Shadow SH 950 - Bridge Pickup - Double Bass Pickup

Shadow SH 950 - Bridge Pickup Click on the image for a larger view.

Tell me about the Shadow SH950.

The Shadow SH950 is an improved version of the "Underwood" pickup. In size, appearance and application the two pickups are virtually identical. The system consists of two "lugs" that are simply slotted - or if necessary fitted - in to the "ears" of the bridge. The two lugs are connected by a sturdy coaxial cable which terminates with a black plastic covered standard 6mm (¼ in) in-line jack socket.

What is at the heart of the pickup?

The pick-up consists of four piezo-ceramic elements (two elements per lug) encased in a white rubber compound. The rubber compound - in turn - is sandwiched within a steel casing.

How are the elements positioned within the lugs?

The sensors are positioned opposite each other - so that the vibrations from both the strings and the body of the instrument can be captured accurately.

How do I fit the Shadow SH950?

The installation is relatively easy and should take only a few minutes to get up and running. The beauty of the system is that you don't have to loosen or remove any strings or move the bridge at all.

Can you tell me more on how to fit the Shadow SH950

Mounting instructions with diagrams are included with the Shadow SH950.
Here is a summary:

1) Fit Pickups: Test fit the two disks into the slots between the wings and feet of the bridge. For the best sound output the disks need to fit tightly. If the disks are too loose an adhesive copper foil is supplied to pack the disks. When you have determined the amount required - simply remove the white protective backing and affix over the sides of the disks. If the two disks are too fat - simply use a flat file to widen the bridge slots. When you are satisfied that a good fit has been achieved - install the disks.
2) Fit Jack: Position the output socket by means of the supplied Velcro-tape in a convenient location on the instrument. The most common position is on the underside of the tailpiece with the socket pointing down towards the endpin.

That's it. Job done. All you have to do next is connect socket to amplifier and switch on.

Shadow fitted on a bridge

The Shadow SH950 has a high output impedance. Is a pre-amplifier required?

No - it is not necessary to use a pre-amp - although some players may well opt to use one. For the optimum sound - without the use of a pre-amp - Shadow recommend an amplifier with a low impedance input. For players who need to use a longish cable run to the amplifier the Shadow SH950 does need to be routed via a high input impedance pre-amp.

Please remind me of what impedance is?

Impedance is a measure of electronic resistance. An output signal needs to feed into an input whose impedance is an appropriate match. A mismatch will degrade the eventual sound quality.

What about the sound?

The Shadow SH95 produces a natural sound when either plucked or bowed and there is an absolutely unparalleled deep bass sound that is particularly favoured by Rockabilly and Bluegrass players.

What have players said about the Shadow SH950?

Here are a few comments;

a) I am well pleased with the Shadow SH950. It gives me a great sound - even without a preamp.
b) I use to have an Underwood pickup but have to say that I prefer the Shadow SH950. It gives a much fatter, smoother sound.
c) If you're on a tight budget you'll find that the Shadow SH950 does a really great job.
d) When I recorded my bass using the Shadow SH950 the sound was well balanced tonally and was quite "open" in quality. There was a striking amount of ground-shaking very low frequency and an arco sound which was useable after some equalisation.

Can you tell me about the Company please?

Shadow was founded in 1971 by the Joe Marinic. At an early age Marinic developed into a successful guitarist. He had his own Blues and Jazz band and regularly appeared on both television and radio.
At only 13 years of age Marinic developed and constructed his first guitar amplifier. Today Shadow produces pickups and preamps for acoustic, classic and electric guitar, violin, cello, upright bass, mandolin, banjo and many ethnic instruments and is widely recognised as the largest manufacturer of pick-up systems in the world. In 2007 it produced more than 450,000 preamps and over 1,000,000 pickups in its modern facilities in Hemhofen, Germany.

What about the quality of the products?

From the outset Shadow has worked with top musicians and engineering departments at some of the finest universities. This - combined with their experience in electronic design and guitar building has earned them a superb reputation as the world leader in pickup technology. Shadow Electronics stands for high quality and absolutely reliable pick-up systems.

Is Shadow's confidence in its products backed up by any sort of guarantee?

Yes absolutely. Shadow warrants - to the original purchaser - that their products will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of 2 years from the date of purchase. Obviously defects caused by abuse, accidents, modifications, negligence or misuse are not covered. The warranty can even be extended to 5 years if the purchaser registers the product online at the company web site within ten days of purchase. How fabulous is that?

Are there any endorsees?

Yes. Several well recognised bass players who use Shadow pick-ups are featured endorsing the products on the Shadow Company website. The artists include:

a) Doug Deforest. Doug has performed, recorded and appeared on TV with a whole host of top artists.
b) Henning Hauerken. Henning is a Swinging-Blues band player who plays with B.B & The Blues Shacks. The Band is considered one of the most successful representatives of the traditional Blues in Europe.
c) Rainer Glas. Rainer has toured widely with many creative jazz bands.
d) Markus Kössler. Markus has an impressive CV. He has performed with Sarah Brightman - including a world tour and plays for Central Europe's most popular Hip Hop Band - "Die Fantastischen 4". He also has his own record label.
e) Hoot Hester. Hoot is a bluegrass legend and has played backup for a number of eminent country music recording artists.

I heard that the late great Red Mitchell also used the Shadow SH950.

Yes that is correct. The late, great Red Mitchell [1927-1992] endorsed the device and was especially pleased with the enhanced performance of his lowest strings.

How is the Shadow SH950 packaged?

The pickup comes nicely protected in its own sturdy maroon coloured cardboard box. The box contains the device, a strip of copper foil to shim the device if necessary and full mounting instructions.

Can you give me an overall summary?

The Shadow SH950 is a high quality, professional pick-up that will suite a great many styles and types of playing. In a nutshell - the advantages of the twin disk device are - its ability to produce a "cutting-edge" sound, its unprecedented reliability, the ease with which it can be fitted and its highly competitive price. It's little wonder that the Shadow SH950 is just about one of the most popular pick-ups that there is.

Stats:
Dimensions of lugs: 2.0 x 1.6 x 0.54cm (ave)
Weight: 41.0gms (ave)
Boxed Dimensions: 17.2 x 10.2 x 3.8cm (ave)

Shadow SH 950 - Bridge Pickup Price : UK£139.55 - Convert price with XE.com Personal Currency Assistant