B3150 Upright Bass Transducer (Pickup) and Preamp Package

The Barcus-Berry B3150 Upright Bass Transducer System has been around for a long time; it's a convenient option for those looking for a complete system to amplify an upright bass without making any modifications to the bass - perfect for a rental or "borrowed" bass that you cannot make permanent changes to (and don't really want to get too deep into taking strings or the bridge off).

The transducer element quickly clamps easily to the bass bridge with small thumbscrews, and removes just as easily - no drilling, tools, advanced degrees, or special skills needed.The special clamp unit has the element(s) inside it, and simply clamps to the side of the bridge; so it's out of the way, dutifully capturing the vibrations of the bridge. It's compatible with pretty much any bridge that has the available surface area, and will work with any type of string (steel, nickel, gut, synthetic, etc.) - if it makes the bass vibrate, the pickup will capture it. Works for both pizzicato and arco styles. 

The included 3000A preamp provides the proper buffering for the high impedance of the pickup element, and gives simple but effective control of the volume, as well as a bass and treble control for EQ adjustment, to "dial in" your sound. The small but rugged preamp runs on a battery (not included - you'll need a small Philips-head screwdriver to open the case to insert/change the 9v) and has a variety of options for mounting/wearing/placement - stick on rubber feet, a belt clip, a velcro strap, and adhesive patches are all included to help you work out the best ergonomics for use.

In playing with this pickup, I found that cutting the bass EQ knob pretty significantly, and bringing up the treble, helped create controlled warm lows without sounding brittle or harsh up high. Like some other pickups, the tone leans naturally towards big and dark, and it's good for clarity to "tame" that a bit with EQ. But it provides plenty of sound to work with - and it's not shy in the low end. But I urge you to take the worthwhile time to experiment with the placement and controls to find your sound - moving it as little as 1/16" can impart a significant tonal change (good or bad, depending on your subjective opinion). I personally liked it better the lower on the bridge I was able to place it. But as always, YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary.) Find the way it sounds best TO YOU.

The pickup connects to the preamp with a common RCA cable connection, and the main output (for connection to your amp, a mixer, a direct box, etc.) is a common, standard 1/4" instrument jack - so just use a nice quality 1/4" "guitar cable" and you're good to go. 

Components Included:

• Pickup/Transducer: Clamp-style piezo bass transducer
• Preamp: 3000A Piezo Buffer, Preamp with EQ
• One set of rubber feet (4 each)
• Attachable belt clip with one set of "dual lock" attachment strips
• Velcro strap
• Black metal strap-mounting bracket with one set of adhesives
• Installation instructions
• Original Product Box/Packaging

Before you order:

The maximum and minimum widths of the pickup element adjuster screws are as follows:

• 15.5mm Maximum Width
• 10mm Minimum Width

So measure the thickness of your bridge, in the spot where you expect to mount the pickup, and ensure that it is within this measurement range.

I was able to obtain these pickups as a special buy, and don't necessarily expect to get more of them - so limited quantities available. As this is not a stock item, but rather a special buyout/clearance item, NO RETURNS are accepted on this item.