Dean Markley SC-1 Pro Mag
Submitted at: 14:58, 6/19/2004
Product Info
Pickup features: single coil; passive; mounts without making holes
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $46.99
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: 1970 Sigma DR-12-7
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: n/a
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): folk; alternative; emo; country
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: suitable for gigging
Tone: it has a bright jangle or muddy thud depending on how you set it up
Sonic evaluation: Using the sigma through a Vox AC30, the tone was pretty good. Using it through an 80's Squier Champ15b with a Rockman acoustic pedal with the gain cranked and the champ on low volume you get a really good 50's style hollowbody tone. (before pickups have 1/4 outputs)
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It works for everything I do
Overall Rating
Comments: I'd probably replace it with something better if I had the money, but it's worked great for me for the past couple years. I'm not too finicky about my acoustic's amplified tone before going to amp, since, I can tweak it at the amp or throw a pre-amp in the mix.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 7
Submitted by: Thomme <twopillswerentenough@hotmail.com>
Submitted at: 15:18, 9/18/2003
Product Info
Pickup features: Passive single coil
Impedence or other specs: 4kOHMs
Price Paid: US $43.00 used
Purchased from: eBay
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez M-340, Fender 12-string
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: N/A
Artists using this pickup: ??
You musical style(s): Rock, blues, spiritual
Reason for pickup change: Tired of standing in front of a microphone without a monitor.
Sound
Perceived output level: Same as my Strat single coils.
Tone: Full range, bright and clean
Sonic evaluation: Plugged straight into my Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue (Vibrato channel). Awesome!!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Worked perfectly for a recent church gig.
Overall Rating
Comments: Would definitately replace if lost or stolen.
I've been picking for approx. 20 years.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: Mike
Submitted at: 23:15, 7/18/2003
Product Info
Pickup features: Passive Single Coil Soundhole
Impedence or other specs: Unknown
Price Paid: US $40-50
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Seagull
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: None
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup: I doubt if any are
You musical style(s): Folk and classic rock
Reason for pickup change: I wanted to plug in
Sound
Perceived output level: Normal for a passive pickup
Tone: Sort of muddy and flat.
Sonic evaluation: Played through a Fender Champ or PA's with or without a Korg processor, it sounded exactly as it was supposed to. Neither like an acoustic or an electric. With the proper settings, it had enough acoustic qualities to pass, but barely. No ringing tones that the guitar is capable of unplugged.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For classic rock, it is passable in a pinch. For folk, it is horrible.
Overall Rating
Comments: I bought this pickup because it was on sale, and I didn't want to drill holes in my first brand new guitar, that I had finally bought after years of playing pawn shop specials. After about 20 times of light use, I plugged it in and it was dead. It had always been stored carefully in its original plastic box. An hour of testing, replacing the cord, retesting, cussing and a trip to the trash can revealed that this would be my last Dean Markley pickup. I'll put in a peizo, holes or no holes. It just didn't impress me enough to consider buying another similar pickup. The tone was too far off from the unplugged tone of the guitar.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 1 - What a hunk of Junk!
Submitted by: Michael Huck <mhuck@grandecom.net>
Submitted at: 11:30, 4/8/2002
Product Info
Pickup features: Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $70.00
Purchased from: Gordon's music
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Vintage 1950's Guild acoustic
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): all styles
Reason for pickup change: Guitar had no pickup
Sound
Perceived output level: Bright clear crisp
Tone: Bassy and muddy
Sonic evaluation: Plugged the guild into a Jc-120. This is the worst pickup ever. No response at all and it ruined the lovely tone of this guitar. It hardly picks up any thing and what is does pickup you will wish it didn't.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Unsuitable for everything
Overall Rating
Comments:
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 1 - What a hunk of Junk!
Submitted by: Tom <Power5thgibson@aol.com>
Submitted at: 12:54, 2/5/2002
Product Info
Pickup features: Single coil
Impedence or other specs: high
Price Paid: US $$49
Purchased from: Robbie's Music, Nanuet, NY
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Martin D-35, Martin D-1, Madiera dread
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): folk, rock, Christian worship and contemporary
Reason for pickup change: NA
Sound
Perceived output level: Low but right for acoustic-type sound
Tone: bassy and middy
Sonic evaluation: Mackie mixer to Ashley power amp to Sound Tech PA speakers with Zoom DSP
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Purchased this instead of piezo because of the quacking problem and also to move between guitars. The main purpose was to bring the acoustic up to the correct volume for group worship.
Overall Rating
Comments: I read that many people fight with their pickups, assuming that the pickup makes the sound, but YOU MAKE THE SOUND. Every acoustic pup has weaknesses, and you JUST FIX THEM! It is quite possible to get a problem sound even from a premium condenser mic and preamp. Been there. So! Take this magnetic pickup and EQ out what is overbearing to you and then replace what it is missing--harmonics. I run with no EQ adjustment except for the generation of artificial harmonics with an exciter (not an enhancer!). I also compress a little and add some pitch shift and digital reverb. My goal was not to amplify the perfect acoustic tone but to create a big, swirling, rich near-acoustic sound for worship. I've used the same Pro-mag for 11 years for this purpose. Recording is a completely different story. See my web site for tips on getting good electric guitar tone for worship: www.breakfree.org (look under 'About Pastor Dave').
