Amplifying a mandolin

Subject: RE: Amplifying a mandolin
From: BlueJay
Date: 04 May 00 - 02:31 PM

Mooh- Check the catalog section of Pick-Up the World's website. The prices are there. Mostly $110, except for multiple and stereo systems for the studio, and on very large instruments such as the Grand Piano. On the mandolin, they're placed outside, either on the bridge or just behind thebridge. You said, "I'd like to get rid of all external stuff". If you mean you want a pick-up mounted internally, I think that would be pretty tough for ANY kind of pick-up, for the mandolin, unless you're willing to pay a luthier who may have to remove the top to install it! BTW, I'm probably the only Mudcatter who has ever heard of Pick-Up The World, because it's a local company, and is brand new. But I truly believe there is no finer pick-up made today, and certainly none anywhere near as versatile. Check out their web-site further. These things are truly revolutionary. BlueJay

Subject: RE: Amplifying a mandolin
From: Mooh
Date: 04 May 00 - 10:26 AM

Anyone give me an idea as to the cost of the Pickup the World item? I couldn't find mention of it on their website.

Also, I've been using Mini-flex internal mics, hard-wired, in my 6 and 12 strings, but just a 57 or whatever so far on the mandolin and baritone. I would like to get rid of all external stuff, except the preamps which I prefer to have on the floor, footcontrolled.

I'm impressed with the Fishman magnetic/condensed mic thing when balanced well, but I can't afford them for all my guitars.

Peace, and thanks. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Amplifying a mandolin
From: BlueJay
Date: 04 May 00 - 09:51 AM

Sailor Dan- While I haven't directly heard Pick-Up The World ona banjo, I've heard it works well. I have them on my guitars and I've never found anything that works so well on my autoharp. This really is a new technology, with an absolute natural sound as opposed to most pick-ups. On the web page, look in "Tech Notes", where they detail how to mount them on banjos for best results.

Subject: RE: Amplifying a mandolin
From: Songster Bob
Date: 04 May 00 - 01:26 AM

I tried a "Woodpicker" on my guitar (D-28) and it sounded pretty good. I have a stick-on pickup on one mandolin, bot a Woodpicker, and it's not bad, but only so-so (another "A model," but by Harmony). I may try the woodpicker on the mandolin soon, since I've taken it off the Martin guitar. The woodpicker has a block of dense wood on top of the pickup, and it doesn't seem to feed back as much as the other one I have. I'd seriously give one of them a trial, since they ain't 'spensive (I got mine on Ebay for $18, but I think they're normally around $40 or so.

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: Amplifying a mandolin
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 03 May 00 - 05:55 PM

Thinking of amplifying them, I got to play a solid electric last year and quite enjoyed it. Has anyone else tried one?

Jon

Subject: RE: Amplifying a mandolin
From: Sailor Dan
Date: 03 May 00 - 04:55 PM

Bluejay;

Do you have and knowledge of how these pickups work with a Banjo. I have a bad habit of playing without picks and a friend of mine keeps telling me to amplify the instrument. Having read a number of threads here on the cat regarding pickups I am not sure of what kind of pickup to use. and using the blue clicky thing I have read the ads for it and it sounds interesting.

Appreciate any help, advice thoughts on the subject

Subject: RE: Amplifying a mandolin
From: Lady McMoo
Date: 03 May 00 - 04:11 PM

I don't care for piezos any more either on guitar or mandolin and I have tried most types. Now I use a standard Shure SM 57 for everthing. Takes a bit more care to avoid feedback and I can't leap around anymore like I used to (that must be a great relief to everyone!) but I'm much happier with the sound. Instruments? Eccleshall A5 mandolin and Lakewood M-18 guitar if that's any help.

Peace,

mcmoo

Subject: RE: Amplifying a mandolin
From: BlueJay
Date: 03 May 00 - 01:33 PM

The finest, IMHO, is Pick-Up The World, for all acoustic instruments. I have several. click here BlueJay

Subject: Amplifying a mandolin
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 03 May 00 - 01:17 PM

I'm looking for some input on amplifying the mandolin for performance. I'm primarily a guitar-player, and I have a lot of experience with the options for amplifying an acoustic guitar -- from playing into a number of different microphone types, to stick-on soundboard transducers, to the various piezoelectric under-saddle bridge pickups, to magnetic pickups, to internal condenser microphones. Currently my favorite on-board, feedback-resistant option for guitar is the Fishman Rare Earth humbucker with the internal condenser mike mixed in, through a SansAmp Acoustic DI; it ain't perfect, but it balances the competing considerations out pretty well in my estimation.

On mandolin, the available options seem more limited, especially if you don't want to do major alterations to your instrument. At the moment I use a Fishman piezoelectric bridge pickup through a small preamp. I'm not thrilled with it -- the brittle piezo tone is not really something I care for, and the integrated pickup/bridge saddle amplifies a lot of extraneous handling noise. Can anyone out there share their experiences (pro or con) with other options?

For what it's worth, I play an old (1953) Martin style 2-15; it's an archtop mandolin with f-holes, what would be called an A-style if it were a Gibson. It's a pleasant sounding instrument with lots of sentimental value (it was given to me by my father, who passed away last year). It has a higher arch than a Gibson -- more along the lines of the arched top on a fiddle. And obviously, I don't want to do any cutting. Please let me know if anyone has any advice. Thanks.