Pickups for Acoustic Guitars

Subject: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: UB Ed
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 03:13 PM

Many thanks to all of you offering comments on my earlier thread as I pondered what guitar to buy. I'm leaning toward the Lowden O23c (can't let it go!) and will need to install some internal pickup as I don't seem to be able to stay in one place very long.

The Lowden has a two piece saddle. Will that make any difference for the pickups that work well with a one piece? What about an internal condensor mic? I've got a fishman in my Martin D18. Is that the be-all, end-all system?

Lowden sez: "The disciplines involved in producing a great sounding acoustic guitar are many. The techniques required to amplify that sound are similarly complex. All models from The Standard Range will produce a first-class electro-acoustic sound with the correct installation and maintenance of a compatible pickup system. Every Lowden guitar bridge has been pre-routed for the easy retrofitting of a pickup system. A wider than normal end pin-hole allows for easy installation of the jack socket / strap button. "

Advice/Opinions?

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: GUEST,CraigS
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 03:35 PM

Lots of pickups will give a good sound. I think the pickup Lowden uses is a two-sensor Schaller skeleton, which is only available to trade/builders. Interestingly, you can buy the cased version of this as a "stick-on-the-top" set-up, so you could get one and try it on the outside before deciding to have it fitted. I used to have one (a single sensor version) and found it was good, but we found that Barcus-Berry Juniors worked better on the piano!

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: Ian HP
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 05:52 PM

Fantastic choice of guitar. I too play a Lowden and I truly beleive they're the best in the world. I've tried all kinds of pick-ups and don't like any of them. Tried Microvox for a while (a tiny mic attached to the guitar), which gave a nice sound but no volume unless you like feedback. Now I always put a mic in front of the guitar. Almost all pick-ups make an acoustic guitar sound like a cheap electric to me. I sit down to play and so a mic isn't such a problem as it would be for a standing player. I still get looked at funny because I don't plug in but I'm getting the sound I want and that's what matters. This is probably no help at all!

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: Mooh
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 07:35 PM

I just installed a Schatten Dualie in my 12 string, and though placement is critical and it took a while to find the right place, it sounds better than any saddle pick-up I've owned. It is attached to the inside of the soundboard near the bridge with either very strong double-sided tape (provided) or glue. I guess it's a piezo element or something but sure sounds smooth, with no quack. My six string has a condenser mic and I sometimes use D'Marzio or Barcus-Berry soundhole pickups.

Search for this subject here, there's been lots of discussion about it. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: Big Mick
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 08:21 PM

The LR Baggs dual source is the one for me. As its name implies, it has a ribbon transducer and a mic which you can blend in. The only mod to your axe is the endpin jack. The only downside is the control is mounted on the soundhole, but it is very small. The sound is as good as anything I have heard, including the Fishman blenders. If I were buying new, I would order with the Fishman Prefix blender. But if I am retrofitting, Baggs is it.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: ddw
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:42 PM

Ed,

We've had several discussions on this in the couple of years I've been checking into M'cat. One of the best was >a HREF=Opinons on pick-ups for acoustic guitar >this one

cheers,

david

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: ddw
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:45 PM

Ed,

Sorry, screwed up on the clicky.... trying again.....

We've had several discussions on this in the couple of years I've been checking into M'cat. One of the best was this one

cheers,

david

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: ddw
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:48 PM

Ed,

Damn! Gonna get it right or crash the Web trying.....

We've had several discussions on this in the couple of years I've been checking into M'cat. One of the best was this one

cheers,

david

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: ddw
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:51 PM

Okay, it was an idle threat. Could a Joe Clone figure out where I'm going wrong on the blue clicky and fix it so Ed can get the info he's looking for?

thanx

david

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: bill\sables
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 06:41 AM

One of the best pickups for a true sound is made by one of out own mudcat members "Poo Twa", son in law of Blue Jay. check out his website here

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: UB Ed
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 09:07 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: Fortunato
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 01:06 PM

I'm in the market for a pickup. Has anyone used "The Pickup for the World referenced above? The testimonials are ecstatic. The price is high compared to some? Is there enough difference to warrant th exta bucks?

regards, fortunato

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: bill\sables
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 05:53 AM

I am using the Pick Up The World on my Vega Tenor Banjo. I spent years and a lot of money trying to find a banjo pick up which reproduced the banjo sound, (Most sounded like an electric guitar) I eventually got a Fishman which was about £110 UK and found it was very good until I tried the Pick Up The World which I found was much better than the fishman for true reproduction. The PUTW is approx. £80 UK when it eventually gets here and is guaranteed for 5 years. The other advantage is that you only "need" one pickup for all instruments. I would suggest you give it a try, It might just suit you.
Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: GUEST,JB The Folkie Sailor
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 06:02 AM

Ref: Lowden amplification. I use a Fishman 'Rare Earth' Soundhole Pickup (humbucker) on my O10. It's not as aesthetically pleasing visually as an internal transducer-type, but it sounds the Biz - More 'acoustic' than when I play acoustic. Everyone who hears it says it's better-sounding than an internal pickup. It has a built-in preamp too, so there's no need to buy an external one.

