Martin BCPA4 acoustic bass with a Fishman Analog pickup and preamp. A made in USA bass. Strange as the F# is very weak, little sustain, and it is weak on both the A string and the D string. Additionally, all the sound is very trebly, and even turning down the Tone control to zero leaves too much treble, and the weak F#. The E and G are OK. I hate to say it but I have a Breedlove acoustic bass that sounds much better. And the Martin has new D'Addario tape wound strings, just like the Breedlove. I don't know if it is a pickup issue, or what. New battery too. Any help would be appreciated
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Martin Acoustic Bass pickup issues
- Thread starter quarternote
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- acoustic double bass martin pickups
I'd recommend taking it to a reputable acoustic guitar luthier and have him/her fettle the bridge. This is a critical thing for this type of instrument. The slot needs to be perfectly flat and cleanly machined. The tiniest splinter of rosewood can cause this sort of problem. The saddle needs to be a perfectly flat on the bottom as well. Plus it needs to be snug in the slot but not binding.
If this is all ok you should try it unplugged. If the f sharp is still relatively weak, I'd double check the bracing, the bridge plate etc inside with an inspection light and mirror. If this all checks out, start trying a few different brands and gauges of strings.
If this is all ok you should try it unplugged. If the f sharp is still relatively weak, I'd double check the bracing, the bridge plate etc inside with an inspection light and mirror. If this all checks out, start trying a few different brands and gauges of strings.
Robbie,
Thanks so much for your insight, I appreciate it greatly. I will let the forum know what develops Thanks again.
I have the same bass (Martin BCPA4), bought it gently used. The pickup's audio output of the A string is slightly but noticeably less than the other 3. My set-up guy tried a bunch of things but couldn't get a louder response. Any ideas out there? Thanks.
P.S. the instrument sounds beautiful in acoustic mode, which is why I wanted it. But having the option for amplification would sure be nice.
P.S. the instrument sounds beautiful in acoustic mode, which is why I wanted it. But having the option for amplification would sure be nice.
Check @RobbieK advice in post 2. Make sure the bridge slot is flat and even and that the saddle is making good contact with the piezo element. Any unevenness or debris in the slot can cause the saddle to make uneven contact with the piezo which will cause volume issues.