10. Pickups
The issue of amplifying or miking the double bass arises at the latest when playing together with other instruments. In its natural state, the double bass hardly stands a chance against a piano and is completely drowned out by a drum set.
In a classical orchestra, where miking or using pickups is absolutely taboo, and the bass has to compete acoustically with a bow, you'll typically find a group of 4-5 double bassists laying the foundation for the orchestra.
In the rehearsal space of a jazz or blues combo or a rockabilly band, the double bass has to hold its own against drums, electric guitar, and brass instruments. Without a pickup and amplification, it's a hopeless endeavor...
Double bass pickups can be distinguished primarily by the location of their installation on the bass.
Here are some of the most important types:
Bridge pickups
...are clamped into the wings/notches of the bridge or drilled into the bridge or clipped onto the upper edge of the bridge with metal clamps.
Bridge pickup
Topmount pickup systems
...are either clamped between the bridge foot and the top or attached to the top with putty-like adhesive materials.
Topmount pickup systems
Endpin microphones
...are integrated into the endpin and use capacitor technology to pick up the sound inside the instrument.
Endpin microphone
Electromagnetic pickups
...are attached to the end of the fingerboard and float freely above the top.
Electromagnetic pickup
Rockabilly pickups
A system specifically designed for "slapping" is a combination of pickups. This system has a pickup for the bridge and a pickup that is mounted at the back of the fingerboard. This pickup ensures that the so-called "slap" is picked up separately.
Pickups for slapping
The best pickup system for my personal needs can be determined based on the following criteria:
- desired style of music - what do I want to play?
- construction of the bass - do I have a bass with a solid or laminated top?
However, both questions should not be considered entirely independently but must be treated in relation to each other.
