Double Bass K&K Bass Max or Gage Realist?

#22
Typically, it requires sanding the bridge wing a bit to widen it and to produce a "hot spot" or "bump" against which the RS sits.

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#24
Despite the grumblings of some of our colleagues, I'll counter that the Bass Max is actually a durable, affordable, solid performer for lots of folks who find it to be an excellent pickup, particularly on the bluegrass circuit where the Kays and Engelhardts are thumpy. However - the caveat is that careful, detail-oriented installation is key; and perhaps some users being unaware of some important installation tips may have lead to some of the disparaging comments about it.

For instance, you need to provide flat and even contact to the bridge wood on BOTH sides of the pickup -- and have the right amount of pressure holding it in -- to get the best sound and feedback rejection. It's why we include an extra two pages of tips/instructions along with the pickup.

As for the Realist, it is usually not a good choice on a newer, laminated (plywood) bass. Being in direct contact with the top, you'll get much better results if the top is quite vibrant and full-range (which is generally less the case on plywood basses, especially relatively new ones.) I'd suggest the Realist Lifeline instead, if you have an adjustable bridge - it's got the same "girth" as the Realist Copperhead, but a bit more "detail" in its sound as well, as it's further up the bridge (and not against the body).
 
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#25
Mark Gollihur said:
Despite the grumblings of some of our colleagues, I'll counter that the Bass Max is actually a durable, affordable, solid performer for lots of folks who find it to be an excellent pickup, particularly on the bluegrass circuit where the Kays and Engelhardts are thumpy. However - the caveat is that careful, detail-oriented installation is key; and perhaps some users being unaware of some important installation tips may have lead to some of the disparaging comments about it.

For instance, you need to provide flat and even contact to the bridge wood on BOTH sides of the pickup -- and have the right amount of pressure holding it in -- to get the best sound and feedback rejection. It's why we include an extra two pages of tips/instructions along with the pickup.

As for the Realist, it is usually not a good choice on a newer, laminated (plywood) bass. Being in direct contact with the top, you'll get much better results if the top is quite vibrant and full-range (which is generally less the case on plywood basses, especially relatively new ones.) I'd suggest the Realist Lifeline instead, if you have an adjustable bridge - it's got the same "girth" as the Realist Copperhead, but a bit more "detail" in its sound as well, as it's further up the bridge (and not against the body).
Click to expand...

Nice to hear from you, Mark. Are those 2 pages of BassMax instructions available at a link? Thx, Tom
 
#26
Mark Gollihur said:
Despite the grumblings of some of our colleagues, I'll counter that the Bass Max is actually a durable, affordable, solid performer for lots of folks who find it to be an excellent pickup, particularly on the bluegrass circuit where the Kays and Engelhardts are thumpy. However - the caveat is that careful, detail-oriented installation is key; and perhaps some users being unaware of some important installation tips may have lead to some of the disparaging comments about it.

For instance, you need to provide flat and even contact to the bridge wood on BOTH sides of the pickup -- and have the right amount of pressure holding it in -- to get the best sound and feedback rejection. It's why we include an extra two pages of tips/instructions along with the pickup.

As for the Realist, it is usually not a good choice on a newer, laminated (plywood) bass. Being in direct contact with the top, you'll get much better results if the top is quite vibrant and full-range (which is generally less the case on plywood basses, especially relatively new ones.) I'd suggest the Realist Lifeline instead, if you have an adjustable bridge - it's got the same "girth" as the Realist Copperhead, but a bit more "detail" in its sound as well, as it's further up the bridge (and not against the body).
Click to expand...
How do Full Circles perform with laminate tops?
 
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