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: No Opinion
Submitted by: Dave Linn <pastordave@breakfree.org>
Submitted at: 12:43, 2/5/2002
Product Info
Pickup features: Single coil
Impedence or other specs: high
Price Paid: US $$49
Purchased from: Robbie's Music, Nanuet, NY
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Martin D-35, Martin D-1, Madiera dread
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): folk, rock, Christian worship and contemporary
Reason for pickup change: NA
Sound
Perceived output level: Low but right for acoustic-type sound
Tone: bassy and middy
Sonic evaluation: Mackie mixer to Ashley power amp to Sound Tech PA speakers with Zoom DSP
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Purchased this instead of piezo because of the quacking problem and also to move between guitars.
Overall Rating
Comments:
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: No Opinion
Submitted at: 21:19, 12/19/2001
Product Info
Pickup features: wood
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from: Dirty Hippy Acoustical Gypsy outlet
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Takamine
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: This acoustic guitar didn't come with a pickup.
Other pickups on guitar: Toyota Tundra - hahahahaha
Artists using this pickup: Probably some chick singer
You musical style(s): Hard edged emotional power ballds
Reason for pickup change: I'm not going to lie to you, because ol' Rip is no liar. I like to sit by a trickling creek sometimes, alone with my thoughts about some nice piece that I saw at the club the other night, and whip out my black Takamine acoustic and pen a power love ballad. But how can I translate such sublime thoughts live on stage? My SIGNATURE Randy Rhoads Jackson V can't cover such tender territory. I need a pickup for my black Takamine acoustic that could get the job done. Ladies, my sweet melodies are brought to yo courtesy of the Dean Markley SC-1 soundhole pickup.
Sound
Perceived output level: Like a kitten purring.
Tone: Like children laughing and dancing...the sweetest sounds you've ever heard.
Sonic evaluation: Well, I gotta rubber band a lot of newspapers before I can get one of those Trace Elliot deals, so for now I have to stick to my 5150. Fortunately, the Dean Markley makes sure every oozing, gooey ounce of love and tranquility arrive unhindered to all of the little rock sluts in the audience. Let me tell you something...you know the acoustic part in "Every Rose Has Its Thorn"? Picture Jesus playing it. Now picture Jesus playing it on a really nice acoustic, like one of those Epiphone Hummingbirds. This is what this pickup sounds like.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pickup is used for the more sensitive me...like when I'm looking to get some and have to suck up by playing Tesla's "Love Song" on a 6 string acoustic.
Overall Rating
Comments: This pickup is very versatile. I put a nice shiner on my little borther Randy when I swung it around like a lasso and knocked him right in the face after I caught him blowing his nose on my Slash's Snakepit concert tee.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: Rip Glitter
Submitted at: 18:25, 12/5/2001
Product Info
Pickup features: Wood-covered
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $25
Purchased from: Don't remember
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: various acousic guitars
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): jazz, rock, everything
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: Medium
Tone: Muddy, imbalanced
Sonic evaluation: I used this "pickup" through various amps and let me tell you, what an embarrassment. I can't imagine what it's good for. It doesn't sound like an acoustic guitar, nor an electric guitar, nor a unique new good sound. All the strings have different output levels with a "nice" LOUD B string right in the mix! There is no way to adjust the volume as pole pieces are hidden. Just horrendous. I gave it to the Salvation Army as a donation (I'm not kidding)!
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Overall Rating
Comments: I'd never buy it again. What a shameful product to mass produce. Why waste the time/materials?
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 1 - What a hunk of Junk!
Submitted by: larry tucker <larrytucker69@hotmail.com>
Submitted at: 8:57, 9/15/2001
Product Info
Pickup features: Single Coil, Passive
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $50.00?
Purchased from: Some little hole in the wall music store
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha fg150, fg411s & Guild d4
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: NONE
Other pickups on guitar: NONE
Artists using this pickup: ME
You musical style(s): Americana
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: Reasonable level. It all depends on the amp, some are better than others at handling the level this puts out
Tone: Depends on the orientation and nearness to the strings
Sonic evaluation: I've used this with an old Hohner, Dean Markley, Crate and a Fender deVille as well as running it through my Carvin PA system, using all three guitars. This pickup keeps a fairly close representation of an acoustic sound with the levels reasonable. Turn them up & it gets more electric sounding.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play Americana. The pickup works well when needed.
