I've used just about every device ever invented to try and amplify an acoustic guitar in a way that I could live with . The technology has inched along for many years with improvements coming in tiny (and often very expensive) increments, but I thought I'd share my experience with Fishman's new product.
In my "big box 'o pick-ups" I've got DeArmonds, Dean Markleys, Seymour Duncans, LLR Baggs, Dana Bourgeois,Audio-Technicas, Barcus-Berrys, Sonys, and even Radio Shacks (one of the best, by the way)! The difference between the thirty dollar Radio Shack Lavalier mike and the 500 dollar Sony 55B are pretty small.
I read a review in "Acoustic Guitar" magazine about the Fishman "Rare Earth" soundhole and mike pick-up that sounded promising so I went down to the 12th Fret here in Toronto and borrowed one for a few days. Well I love it! It's definitely the best I've worked with so far. Since 90% of the time there's a mike for the guitar on stage anyway I didn't get the combination pick-up, just the soundhole one. I've tried it with my Lowden, Tak 12string, Larrivee, and 0-18 Martin, (Woody) and it consistantly sounds good, with an even, non-electric sound. Course since it's magnetic you can crank it up. I think they've got it right this time. Beats the hell out of my old Sunrise pick-up, which has certainly boasted being the "best of the best".
I've had several friends who are excellent players, give it a run-through while I've listened from different angles and distances, and I ought to get a comission cause they ALL want one!
Has anyone else tried one? Oh and by the way, they ARE pricey,(about 450 Canadian) but what the hell, it's just money!
Rick