Realist Copperhead Pickup for Double Bass

Natural Double Bass Amplification for Arco and Pizzicato Playing

The Realist Copperhead Pickup for Double Bass delivers rich, natural amplification while preserving the tonal character and dynamic response of an acoustic upright bass. Developed by Ned Steinberger in collaboration with David Gage, this passive piezoelectric transducer is designed to reproduce the instrument's sound accurately during both bowed (arco) and plucked (pizzicato) playing. Its balanced response allows bassists to move between playing techniques without repeatedly adjusting amplifier settings, making it particularly useful for jazz, orchestral, and other amplified performance settings.

The Copperhead features a thin, flexible copper transducer element that fits beneath a bridge foot, sensing vibrations from both the bridge and the bass's resonating top plate. This placement helps capture the instrument's natural warmth, articulation, and tonal complexity while providing the output needed for live amplification. The passive design operates without batteries or an external preamplifier, connecting to compatible amplifiers and audio equipment through a standard 1/4" output jack. Installation requires no permanent alteration to the instrument, making the Copperhead a practical solution for bassists who want dependable amplification while maintaining their instrument's acoustic character.

Features & Specifications

• Product: Realist Copperhead Pickup for Double Bass
• Instrument Compatibility: Acoustic double bass (upright bass)
• Pickup Type: Passive piezoelectric acoustic transducer
• Transducer Construction: Thin, flexible copper element designed to capture instrument vibrations
• Mounting Position: Fits beneath a bridge foot, between the bridge and the bass's top plate
• Acoustic Response: Captures vibrations from both the bridge and soundboard for natural tonal reproduction
• Playing Techniques: Balanced response for arco and pizzicato playing without requiring separate amplifier adjustments
• Output Connection: Standard 1/4" jack for connection to compatible amplifiers and audio equipment
• Passive Electronics: Operates without batteries or an external preamplifier
• Installation: Mounts beneath the bridge foot without permanent modification to the instrument
• Designers: Developed by Ned Steinberger in association with David Gage
• Listed Weight: 0.4 lbs.
• Recommended Uses: Amplified double bass performance, studio recording, jazz ensembles, and playing that combines bowed and pizzicato techniques