Overall Rating
Comments: This is an exellent pickup for the money. There are lots of them out there that don't do as well and cost a lot more. I've been using this quite a lot since I bought it in the early 80's. The cord is a bit of a pain in the fact that it does get in the way at times but you can easily work around it. You can set the orientation to adjust for the trebbly or bassy sound you may get & every piezo unit has to be eq'd as well as most transducers so what's the difference. I have used it in many live sets and also on some recordings. You do have to stay away from other electronic gear to minimize hum. If you have problems with hum move the hell away from your amp or mixer. A mic will certainly give better acoustic tone but there is more of a problem with feedback and this pickup seems to be fairly resistant to that. Overall, if you need a pickup that is easily transferred this is one to look at. Those of you who complain about the cord should look at a permanent mount unit, particularly if you've cut the cord & run it through the end pin. You just lost your flexibility to change to another instrument. I would certainly buy it again.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: Bill <daklander@yahoo.com>
Submitted at: 16:35, 8/21/2001
Product Info
Pickup features: Single Coil, magnetic, passive acoustic soundhole pickup
Impedence or other specs: How the hell am i supposed to know that?? I don't go fishing on their website for hours of my spare time looking for how many ohms of impedance this thing has
Price Paid: US $49.99
Purchased from: Musicians Friend
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez Concord Acoustic - incidentally one of the best acoustic instruments ever made
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: there's only one soundhole....
Artists using this pickup: no one who has lots of money, self respect, or the desire to record anything
You musical style(s): Whatever sounds cool (rock, metal, grunge, acoustic stuff, NOT country or pop or rap)
Reason for pickup change: I'm not changing...i'm adding
Sound
Perceived output level: cold
Tone: bassy. extremely bassy. in fact, at times it sounds more like a bass guitar ( which is cool). However, the top strings are so weak they are drowned out by their bigger cousins. A real pain if you try to play solos.... The mid-high sound is really great, though. REALLY great. I would play blues or jazz with this if i had enough skill to play blues or jazz. That's what it would sound best at.
Sonic evaluation: As a disclaimer before i say all of this, this review will be extremely misleading for one simple reason. I did not get this pickup to get an amplified acoustic sound. i got this pickup to get an electric sound. If i wanted an acoustic sound i'd get a friggin' microphone. I just wanted to get an electric sound out of my acoustic guitar (because i don't HAVE an electric guitar). Now that we have that out of the way...
I use an Ibanez concord - Dean Markley Pro Mag Pickup - Ibanez IBZ-10 amplifier (small, but very cheap and very worth all 40 dollars that were paid for it) I wanted to get an amplified sound so i could raise hell with my friends (you wouldn't think that you could raise much hell with a 10 watt amplifier and an acoustic guitar but i sure as hell can - it was in a small room anyway.) To simplify exactly what i want to sound like, i'll say i have two "tone idols".
1. Mark Tremonti for the raw distorted sound
2. Carlos Santana for a sweet lead sound and
On the Mark Tremonti, it comes close. It rips up pretty durn well. Except for the extremely low output. It never quite saturates. i know my amplifier has enough gain (i've played it with other guitars), it's the pickups fault.
For the Santana sound, it is awesome. You wouldn't expect a solid state amplifier to sound this sweet, but it does. I could just about perfectly copy the tone Santana gets on "put your lights on"
the clean sound? Not very acoustic at all. The clean sound is even more bassy than the overdriven sound. I actually like it a lot once i have the gain and volume cranked all the way. The sound is good except for the low output problem. Hook up a distortion pedal and it would be great. The real problem is that this sucker hums like a pickup posessed. One time i got so desparate (this will sound pathetic but it's true) to get rid of the hum that i wrapped it in tinfoil. that didn't do a thing. However, since it's a single coil pickup, some hum is to be expected. But this was ridiculous. DO NOT RECORD WITH THIS PICKUP. I suppose a noise gate may help, but they cost about as much as a HUMBUCKING acoustic pickup would.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It's a decent match for my playing style, if only it had more OUTPUT!!. Metalheads need not even buy this pickup. What this would be really cool on would be blues or jazz. It has one of the sweetest sounds ever produced.
Overall Rating
Comments: Well, i have a little anecdote for you. One day i picked up my guitar and turned on my amp and began to play but no sound at all would come out of my amp. The End (of this pickup at least). Apparently something shook loose or melted or just quit working and now it won't make any sound. I tried fixing the solderless jack on the included cord, to no avail. I cut the felt of the back of it to see if i could repair the thing but the entire thing is encased in wood and suspended in some sort of clear plastic. Much too hard to be wax. I couldn't do anything to it. I suspect a connection broke somewhere. This thing is unrepairable. Same thing happened to one of my friends who had this, but that was because his dog chewed on it. I don't have a dog. I would love this thing, despite its hum and its low output, just for its sweet sound, but alas it died so all i can do is mourn it. I've been playing for over a year now (so you can feel free to ignore me, you experienced people) and i liked how it sounded so long as it lasted. Well, it HAS been destroyed (hopefully no one is stupid enough to steal it) and i won't buy the same thing. I'll probably get something humbucking with a VOLUME CONTROL so i can TURN UP the VOLUME. I love the tone. i hate the hum. and the feedback. and the LOW OUTPUT. i didn't compare it to anything. i wish it had some way to turn up the volume. i'm searching for a replacement that will have the same sweet sound. I give it a 3 because it sounded good until it broke. It's not higher becausae of the fact that it BROKE and the HUM and the LOW OUTPUT and the FEEDBACK. You want acoustic tone, don't go anywhere near this thing. Get a microphone or a piezo system or something. You want cheap electric tone? Go ahead. Even better, save up for something that is HUMBUCKING and has a VOLUME control. Even better yet, get a frickin' electric guitar.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 3
Submitted at: 12:47, 8/9/2001
Product Info
Pickup features: single coil
Impedence or other specs: soundhole pickup with long cord
Price Paid: US $n/a
Purchased from: given to me from a friend
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: '77 Alvarez/Yairi dreadnaught
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: barcus berry custom shop mounted in cross bracing
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup: probably not many
You musical style(s): acoustic funk/jazz/bluegrass/folk
Reason for pickup change: very old barcus berry didn't work anymore, guitar was given to me after family acoustic was stolen from my tent at a bluegrass fest. Needed to be able to jam with drums and bass
Sound
Perceived output level: very fuzzy when input directly into PA, not enough power plugged into Fender Acoustisonic amp and cranked all the way...too much distortion
Tone: slightly on the treble side but not too much, perfect for solo acoustic performances in semi-quiet atmospheres
Sonic evaluation: plugged into fender acoustisonic and had to crank it up all of the way to hear over the drums and was very fuzzy
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: funky jazz/flatpicking/folk.........NO! need replacemnt, that's why I am on this website...
