature.
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: –
Similar to the Underwood pickup.
Jitterbug Electronics, 27 Kettenring Place, Eastfield Dale, Cramlington/Northumberland, NE23 9XP, England (GB) (no website)