Tech: Recommend an acoustic preamp

Subject: Tech: Recommend an acoustic preamp
From: GUEST,Don Meixner
Date: 28 May 12 - 10:10 AM

I am looking to put my old Guild F 30 back into service for band work. It has on board a Fishman bridge pick up (20 years old)but no built in preamp. I had used in the past a basic BB floor box and would consider the same still. I have a Baggs Para DI chocolate brick for my banjo (Pick Up The World on the banjo) and would consider another of those. I'm very pleased with it. I plan to use a floor pedal as a volume boost and maybe an over drive to give it some clearly un-Guildlike rattle for the very occasional rock tune.

Mostly I want to get rid of the piezo quack. I'd like to keep it $200.00 US or less if possible.

Thanks

Don

Subject: RE: Tech: Recommend an acoustic preamp
From: Bernard
Date: 28 May 12 - 12:00 PM

I know a few people who are very happy with the Fishman PRO-PLT-101 Pro-EQ Platinum, which is in your price range!

Subject: RE: Tech: Recommend an acoustic preamp
From: GUEST,Don Meixner
Date: 29 May 12 - 11:31 AM

Thanks Bernard

Subject: RE: Tech: Recommend an acoustic preamp
From: Zen
Date: 29 May 12 - 12:09 PM

I've used a Fishman G-II preamp for many years which has given sterling service, if you're looking for something even less expensive. You can see it further down the page on Bernard's link.

Subject: RE: Tech: Recommend an acoustic preamp
From: GUEST,Whistle Stop
Date: 30 May 12 - 10:40 AM

These are all good choices. Frankly, you can't really go wrong with the Baggs Para Acoustic DI, which you said you already have; it's pretty transparent, has good eq capabilities, handles a variety of different input strengths, runs on batteries or phantom power, solidly built, reasonably priced. The Fishman options are also good, with the more recent editions bearing some additional bells and whistles (including subtle, dialable compression, which can be nice). Baggs has upgraded the PADI as well, although they also still offer the original version.

The newer under-saddle transducers are generally better sounding, and less "quack" prone, than the ones from 20 years ago. If you stumble across some extra cash, you might consider upgrading that as well, as it's likely to make a notable difference in the sound. Also, you might consider one of the end-jack preamps that Fishman, Baggs and others offer, as these can be hard-wired in (without additional cutting of the instrument), and save you the hassle and expense of outboard gear.

If you've got a reasonably well-stocked music shop near you, you may want to talk to them about the options -- the technology has improved in recent years, and it's worth getting acquainted with what's out there. Good luck.