Overall Rating
Comments: Would never pay money for one of these, it was given to me. i'm in the process of replacing it.....the cord is very irritating and the pickup itself is very bulky and gets in the way. I cut the cord short and wired it into an endpin jack and it is still getting on my nerves....DO NOT BUY UNLESS YOU ARE A SOLO PERFORMER IN SMALL CLUBS!
I've been playing acoustic guitar for 7 years and have jsut recently decided to start playing in bands, so I'm going through the whole trial and error phase right now and I havn't gotten off to a very good start.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 6
Submitted by: jason <sunphunk08@aol.com>
Submitted at: 9:52, 3/3/2000
Product Info
Pickup features: single
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from: Music catalog
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha FG-180
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: Barkus Berry (not used - mounted inside under bridge...)
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Jazz for the most part
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: see "Overall Rating"
Tone: see "Overall Rating"
Sonic evaluation: see "Overall Rating"
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: see "Overall Rating"
Overall Rating
Comments: Okay - the pick-up has worked great the two times I plugged it in...
The solderless jack - absolutely sucks! Tried to fix it 3 times per the directions... How many more times should I try to fix it before I
throw it out the window? Tech responses appreciated.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: No Opinion
Submitted by: <mtuori@jjma.com>
Submitted at: 21:51, 1/29/2000
Product Info
Pickup features: single coil, passive
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $50
Purchased from: Lane Music
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: '76 Takamine something
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: i dunno
You musical style(s): acoustic rock, blues, jazz, alternative,
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: normal
Tone: you can turn it however you want to pick up more bass or treble..really bright though
Sonic evaluation: i have a 100 watt acoustic peavey stage amp, everything sounds pretty good through it, but this is really good
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: for the acousticrock stuff i play it works real good
Overall Rating
Comments: if it were stolen i would buy another on and be really upset. i have been playing for about 3 years. i love how this doesnt really affect the sound too much and it still sounds pretty natural.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: will <bigdogg09@aol.com>
Submitted at: 22:49, 9/24/99
Product Info
Pickup features: Single coil, passive, magnetic sound hole pickup
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $45
Purchased from:
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: FG-432S
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Probably...somewhere
You musical style(s): Alt rock
Reason for pickup change: Wanted to add acoustic guitar to our little punk band. Bought this on a whim but now that I think about it, I should've spent the money towards a good condenser mic.
Sound
Perceived output level: Fairly loud, a little on the softer side
Tone: The lows are muddy and almost undistinct when strumming; B and high E comes through too high
Sonic evaluation: Used every input I could think of. Tried everything from a vintage 300 watt or so Rickenbacker guitar amp with a blown speaker to using a converter to record through my sound card (wouldn't recommend it). I'll admit that I used mainly electric guitar amps, so maybe my judgment is a little biased in that way.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Alt rock, mainly. Not a strong candidate - playing with the Pro Mag makes my acoustic sound so much better after I unplug the damn thing
Overall Rating
Comments: If it were destroyed or stolen, I'd probably lament that I didn't sell it sooner. I think it's somewhere back home in my room. I've been playing for about 2 years. Okay, I'm not going to complain completely about it, because it sounds okay after you adjust the tone knobs on your amp/guitar. Unmistakable hum. To tell you the truth, it sounds like this really bad Gremlin electric guitar I had, except with foggier tone. I mean, Dean Markley really sold this pickup off as a natural sounding pickup and winner of all these Best Pickup awards, and I buy it and bring it home and I'm disappointed. When you strum, you hear this muddled wall of low tone with the highs just overpowering. No, it definitely did not give the sound I was looking for. In fact, I finally found the right sound - unplugged and mic'ed.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 2
Submitted by: John <aspire2suck@yahoo.com>
Submitted at: 11:27, 9/17/99
Product Info
Pickup features: Single coil, sound-hole mount
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $75
Purchased from:
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Washburn DC10 Dreadnought
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: probably lots
You musical style(s): jazz, folk, classical, blues
Reason for pickup change: Needed better light/bright rhythm tones
Sound
Perceived output level: Not terribly high, gives a nice, natural output that won't force an amp to distort at low volume
Tone: nice high end, perfect as a backing guitar
Sonic evaluation: Using it largely through a Matchless, but also been used through Sunn heads. Dreamy and swirly with the matchless, like an Ovation, but the MAtchless allegedly does much better with a Cedar-top guitar, which is what I want to switch to. Through the Sunn, it was very sparkly. What really impressed me with this pickup is that it retains a distinctly 'acoustic' tone, even with some distortion or effects, as opposed to some transducers I've used that make it sound like it could just be an electric. People said its trebbly, but I found that made it Ovation-sounding, and sweat for playing under a solo, as well as for sparkly travis-picking. SOunded good on direct-recording, too, but benefits from having some tubes between the guitar and the console, but then doesn't every guitar?
