Pickups & Mics for Upright Bass:  Pickups

K&K Sound Double Bass Max - special order

Manufactured by: K&K Sound

Want a DOUBLE Bass Max?
After some pickup systems were custom-created from separate components, systems using a pair of Bass Max pickups - with one out of phase from the other - became popular among some users. As a result, I have special ordered several "Double Bass Max" systems for users, usually from referrals or other players hearing one of these systems. This system is similar to the Bass Master Pro, but a second out-of-phase Bass Max replaces the Double Big Twin transducer; it is out of phase in order to avoid the phase cancellation that could occur.

The Double Bass Max System Includes two specially built Bass Max transducers wired to a stereo endpin jack, a stereo (TRS) cable, and two channel preamplifier with volume, overall gain, tone controls for each channel, and mixed output. The Pickup Only version has the pair of pickups wired to a single TRS jack. Both are Special Order. While special orders usually don't take that long, I'll prudently state that you should allow 3-5 weeks for delivery, as they're custom manufactured to order.
The Bass Max is a compact unit designed to be wedged into the wing in the side of your bridge. K&K advises that they feel that one sandwiched unit is better than a pair, with one in each wing of the bass, to avoid potential out-of-phase problems. It has two piezo elements in this single rubber jacket, sandwiched top and bottom, with material in between, so it senses the activity from both the top and bottom of the bridge.

The Bass Max is my most popular pickup, and rightfully so. It sounds great, with a full range response and is especially good for situations where you'd need to temporarily mount or switch the pickup between basses (a 30 second job). For the many different styles I play, I have come to prefer the Bass Max's versatile character; though the Double Big Twin (also from K&K) is absolutely wonderful for those who specialize in straight-ahead jazz.

Compared to the Double Big Twin, the Bass Max is very clean, with the string sounds not quite as "defined" -- and that's not a bad thing, but a different one -- it is still crystal clear, just not as 'stringy.' This pickup also has the same warmth, and that is generally unusual for piezos. It also has a smoother arco response than the DBT -- more bridge than string sound, since there is more wood between it and where the strings meet the bridge. Electric bassists could draw the comparison of a bridge pickup as opposed one placed at a midpoint (not the neck position). However, unlike some other pickups, it is not muddy or dark, and produces plenty of highs -- you can get some hand, string, and slapping sounds, too, unless you eq them out.

K&K Sound Bass Master Rockabilly PLUS Upright Bass Pickup System

This dual-pickup system gets "the sound" for Rockabilly! With two dedicated pickups - one for the bass tone and one for the "slap" - and a two-channel blending preamp/EQ, you can custom-tailor your sound.

K&K Sound Bass Master Pro Upright Bass Pickup System

The Bass Master Pro Combo combines the K&K Bass Max and Double Big Twin pickups, allowing you to mix them using a tiny two-channel preamplifier. With two distinctly different pickup "sounds", it makes for a flexible choice.