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: Midchuck
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 11:53 AM

How intelligent do you have to be to install and set up this PUTW rig? Of course, the web page says any idiot can do it, but they all say that.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: bill\sables
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 01:00 PM

Midchuck,If you can stick a piece of selotape on your guitar you can install a PUTW pickup. It is a piece of adheasive tape which will not harm the varnish and should be moved around till you find the best position for your instrument. It comes with a spare roll of tape.
Bill

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: Poo-Twa
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 03:41 PM

Hi all, we just got back from NAMM, and really had a great time. We unveiled a number of new pre-amp designs and a Mini-Microphone (for wind instruments) at the show. NAMM was a huge success, and we did demonstrations on virtually everything that vibrates (including drums and vocal chords). For reference, the prices on our site are full manufacturers suggested retail, and the pickups can be had through Elderly and Mandolin Brothers for around $90-$100 U.S. We are available around the clock to assist in choosing the best element for each instrument, and also provide accessories that eliminate the need for endpin jacks, soldering irons, or any alterations to the instrument. Our products come with a total satisfaction guarantee, and we encourage people to compare them to any existing products of any kind. We hope this helps clarify any questions, and wish you all the most positive experiences with your music. Sincerely, Annie & David at Poo-Twa Pick-up the World 800-375-2656

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: reggie miles
Date: 04 Feb 01 - 02:09 PM

But can it amplify my saw?
Can it, can it dear Poo-Twa?

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: BlueJay
Date: 05 Feb 01 - 02:43 AM

Reggie- It would depend on if your saw is already electric. If it's a skilsaw, then believe me, it requires no further amplification. If, however, you have one of those old saws I saw as a kid, where folks varied the pitch by bending the saw, (don't remember what they're called), then yes, a Pick-Up the World pick-up could possibly work. The main problem I see is placement: Since the pick-up is mounted with double-stick tape, mounting it in the central part of the saw, where the bending is the greatest, would possibly cause separation of the pick-up from the instrument. If this were a wooden instrument, I'd advise mounting it lower, where the stress from bending is less. The wood would transmit the musical tones. But since we're talking metal, I don't really know. I'm suspicious of how well metal actually transmits musical tones. There may well be a happy medium, where the sound transmission is good, and the pickup won't separate from the instrument. I really don't think it's ever been tried in this application, but Pick-Up the World sensors work very well on drum-heads, from what I've seen, and drum-heads also bend quite a bit. Like I said, I don't think it's been tried before on a saw. Definitely some experimentation is in order. Thanks, BlueJay

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: JedMarum
Date: 05 Feb 01 - 09:34 AM

I have two suggestions, and both have already been made - so I guess I'm seconding; I am quite impressed with PooTwa's PUTW pickup. It has an excellent sound, is easy to install, and is quite unintrusive. You may spend a bit of time moving its location, experimenting for the sound you like best - but I found that placing it precisely the way the instructions suggested worked best. You will probably need a pre-amp - but you've got good choices on the market there.

The other suggestion I want to second is the fishman rare earth pickup - again, it is quite unintrusive (no or little cutting is required) and you might well be very happy with the sound. I use one in my 000 Santa Cruz. It does have a bit of an 'electric' sound - but the sound is so pretty, and the mix of of acoustic guitar qualities so strong that I find the sound excellent. I must admit, it was not the sound I was going for, but once I heard it, it was what I wanted. I love it. I use my 000 for finger style picking, and this pickup works very very nicely for it.

The good news is, you have some great choices. Good Luck!

Subject: RE: Pickups for Acoustic Guitars
From: Poo-Twa
Date: 05 Feb 01 - 01:48 PM

Thanks all for the kind words. The saw is inspiring to think about. In our experiments on kalimbas and other such devices, the vibrations are known to transfer through materials like metal very efficiently. The proper device would be a model #20 mounted next to the handle. I think we could offer an artist endorsement discount for this application, as we'd be interested in knowing for sure that it works so we could add it to our list of supported instruments. Of course, there is no risk in trying, as our guarantee insures successful performance or all money is re-reimbursed including shipping. Also, if anyone plays one of those dancing lumberjacks, we could offer the same kind of deal. Thanks again, David & Annie Pick-up the World