Hi Kathy,

I have the Realist attatched to my cello though most of my gigs are classical. I've never found a problem with it being inconspicuos - people will look at it or ask me about it, but there has never been a problem. I also play in a professional/regional orchestra and no one has ever said anything negative about it. I found that I can also attatch it on the inside of the tailpiece if I feel like trying to hide it.

I found there was no loss in sound quality, although the first time I put it on, it raised the bridge slightly on the C-string side and that took some getting used to. Now I'm used to it and there's no problem at all.

I am very happy with the Realist and in general I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind having something semi-permanently attatched to their cello. It's so nice when I can just show up to my gigs and just plug in withough any fussing with my cello.

-Ranya

I, too, transitioned from a Fishman to a Realist, and I've never had a problem with the aesthetcs of having it on my 18th-Century British cello. I occasionally get asked about it, but I just tell people that it's not original equipment :-D. Of course, I also have an adjustable bridge - but again, no one has ever really questioned it.
And the sound is great.

I had my luthier put the Realist on, though, to avoid damage to the finish. And, most recently, he adjusted the base of the foot on the bass side, to avoid having the pick-up unbalance it.

Hi Kathy,

I currently have a K&K pickup which has served me well.

I have the big twin model
http://www.kksound.com/bigtwin.html
but there is also the big twin internal which is a bit more discreet.

It was incredibly easy to install; one transducer on the bridge and one directly between the feet of the bridge. Some people place the transducers under the bridge, but it is a nightmare to readjust the action of the strings afterward. The jack input i placed on top of my tailpiece, however with the internal pickup I imagine you would be able to place it underneath the tailpiece.

Do you usually use a preamp? I recently bought the LR Baggs para acoustic DI
http://www.lrbaggs.com/html/products/preamps_paradi.shtml
and I'm absolutely in love with it! Solves all my impedance and feedback issues. And it looks good!!

To save myself from sounding like one big advertisement, by all means check out what will suit you best. If you prefer good looks, the Realist may very well be the best for all round quality.

Btw, I've had no problems with looking conspicuous! Plus, I say it is a good thing to advertise your set up to the public. It all helps with breaking the orchestral instrumentalist mould :-)

Hello Sophie,

I have a home made pickup and pre-amp(actually a FET impedance matcher) I attached a brass plate to my endpin mount and put the jack there where it is quite inconspicuous. Can't say the same for the rest of my cello though.

Tony.

Did you buy your transducer(s) from piazzo or did you make it yourself? Thats quite a good idea putting your jack input by the endpin mount. Would you be able to explain your pre amp/FET impedance matcher? Did you teach yourself to build these or is this your field of specialty? Sorry about the 21 questions!

Hello Sophie,

Sadly I can see no way to post pictures and I don't know if it is considered bad form to link to other forums. I did write a couple of pieces on pickups;

http://www.celloheaven.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=186

Tony.