Double Bass K&K BassMax vs. Revolution Solo pickup

[ArteK]

When I first started playing upright bass, I used a K&K BassMax pickup through a K&K Sound Pure Preamp.

In those days I played through bass amps whose input impedance was not set for the hi-impedance piezo pickups. I'm now playing through amps that are better matched impedance-wise.

I'm telling you all this because in two cases I've gotten uprights that had Revolution Solo pickups installed. The first one was an experiment with a new Upton Bass upright; the second one came with a used Upton Bass hybrid bass I bought recently. In both cases, I "downgraded" back to the K&K BassMax because I liked the much fuller, more low-end focused sound.

I just find the Revolution Solo pickup output too thin (by a lot, I must admit). I assume some folks must prefer these, maybe to get more clarity? Maybe I'm trapped in my "original sound" and can't deal with other tones, but these two pickups are just night and day in their output tones.

Clearly, Upton Bass (who I adore) prefers the Revolution Solo. I must be missing something here. Please enlighten me. I don't mean to diss the Rev Solo pickup; it just clearly ain't my thing.

 

[ArteK]

BTW, I'm playing almost exclusively pizzicato, although I intend to work on my arco at some point.

 

[james condino]

Ask ten bass nerds about five different pickups and depending upon the day you'll get 18 different responses....

Thin output on the Rev solo is likely an improper fit.

I have about five different pickups and none of them is perfect for all situations. I get a more balanced sound when using the K&K if it is installed on the G side of the bridge. On the plus side for that pickup, it plays fantastic with my acoustic image head; almost no need for a pre-amp so setup is fast and simple.

 

[KUNGfuSHERIFF]

Each particular bass will tell you what it likes.

My Merchant came with an Underwood, which I hated, so I replaced it with an RS which I love.

My Solano sounds amazing with the Underwood.

The Bass Max sounds like a P-Bass. I'll pass.

 

[Francois Blais]

The most challenging part of using piezo pickups is the fit.
Too much pressure, not enough, upside up or down, etc.
Lots of variables that influence the outcome.

 

[ArteK]

Both were installed by Upton Bass, and seemed to fit snugly. I assume they were installed correctly.

 

[Fran Diaz]

Both were installed by Upton Bass, and seemed to fit snugly. I assume they were installed correctly.

Turn the Rev Solo upside down. If the R logo is looking away from the top take it out and set it facing the top...night and day. It's the case with mine and I've head from others with the same experience. For some reason and in some cases, the sound is very thin with the usual setting.

 

[blindeddie]

i agree with the OP completely. no offense to the RS but i totally have had the exact same experience. had the K&K and was totally happy with it but decided to get the RS because i thought it would be better. i totally switched back to the K&K. i tried both on two different basses and prefer the K&K hands down. and the K&K definitely does NOT sound like a Pbass on either of my basses. and it seem to handle the higher volumes better without feeding back. and i play pizz almost completely, plugged direct into the amp with no buffer pre.

 

[Fran Diaz]

i agree with the OP completely. no offense to the RS but i totally have had the exact same experience. had the K&K and was totally happy with it but decided to get the RS because i thought it would be better. i totally switched back to the K&K. i tried both on two different basses and prefer the K&K hands down. and the K&K definitely does NOT sound like a Pbass on either of my basses. and it seem to handle the higher volumes better without feeding back. and i play pizz almost completely, plugged direct into the amp with no buffer pre.

Did you get to try it in both positions?

 

[blindeddie]

yes i did. but i'm not saying that my RS sounded bad by any means. actually i thought it sounded just fine really. i just like the sound of the Bass Max better. but im sure it just a personal preference. i play mainly bebop jazz and alot of rockabilly and almost never use my bow anymore live, and never thru an amp... my arco playing is limited to unplugged home practice.

 

[sean_on_bass]

I had the same issue with the Rev Solo. Also tried turning it upside down but was still not quite there.

For the OP, you may have better luck with the Rev Solo with a pre-amp between pickup and amp. This might allow you the tone shaping you need to make it pleasing. I still think it's a viable pickup.

I personally prefer my Realist to the Rev Solo. I just like the darker sound and the interaction with the top of the bass. Also, amps tend to accept it better with no preamp in the mix.