Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (3)
$260.00 $249.95 $10.05
Amazon
4.2 (21)
$249.95
Thomann
4.8 (54)
$195.00 $193.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£220.00

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "David Gage The Realist LifeLine". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

For musicians looking to elevate their acoustic performances, the David Gage The Realist LifeLine is the ultimate pickup companion for your double bass. Crafted with a self-powered transparent piezo transducer, this pickup ensures that every note you play resonates with clarity and power. Unlike traditional pickups that may compromise sound quality at higher volumes, the LifeLine keeps your tones faithful and full, even when cranked up.

Installation is a breeze—just attach it to the adjuster of your double bass bridge. No glue or fasteners mean you can easily set it up without any risk of damaging your instrument. Designed to fit most bridges effortlessly, the LifeLine is an excellent choice whether you're performing on stage or recording in a studio.

Join the community of bassists who've already discovered the reliability and quality of the Realist LifeLine. It’s not just about amplification; it’s about maintaining the integrity of your instrument’s natural voice. Trust in a product that brings your bass to life, offering a dynamic presence that enhances every performance.

Key Features:

  • Self-powered transparent piezo transducer for clear and powerful sound
  • Maintains sound fidelity even at high volumes
  • Easy attachment to bridge adjuster without glue or fasteners
  • Compatible with most bridges, particularly those with aluminum/metal bridge adjuster wheels

Product specs

Type Piezo
Instrument Double Bass
Position Bridge Mounted
Active/Passive Passive

FAQs

How does the Realist LifeLine pickup affect the natural sound of my double bass?

The Realist LifeLine is designed to capture the natural, acoustic sound of your double bass with punch and clarity, ensuring minimal loss of fidelity. It provides a focused bass sound that maintains the instrument's character.

Is the Realist LifeLine pickup easy to install on a double bass?

Yes, the Realist LifeLine pickup is easy to install and does not require a luthier. It mounts directly onto the bridge of your double bass without any modification needed.

Does the Realist LifeLine pickup require an external power source?

No, the Realist LifeLine is a passive pickup and does not require an external power source, making it convenient for live performance and practice.

Can the Realist LifeLine pickup be used with an amplifier?

Yes, the Realist LifeLine pickup is compatible with most amplifiers. However, using a preamp can help optimize the sound quality and volume for different performance settings.

Will the Realist LifeLine pickup fit all double bass bridges?

The Realist LifeLine is designed to fit most standard double bass bridges. However, slight adjustments may be needed depending on the specific dimensions of your bridge.

Realist Acoustic

Realist Acoustic

Ron Carter on The Realist LifeLIne

Video thumbnail for Ron Carter on The Realist LifeLIne by Realist Acoustic

Ron Carter on The Realist LifeLIne

Realist Acoustic

Realist Acoustic

Video thumbnail for David Gage LifeLine Bass Pickup by Strings Magazine

David Gage LifeLine Bass Pickup

Strings Magazine

Strings Magazine

Video thumbnail for Realist Lifeline Piezo Double Bass Pickup by Woodwind & Brasswind is now Music & Arts

Realist Lifeline Piezo Double Bass Pickup

Woodwind & Brasswind is now Music & Arts

Woodwind & Brasswind is now Music & Arts

Video thumbnail for The Realist Life Line Sound Test by MrSunnybass

The Realist Life Line Sound Test

MrSunnybass

MrSunnybass

Video thumbnail for Realist vs Life Line [ David Gage Double Bass Pickup comparison ] by Bassist 木村 将之 Kimura Masashi

Realist vs Life Line [ David Gage Double Bass Pickup comparison ]

Bassist 木村 将之 Kimura Masashi

Bassist 木村 将之 Kimura Masashi

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about David Gage The Realist LifeLine.

Features and functionality

  • The Realist LifeLine pickup is praised for its natural sound replication and less fiddly installation compared to the regular Realist model.

    Source
  • The Realist LifeLine's impedance matches well with amps, minimizing the need for an acoustic preamp.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Installing the Realist or Fishman pickups requires slackening the strings and dropping the bridge temporarily.

    Source
  • Applying a bit of rosin on the pickup can prevent slipping against the wood during installation.

    Source
  • Loosening the strings and lifting the bridge slightly is necessary for inserting the pickup under the bridge adjuster.

    Source
  • Marking the bridge's position with light pencil marks or painter’s tape can help maintain alignment during installation.

    Source
  • Ensuring the tailgut and string positions are correct during tuning prevents bridge misalignment and maintains sound post stability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Realist LifeLine is favored in "throw and go" gigs where feedback is a concern, offering a woody sound that suits various performance environments.

    Source
  • A video guide shows installation similarities between the Realist LifeLine and Copperhead models, aiding visual learners.

    Source

User experience

  • One user reports consistent performance from their Realist pickup since 2006, suggesting long-term reliability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Realist offers a more "woody" tone, while the Fishman Full Circle is described as having a glassier tone with more sustain.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ron Carter uses David Gage The Realist LifeLine

Ron Carter

Bassist

Artists United Against Apartheid

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this April 25, 2016 YouTube video by Realist Acoustic.

J

John W. Lauler

Bassist

Marbin

...
Verified via No Treble

Listed in this July 10, 2018 No Treble Reader Spotlight.

Gear

My main squeezes are:

  • 1993 Fender P-Bass w/Labella Deep Talkin’ strings
  • 1983 Fender J-Bass w/Rotosound ’66 Swing Bass strings
  • 1947 Czech double bass w/Pirastro gut strings
  • 2003 Christopher double bass w/Pirastro Evah Pirazzi strings

Rig:

  • Markbass Little Mark Tube 800
  • Hartke Hydrive 2X10 and 4X10 cabinets
  • Ampeg SVT-Pro pre-amp
  • Boss OC-2
  • Way Huge Pork Loin
  • MXR Envelope Filter
  • Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone
  • Electro-Harmonix Canyon Delay

For upright:

  • Fishman bass pre-amp
  • DPA 4099 instrument mic
  • Realist Lifeline pickup

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use David Gage The Realist LifeLine, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Way Huge Pork Loin
Way Huge Pork Loin Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
DPA d:vote 4099
DPA d:vote 4099 Condenser Microphones
1
Markbass Little Mark Tube 800
Markbass Little Mark Tube 800 Bass Amplifier Heads
1
Fender Jazz Bass
Fender Jazz Bass Electric Basses
1
Boss OC-2 Octaver
Boss OC-2 Octaver Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone
Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone Bass Effects Pedals
1

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