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Great for backing chords, or for sparkly finger-picking. Not suitable if you like really dark sounds.
Overall Rating
Comments: I was impressed with its ability to make a Washburn sound like an Ovation, and for the retention of acoustic sound qualities, even when recording direct. Sound was sparkly and warm, unlike many others.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 8
Submitted by: T.G. Rafter
Submitted at: 11:24, 6/2/99
Product Info
Pickup features: Single Coil pickup.
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: canadian 0.00
Purchased from: My Brother, it was in the amp that I bought off of him.
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha fg-75
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Metal, blues, Jazz, rock and roll.
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: The output is pretty low, I have to turn up my amp to get a good loud sound that I want.
Tone: Very nice tone, I like it a lot, sounds even better with chorus.
Sonic evaluation: I am using a samick rc-60 amp and It really sounds nice with it.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Overall Rating
Comments: If this pickup were stolen I would be upset, I would buy this pickup again though. I have been playing for 2 years, going on three this summer, I also own a epiphone Les Paul Special, and a Profiles distortion pedal. Very nice pickup, the first acoustic pickup that I have tried and I like it.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: dwayne Doherty <dwaydohe@hotmail.com>
Submitted at: 7:55, 8/31/99
Product Info
Pickup features: Doesn't jump around alot...must be passive....
Impedence or other specs: Impedes me reaching into the sound hole...
Price Paid: US $45
Purchased from: Interstate Musician Supply Catalog
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez "Performance Series"
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: n/a
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: A student of life and beginning guitarist, five months experience
You musical style(s): Play blues, originals and folksy stuff
Reason for pickup change: This is my first (virgin) acoustic pickup experience.
Sound
Perceived output level: Nice and bright, using a Marshall VS30R amp. Limited output on clean channel.
Tone: Rich tone with some reverb cranked in. Can be a little trebly when stummed hard.
Sonic evaluation: I had to write this because I just got this Marshall amp, and thought since I had the pickup and the acoustic, I would try them. What a surprise! I have read some poor reports of the Pro Mag, and do not concur! I love my acoustic guitar so much more now that I have this combination, and find myself playing more and enjoying the sounds emanating my this inexpensive little guitar. I tried this Pro Mag running it through a 150W Peavey PA and it sounded terrible, tinny and twangy. I had put it away for several months prior to getting this new little 30W amp. Now I look forward to coming home and plinking on it every day. Although the volume is limited on the clean channel, I imagine by miking the amp I could easily overcome that limitation...
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Its a soundhole mic. I haven't really experimented with angling it in different ways, just leave it in a neutral position, set close to the body.
Overall Rating
Comments: If I lost or had stolen this pickup, I would probably go to the next model up Dean Markley. The acoustic guitar I own is so cheap, that it would seem a little silly to go out and get a Hilander or that type pickup, since that component would probably cost more that my guitar! I get surprisingly great tones from this little Ibanez, although using this pickup really brings out the sound where you can hear the quality.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 8
Submitted by: Bruce Davidson <bbeatnik@juno.com>
Submitted at: 15:37, 6/8/99
Product Info
Pickup features: Single coil
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $about $50
Purchased from: Mars Music
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha FG-412S
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: external mic
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Rock, hip-hop, blues, punk
Reason for pickup change: I wanted to be able to play through an amp and be heard
Sound
Perceived output level: This is Hot but has lots of treble which is easily adjusted with the amp
Tone: Trebly, controlable though
Sonic evaluation: Yamaha FG-412S through a Fender Acoustisonic Jr.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play rythym in my band and lead on some stuff, the strumming is ok, but lead playing sounds pretty good up high
Overall Rating
Comments: I've been playing about 2 years and just got a Martin Backpacker
This p/u is good for now (I'm 14), but later I'll probably get a transducer
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 7
Submitted by: Ryder Shelley <GEETAHR@Aol.com>
Submitted at: 9:07, 3/15/99
Product Info
Pickup features: Single coil
Impedence or other specs: Unsure
Price Paid: Canadian $85
Purchased from: Local Radio Shack
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Magnum accoustic
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup: Not sure
You musical style(s): A little hard to say sometimes!
Reason for pickup change: I bought this pickup becouse I had a accoustic for years and could not plug it in.
Sound
Perceived output level: Clean but not very loud
Tone: The tone is a little towards the trebley side but it is nowhere near as bad as cheap peizo pickups. The treble is not hard to deal with though becouse it dont thin out the sound and you can always roll of your treble on your amp.
