What is a cheap upright bass pickup?

Can I amplify double bass with electric bass pickup?

• I lost my double bass pick up and I got a gig tomorrow night (cant buy one now). I do have an old electric bass I dont use and the pickup can be detached. If I cant then is there ...show more

• Answer:

  I have never seen it done. If Wire and String says its possible, I believe him. It makes sense that the pickups would not amplify the acoustics of the resonator (the hollowed wood). I would imagine it to sound really stale. I've been to many professional jazz shows. Every upright acoustic bass I have seen amplified was by mounting a microphone just below the bridge. In some cases, I have seen a tiny mic on a flexible arm which ran through one of the two holes (I forget the name of the holes) into the body of the bass). These bassist have the money and the knowledge to mic their bass in the best possible way. I don't know if there are other ways, or if the microphone id simply the best way. You made me curious.I'm going to a show next weekend. I'll ask the bassist between sets. If he tells me of a different way, I will write you.