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.

You can draw a comparison to a two pickup electric bass' neck and bridge pickups -- the complementary blend of the two units is very nice, and easy to quickly balance the volumes to achieve a different sound character depending on the type of music or selection. The placement and different characters of each pickup system provide a wider sound palette from which to choose. As a result, if you require a range different tonal flavors during a performance for pizz or arco, or want different voices for different gigs, the Bass Master Pro should be your choice.

The photo shows the two pickup components of the system mounted on my Juzek bass. A group of four transducers (the same as are used by the Double Big Twin) are placed beneath the four strings of the bass, and a Bass Max is inserted into the E or G side wing of your bridge. It terminates to a stereo (3 conductor) jack; a high quality stereo cable is included, to plug into the companion, dual channel preamplifier.

The preamp included with the Bass Master Pro has separate, three-band EQ controls for each pickup set so you can custom-tailor the tone of each pickup, then blend them in the ratio that works for you. The preamp ALSO offers the option to send each pickup to a separate amplifier (or separate channel on your multi-channel amp or mixing board) for separate amplification or external mixing. The extra "smart jack" output, when used, automatically routes one pickup to each output.

I should also note, that in my case, I mounted the bridge string transducers on the bottom of my bridge; K&K's original images show it on the top, but my Juzek's adjustable bridge is too curved to accommodate them. The Juzek's prior guest, the Double Big Twin, was also mounted on the bottom. I think it is less obtrusive and noticeable that way, too, but shouldn't matter one way or the other to the ultimate sound.

The preamp that comes with the system has a belt clip, for easy availability and balancing on the job, and measures a mere 3.5 x 2.9 x 1.3 inches. The two volume controls are at the top. Individual treble, bass, and master volume controls are inside the unit, which is powered by a 9 volt battery. A tiny screwdriver is attached by velcro on the inside, for adjustments to the internal controls.

As you can see, while the close-up photo looks a little cluttered, it's quite unobtrusive when seen in perspective. The same installation on Bob's Juzek 3/4 size bass - from a little further back - is the second photo.