Mic or pickup for nylon-string guitar

Subject: Mic or pickup for nylon-string guitar
From: FolkGiant
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 12:46 PM

I have a nylon-string guitar that I want to be able to play live. If I wanted to use a soundhole or contact pickup, which would you recommend? I am hesitant to have an under-saddle pickup installed because I don't want to have any holes drilled in the guitar for a jack. It's not the best-sounding guitar ever, so I am reluctant to spend a whole lot of money if I wind up using it only rarely, if at all, at concerts.

I know there's always the second-microphone option, but I play standing (because if I sit, I have no lap to put the guitar in) and I move around a bit too much for a stationary mic to work well for me.

Suggestions?

Oh, and before you all get warm and fuzzy and all "welcome!" and stuff, I have been a member before, I just lost the email accounts I had associated with other screen names. I have been lurking for a good long while as well. Nice to be here, all the same.

FolkGiant

Abiyoyo and Cucullin are cousins of mine.

Subject: RE: Mic or pickup for nylon-string guitar
From: deadfrett
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 01:01 PM

F.G.- Have you tried the McInytre Feather Pickup? I've used it for years and really like it's warm natural tone. As with almost all pickups you may need some kind of preamp unless you can use your P.A.
setup. You'll have fun trying out the different brands. Dave

Subject: RE: Mic or pickup for nylon-string guitar
From: DanTappan
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 01:03 PM

One option to avoid drilling a hole for a jack is one of these
http://www.tapastring.com/vintagejack.htm

I have a K&K "Pure Classic" pickup with a vintage jack in my nylon string.
But that may be more than you want to spend.

Subject: RE: Mic or pickup for nylon-string guitar
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 01:10 PM

Ive sai it before and I'll say it again ! Microvox

Subject: RE: Mic or pickup for nylon-string guitar
From: FolkGiant
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 01:28 PM

There's only once problem with the VintageJack... my guitar doesn't have an endpin... it never did. Thanks, though, for the suggestion. I appreciate the input so far, folks! Keep it up!

Subject: RE: Mic or pickup for nylon-string guitar
From: GUEST,Tony
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 03:03 PM

You could use a clip-on miniature microphone ($27 at Radio Shack). It has to have a line amplifier, as the RS one does. A plain unamplified electret mic puts out too weak a signal.

If you want to attach it outside you'll probably want to rig up something that's easier on the wood than the (removable) alligator-jaw clip it comes with.

Another option is to mount it inside. That's what I do. You could get a soundhole cover (or make one -- I've never seen one for sale that fits classical guitar soundholes) and then make a hole in it for the microphone's tiny cable to poke through. Mine is mounted permanently inside, but that required drilling a hole. I think it sounds great, with no feedback and very natural tone. You need the soundhole cover if the mic is inside, not just for mounting it, and not just to limit feedback. Having it inside without a cover makes the bass boom.

Subject: RE: Mic or pickup for nylon-string guitar
From: Bruce MacNeill
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 03:09 PM

For what it's worth, I use a Dimarzio Acoustic Model mic that sticks on to the face of the guitar with a sort of clay. That way, you can try different positions and put it on or take it off as needed. I find the tone best when it's in the lower right end of my Alvarez-Yiari CY-116. The clay comes right off the finish with no damage. It's only about $50, requires no pre-amp and no holes in the guitar. I've had it for years and it works fine. Of course, all the controls are at the amplifier then. I got it at Musician's Friend.