Sonic evaluation: I`m running this into my stack (200 watt Traynor). I would not bother running it into a practice amp though becouse the out put is low. One thing wich amazed me was the fact that I never got any unwanted harmonics or echo (typically found with sound hole pickups). The sound is clean and clear and I would have no trouble using this in a live situation. One thing that I do not like. The damn 1/4" jack on the cord. It can be so easy to lose connection if the little screw comes loose or if the end of the cord in not cut perfectly square. I plan to but a strap butten/input jack anyhow becouse I hate the idea of the cord being always in the way and if you want to move the cord (such as putting your guitar in its case), you have to take the pickup out and that means scraping your guitar up around the sound hole (I have it done already.
Other than that, the pickup is not that bad if you want a clean, clear sounding pickup and if your not thay worryed about having a loud pickup (better quiet and clear than loud and not clear. I need not mention the feedback problem with high output accoustic pickups).
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I`m not sure if there is anything on the market that would totally suit me. I kinda have my own style of playing (combining everything that I like)(Picture contemperary music with a crunchy distortion that would rival Metallicas sound !!!). The pickup would be the thing for country and well about anything I guess. Another way to say this is that the pickup is good for anything that your guitar is good for. It sounds freaky when you put lots of delay on it and harmonize your notes with delayed notes. Interesting sounds!!!
Overall Rating
Comments: I would get this pickup again if I could get it cheaper. Like I said before, its clear and clean. Low output. I like it better than anything I`ve heard with regards to sound hole pickups (not sure how it would compare to peizo`s).
One more thing, it looks great on a normal finnish guitar.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 7
Submitted by: Dave Benson <ea964925@vulcan.northatlantic.nf.ca>
Submitted at: 10:02, 1/1/99
Product Info
Pickup features: single coil
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: Canadian $70
Purchased from:
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: formerly Goya 12 string (no octave strings); currently Larrivee D-03
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: external mic
Other pickups on guitar: no
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): acoustic folk/rock, light fingerstyle
Reason for pickup change: needed easy amplification; can't stand still enough for an external mic
Sound
Perceived output level: quiet
Tone: trebly - G, and B strings stand out above the others; muddy when played hard
Sonic evaluation: on the Goya I was going directly into the PA - sounds terrible
I used a direct box with the Larrivee and that cleared up a lot of the problems, though I also lost a lot of volume
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: not suitable for fingerstyle; okay for strumming if you don't really care what it sounds like
Overall Rating
Comments: Several people have told me that it doesn't do justice to the Larrivee. I whole-heartedly agree. I would not put this in a high-quality guitar. After I buy something worthwhile for the D-03, this pickup will move on to my brother, who has inherited the Goya.
If you're playing heavy rock, and no one will hear you anyway, go ahead and buy this, if you're playing alone at a coffeehouse-type gig, you better find a preamp/EQ system to clean up the sound.
Positive: - easy to install/remove
Negative: - to harsh and unbalanced if used directly to PA;
- can get in the way when strumming hard if you're not careful, producing a nasty tapping noise;
- too quiet for light fingerstyle
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 5
Submitted by: <apkerr@yahoo.com>
Submitted at: 23:05, 10/9/98
Product Info
Pickup features: single coil-passive
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $15
Purchased from: Nada Music centre
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Morales
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: None
You musical style(s): Seattle Sound-unplugged
Reason for pickup change: I want to play some accoustic live on my gigs.
Sound
Perceived output level: Averagely-Hot
Tone: Balanced
Sonic evaluation: Peavey TransTube with clean signal chain
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Alternative.
Overall Rating
Comments: If my P/U was stolen i think i`d steal another for my guitar cos i really like the sound. I have it for about six months and i always take it on my gigs.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: Nico <6196130@student.unpar.ac.id>
Submitted at: 0:37, 5/30/98
Product Info
Pickup features: Single Coil, Passive, magnetic sound-hole pickup
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: Canadian Aprox $100
Purchased from: Borrowed it from a friend but I'm sure he paid around a hundred for it
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Norman B-20 Accoustic
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: None
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Alternative, Accoustic Rock
Reason for pickup change: Wanted to try pluggin in my accoustic to do some live playing.
Sound
Perceived output level: Very low sound level without any kind of Preamp. Lot's of hum though which takes away from any good features they could have thrown on here. I guess a noise suppressor might help but only when you're not playing. Once some sound goes into those strings in comes that incredible hum again. I couldn't imagine playing it in a live gig with any kind of volume.
Tone: Nothing great. It's got a nice solid tone but nothing to jump up and down about
Sonic evaluation: I was running it through my BOSS ME-30 Guitar Multi Effects and then into an old amp plugged into a Fender Twin Cabinet. I'm not sure that helps any. Had to really turn up that volume to get any usable sounds out of it. On my cheapo little practice amp, I turned it up full and it wasn't even that loud.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play accoustic rock generally and it would be a good match if it sounded cleaner. As it stands now it isn't good for much of anything.
