Monthly Archives: November 2007

Wilson

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

www.wilson-pickups.com

Vektor

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.

www.vektor-bass.de

available at www.kontrabass-atelier.de

Upton Bass

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.

www.uptonbass.com

Underwood

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.

www.underwoodpickups.com

Turner, Rick

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.

www.renaissenceguitars.com

Amplistring (Soundlab)

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.

www.amplistring.de

Shadow

SH950, SH951
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: optional

Similar the the Underwood pickup. Available with just one element (Sh951) and two elements (SH950).

SH714
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: optional

Similar to the Fishman pickup.The four piezo discs are attached to the bridge, one element underneath each string, with double sided adhesive tape.

SH SB1, SH SB2
Type: piezoceramic
Mode: passive
Preamp: optional

Basic single- or twin-disc transducer.

SH 965 NFX-B
Type: piezofilm
Mode: active
Preamp: incl.

The newest model from Shadow. The piezofilm elements mount under the bridge feet. The preamp is attached to the strings between bridge and tailpiece, and runs with a small 3V cell battery.

RB-Pro (Rockabilly Preamp + pickups)
Type: piezo
Mode: passive, incl. preamp
Features: includes bridge pickup (SH951) and fingerboard pickup (SH2500);
preamp runs on 9V battery or wall adaptor; built-in tuner; phase;
bridge channel: EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble), Subsonic, fingerboard channel: Low cut, Treble control

www.shadow-electronics.com

available at www.kontrabass-atelier.de