Acoustic Guitar Pick up

Subject: Accoustic Guitar Pick up
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 10:54 AM

Was looking at GUitar pickUps yesterday. The inhole type. I saw one that also had a volume control on it. Believe the brand was Symore. Was wondering how other have liked or disliked this type of pickup and if the volume control work well. Thanks for yor experience

Gary

Subject: RE: Accoustic Guitar Pick up
From: JedMarum
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 12:13 PM

Sorry, I don't know anything about the Symore product (yet). I'd like to see what other response you get. But, the very best pick-up of this type, in my estimation, is the Fishman Rare Earth. My favorite version of the Rare Earth is the humbucking version.

I am not sure why an on-board volume or EQ control is an advantage for any pick-up. I believe those functions are best handled at the board, or the amp.

You might also want to look into the Pick-up the World products. I've been very happy with the model 27 for my small bodied guitar.

Finaly, there's been some good discussion on this matter here in the recent past. Here are blue clicky things to some of those threads:

try this one

this one's good too

good stuff here

Good Luck!

Subject: RE: Accoustic Guitar Pick up
From: GUEST,Gary
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 01:46 PM

Thanks for the clickies very helpful indeed. I play Irish and Bluegrass on a Guild J30. As a stating in my micing process it sounds as though a SM 57 or 58 is the deal for me at the momentQuestion w/ the 58 will I get too much bass coming from my guitar as I also do vocal bass and back up.

I also so a fair amount of picking on the J30 and like the tones I get picking on a jumbo. So would a SM 57 be better to keep the already good bass qualities of the guitar under control so as not to over power the lower tones. Either when I play rythum for someone else or take away from my own picking when playing solo

Later I'll will probably want to go the Rare Earth route.

Any comments

Gary

Subject: RE: Accoustic Guitar Pick up
From: JedMarum
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 03:04 PM

A mic on-stage presents problems. I don't know how loud your tage is, or what kind of rooms you play, but if you're mixingsound from the stage (ie no sound man) then a pick-up is the right tool. If you think you can manage a mic on-stage, then the 57 or 58 are good choices; low cost good quality, highly versatile mic. The Sennhauser mics are superior, but cost more.

If you are getting too much bass response from your mic you should be able to control that through channel tone and EQ settings - and probably more importantly, mic placement. To many people aim the mic right into the sound hole, and this is not where you get the best sound. Guitars vary but I think most mics respond well to placement just below the neck at the area where many cut outs are placed. That is; just south of the neck, and north of the pick guard. Placement of the mic there will likely give you a balanced sound, and reduce the bass problems you may experience from the sound hole.

Subject: RE: Accoustic Guitar Pick up
From: Bedubya
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 03:09 PM

Gary

If you do decide to get a sound-hole pickup, take your guitar to the music store. Install the pickup on it and note how much space there is between the top of the pickup and your strings. Then play the thing as hard as you do in a group. Make sure that your pick(s), fingers or any other free-flying objects don't hit the pickup and create nasty non-musical noises. I don't have any such pickups myself, but have played friends' guitars that have them. I hit the pickup with the pick every time I really "dig in". Of course, you can just lighten up on your picking style, but then you'll probalbly get into the habit of playing softer and nobody'll be able to hear ya' when you're not plugged in. A vicious circle!

Bruce

Subject: RE: Accoustic Guitar Pick up
From: UB Ed
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 03:22 PM

Bruce, that's exactly why I've chosen to stick with the under saddle pickups. Even the more basic PA's have some eq settings to adjust your amoplified tone.

Subject: RE: Accoustic Guitar Pick up
From: Bedubya
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 03:33 PM

UB Ed

Total agreement. I have undersaddle piezos on three guitars. Great for stand-up playing. But if I get to sit down I'd rather unplug and use an SM-57.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Accoustic Guitar Pick up
From: UB Ed
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 03:53 PM

What do you mean "sit down?"

Subject: RE: Accoustic Guitar Pick up
From: Bedubya
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 04:25 PM

UB Ed

Yes, sitting down!

In this neck of the woods it's common for bands to sit while playing for contra and square dances. The dancers don't wanna look at ya. They just wanna hear ya. They're gonna wear your ass out anyway, and there's no sense making it worse by falling down.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Accoustic Guitar Pick up
From: UB Ed
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 04:31 PM

Wasn't there a recent thread concerning potential long term problems that could occur from sitting and playing? Regardless, I'd figure ya to be dancing along!

Subject: RE: Accoustic Guitar Pick up
From: GUEST,Gary
Date: 12 Apr 01 - 04:56 PM

What was that thread Health Problems or the like. I didn't look at it. As I play Bodhran as well my hands tend to really get it. I'll have to look for that Health thread as well Gary