Overall Rating
Comments: I was just borrowing it and I've come to the conclusion I'd never buy one for myself. Might try out the Humbucking counterpart by DM and see if that helps but the SC-1 is a piece of crap if you intend to use it other than screwing around in your basement. It would be a very poor answer if you didn't have enough money to go and buy a new accoustic with pickups inside it but for some people I suppose it would do...depending on how desperate you are. That horrible hum is imposible to get past though. If the folks at Dean Markley could fix that and still make it affordable then it would be worth checking out, but until then, don't bother wasting your time.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 2
Submitted by: James Keller <jkeller@hotmail.com>
Submitted at: 17:46, 2/20/98
Product Info
Pickup features: magnetic soundhole pickup
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from:
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha 6-string acoustic
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: average
Tone: Kind of flat sounding with a bit of brittle top end, but not as much as a piezo bridge pickup has.
Sonic evaluation: Sounds okay, though kind of electric, for nondemanding applications. It helps to cut around 200Hz using a mixing board or a direct box with EQ.
It picks up hum as much as any other magnetic single-coil pickup (e.g., a Stratocaster),
which makes it unusable in many situations.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Mostly folk strumming and fingerpicking.
Overall Rating
Comments: Sounds tolerable except for the hum. It sounds better than cheap piezo under-saddle pickups.
But better yet is an under-saddle+mic system
like the L.R. Baggs Dual Source. Those cost a lot more, though.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 5
Submitted by: David MacKenzie <djm@va.pubnix.com>
Submitted at: 12:46, 2/5/98
Product Info
Pickup features: passive magnetic single coil
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $45
Purchased from: Pied Piper
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Seagull Spruce Top
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Misc
Reason for pickup change: I just needed a sound hole pickup w/o modifying the body of the guitar.
Sound
Perceived output level: Kinda Quite, you gotta use that over drive channel w/o distortion!
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: I use the pickup w/ my Peavey Audition 110. If I play in the clean channel, it doesn't sound that great, but if I switch to my pre/post amp channel, the volume gets good while retaining ambience so long as I have the level at a point where there is NO distortion...
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Overall Rating
Comments: No, I wouldn't buy it again, the hum is kinda annoying. It's not a bad sound, but it doesn't transfer accoustic reverb worth a damn, and, I am satisfied with it, it suited my needs for the price I paid.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 8
Submitted by: Jeremy <kolonay@dragg.net>
Submitted at: 20:57, 1/24/98
Product Info
Pickup features: Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $50
Purchased from: Audio Lights and Musical (AL&M)
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Fender DG-24MA Acoustic
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): all
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: Considering that it costs $50 I would say the quality is simply outstanding. It is very clear, and sounds great on a cheap-little Park amp with double gains. I am impressed.
Tone: Very well balanced. I had to modify it a slight bit so that the bass end was lower in the hole than the treble end - this got rid of "booming" bass...it only took about 12 seconds to do that, by the way.
Sonic evaluation: Sounds great with my Fender acoustic. I even threw a little distortion into the mix (just for fun, ya know) and it came close to the sound of a cheap electric guitar. For $50 it's like turning your acoustic into an electric and an acoustic-electric. I can't argue with that.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play all sorts of music. I would suggest that this pickup is better for rock/folk music rather than Jazz. It doesn't have a "bluesy" tone...but then again...this is an acoustic guitar.
Overall Rating
Comments: I really like this product. For $50 you just can't go wrong.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: NFM <nevm@usa.net>
Submitted at: 14:26, 12/27/97
Product Info
Pickup features: Single coil, passive, non adjustable height.
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $20 used
Purchased from: Daddy's Junky Music Used Gear By Mail WWW.ugbm.com
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha six string, and an Alvarez 12 string.
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Rock, blues, little bit o country
Reason for pickup change: I have an occasional need for an amplified acoustic. Micing is very unreliable and I tend to move back and forth as I play.
Sound
Perceived output level: Very low output without a preamp. I had to turn my 50w combo up to about 4 to get the sound from the amp louder than the sound from teh guitar! Lacking a dedicated preamp, I ran the signal through a TS-9 Tubescreamer set for "clean boost" and things improved quite a bit.
Tone: With out the ts-9 as a "preamp," the sound was next to unusable. It was very tinny and at made both of my acoustics sound like clean electrics (cheap clean electrics!). However, with the TS-9 adding some omph, it became more acceptable. The sound regained most of its acoustic flavor and the bass and mids were much more evident. However, the "g" string is still not quite in balance.
Sonic evaluation: I was running this through a Peavey Classic 50w 2x12 combo. I only ocasionaly need an amplified acoustic, and I only paid $20 for the dang thing. With those two caveats in mind I find this pickup acceptable. It takes some careful tweaking to get an acceptable sound. This could be a pain for quick changes in between songs. It actually sounds better with the 12 string than the 6.
For someone with needs similar to mine it is an acceptable choice.
It sounds decent when playing through a mix with another guitar, bass, drums, accordian, etc. For a few dollars more you might find something better though.
If the amplified acoustic thing is your primary gig, I would look elsewhere and plan on spending more money. This pickup won't cut it for solo singer/songwriter coffe house gigs.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: see above
Overall Rating
Comments: I am moderately satisfied by this p/u. I don't think the list price is worth it, but most of my complaints about it are answered by the fact that I got it for $20 on the used market in new condition with a box.
