Rebo - new magnetic pickup for bowed strings

[surfinbela]

Hi there, I would like you all to discuss a new fully adjustable humbucking electromagnetic pickup for bowed strings (violin, viola, cello, doublebass) I am involved in developing:

http://www.uli-boesking.de/rebo/

Moderators: I don't know if this is allowed here - please inform me at once, if this thread is not OK!

[FunkFaker]

how does it sound for pizz upright bass?

thanks,
tommy

[woomanmoomin]

Humbucking?

[robd]

I think a lot of folks might want to bolt one of these on electrics, so you guys might want to consider a 5-string version.

[robd]

The web page says that the violin jack assembly is a stereo jack. What comes out of each channel? Could you just plug a mono cable into it for use with normal FX and amps?

Anyway, I'll order one ASAP and post a review here when I get it.

[Chrisc_o]

I actually sent them an e-mail to inquire about a 5-string model. They basically said that they have been considering it, but it is not an immediate priority.

The first electric 5-string I built (I am a luthier) used a Carvin e-guitar pickup (the ones with 11 adjustable polepieces per coil!) which allowed me to follow the curve of the fingerboard, but having the polepeices so far out, as well as having most of the p-up exposed outside of the body was a hum nightmare! There was potential in the tone, but just not enough output, and noise issues.

Hope they hurry things along as I would love to add this type of pick up in my next prototype.

[krs]

You should develop a quick release technology, I wouldn't want that riding around when not required..

[violindave]

Another vote for a 5 string version

I'd like to hear more sound bytes of the pickup on a solid body electric violin and hear this pickup compared to the stock pickup on the same instrument and know which instrument is being used

for example hear it on a Zeta with sound bytes on something played using the Zeta pickup and then same piece with this magnetic

Even better would be a Jordan violin [which is what I have for solid body]

Personally I use the Baggs pickup on my acoustic and this works fine, including through tube amp with effects etc but I'd love something to really beef up the solid body

Dave

[Ethan Winer]

Originally Posted by surfinbela

Hi there, I would like you all to discuss a new fully adjustable humbucking electromagnetic pickup for bowed strings (violin, viola, cello, doublebass) I am involved in developing

Many / most violin and cello strings are not all made of steel, so a magnetic pickup won't work.

--Ethan

[robd]

On the site, they suggest helicore strings, which are made of steel. I actually have been using them on all my violins for several years anyway. The tone is not quite as nice as some of the better synthetic core strings, but I find them much more responsive.

[terry1]

Chrisc_o

You stated in your post "they were considering it" is that their actual words? The only reason I ask Ive been inquiring about it since last December and their statements were they had developed one and now was waiting on a parts supplier in the U.S. This would be for a 5 string violin setup. I'm in the process of making a very modern 5 string violin and the pick up at this time is the hold up. Their last response was about a month ago.

[terry1]

surfinbela

Do you happen to know where they are at on the 5 string violin version? This seems to be taking forever since they were done testing it and was ready to release it. That has been several months now. Any input as to what is going on would help

Thanks

[Chrisc_o]

I didn't get much more than that, but I found their prompt reply to my inquiry very promising.

I was worried about using steel strings on my first prototype, but it is all about the sound. Classical musicians would need quite a bit of arm twisting to give up their tied and true string sets, but think about the difference between acoustic and electric guitar strings. It is a completely different set of rules. Different transduction method, different playing dynamic, different response.

Even if you are trying to emulate the warmth of a classical violin, the steel strings though a humbucker will not come across as they will through the bridge, soundboard, bass bar, sound post, and the rest of the instrument's body. I is a completely different animal, so it is normal to accept a paradigm shift anyway.

[terry1]

Well one of things I was concerned about is the fact they will not be humbukling. Also they will install the same way as the others too. As far as the sound goes I was never really expecting it to sound like a real acoustic violin. I just wish they would get off their duffs and go forward with it.

[terry1]

surfinbela

Can you call or email them and ask where they are at on this. I think its gotten to the point where I might be ignored now. Mind you Ive only email them about every other month. You mentioned you have work with them before or still are. Its just I would like to move forward with this and not having any idea as to what is going on is really getting frustrating.

Thanks

[robd]

I heard a month or so ago that they expected to have the 5-string version in several weeks. I didn't hear anything about it not being humbucking. I finally managed to figure out a way to install mine on my yamaha silent violin and find a place in the hick town I live in now that sells resistors, so I'll try to get around to posting some sound samples soon.

[terry1]

robd

Thanks I appreciate the feed back.

[surfinbela]

Hi there, long time not been here. There is a 5-string model:
rebo prototype on 5-string
Lenka Zupkowa's 5-string
Please contact, if you're interested.

Uli