Sounds great, calnsfolk. I am very interested in the subject. I just purhased a beautiful Vega long neck (from Deering) and had decided that I could live with the on-stage problems of micing the instrument. I conisdered seriously at the electrics made here in the US, and read up quite a bit on them, and in the end determined to stay with the acoustic instrument. I don;t regret that decision, but I have been reconsidering the way I capture the sound on-stage.

When I play in a concert environment; ie., carefully set-up room and stage, time to sound check well, with pro sound man, I have never had an issue with a mic for the banjo (not so for the guitar, even under those conditions) - but in the closer, less 'sound friendly' atmospheres of the clubs/pubs, it's a crap shoot. I sometimes find myself taking on faith that what I'm playing and what the audience is hearing, is what I intend! Under these circumstances I wish I'd simply gone for the electric.

Sounds like you're happy with you decision. I am curious about Swan and their product. I will be looking through their website. Thanks kindly for your input. I appreciate it!