It is easy to get in and out of the guitar with the strings on. The pu has a 15' cord attached to it with a male plug on the end. I would have preferred a 1' or so cord with a female plug suitable for duct taping to my guitar strap. The cord is very thin and fragile looking. If you manage to break it off close to the pickup, it's all over. This pickup is sealed and there doesn't look like there is a way to get inside and solder another cord on.
I give it a 7 only because of the price I paid for it. Had I paid full price I would be looking for something else.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 7
Submitted by: David Becker <Loudernhel@aol.com>
Submitted at: 9:19, 11/19/97
Product Info
Pickup features: Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $49.00
Purchased from: Skyline Music
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Takamine 12 string, and an ancient Yamaha 6 string
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: don't think so
You musical style(s): folk, rock
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: normal
Tone: extremely trebly....
Sonic evaluation: I plug the pickup into the house PA system.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pickup is unsuitable for music that is mainly acoustic.
Overall Rating
Comments: This pickup sucks. I would not recommend it to anyone unless they were
just looking to have an acoustic guitar amplified for one or two songs. It's extremely
unbalanced, the unwound strings are amplified a lot louder then the wound
strings. It makes a beautifull acoustic guitar sound like a clean electric
guitar. Which isn't neccesarily a bad thing, but it doesn't acheive the
sound that I'm looking for.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 2
Submitted by: Alex Kroman <orlick@en.com>
Submitted at: 19:57, 11/7/97
Product Info
Pickup features: Single coil
Impedence or other specs: not listed
Price Paid: US $49.00
Purchased from: Daves Music
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Martin D 35//Taylor 855//Martin D 41
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: Martin thinline 332
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: have not seen any
You musical style(s): finger pick mainly--some flat pick with folk country styles
Reason for pickup change: The Martin thinline did not represent the true sound of the instrument
This is an ongoing search to bring out the sound that represents what a
good instrument should truly sound like-yea I know its a fishman ribbon
but it doesn't do justice to rosewood
Sound
Perceived output level: very low with the pro mag-required use of pre amp-<in nearly every case>
Tone: muddy --- Not clear at all through the whole spectrum
Sonic evaluation: Used with the dean markley--Marshal amp --and occasionally with an ART
acoustic processor--The pro mag when used with the ART
could sometimes be brought to a less muddy sound with full parametric
eq--- periodic hum could be heard with and without the ART and was at
times unpredictable--
When used with the model G fishman Acoustic preamp there was little
control over the high end
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Fingerpick--sometimes flatpick both blues and Country (with folk styles)<christian contemporary>
Overall Rating
Comments: Destroyed or stolen? Na--I already gave it away------
I have played for more than 35 years--I am heavily into midi and have
moved into roland synth with the GR 1, etc--When I play I want to hear
each note and feel the sound--I play Martin D41--Takemine FP325--(used with full
onboard electronics for midi work)Martin D35 and A Taylor 855 12 string
I use both marshal and Kustom columns in concert --I am frequently
very close to the monitors and feedback is an issue --however,was not
too bad with the pro mag--
I have found that bronze strings are a little brighter
with the pro mag than phos bronze and the martin string is no different than
some of the other major brands when used with it
__Humidity was a problem--don't keep the pro mag in the case with your
guitar if you have a humidifier inside-I don't believe that helped increase
the life of the thing
I have made comparisons of other products by mainly playing and looking
over others' set-ups. Nothing will work well in every situation.
I chose the pro mag after hearing it used on another's instrument one
afternoon. It sounded good to me then, later I found out it wasn't pro-
mag it was their Zh7--
I also found that the promag actually damaged the finish around the tone hole
(be very careful about placing it -seems easy but the foam has to be on top!!
It would be nice if Dean Markley could provide some better attachment and offer
a shorter cord to prevent trips and less tangles--an extension could then
be added if needed.
As before--I gave it away--(mainly due to the wear I noticed oround the tonehole area
from it)--the person I gave it to called me 3 days ago and asked if I knew
how to fix it--she said it was dead--so I told her to play taps and go buy a new one
they're not that expensive anyway.
Obviously I don't want to drill holes in my D 41 or my D35 and I'm not going to do it
to my taylor either so-----My suggestion is to Mic It--maybe I'll take a look at
Miniflex--Perhaps the new (mini clip?)--miniflex will require the drill----
Course I spent all my money on guitars and now have nothing left to buy
electronics with, so when I'm rich I'll look into the Zh7 if the tone hole
situation is rectified.--Note-- just because my dean markley fell
apart in less than a year on me doesn't mean yours will--I believe it's
the best choice for the starving muscian-and some day I hope to be well fed.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 3
Submitted by: David Steele <phineas@springnet1.com>
Submitted at: 13:20, 10/3/97
Product Info
Pickup features: Single Coil for soundhole
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $40
Purchased from:
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: yamaha
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Pop/rock
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: As a professional musician, I need a great sounding pickup in my guitar. Believe it or not, this little $40 sucker does the trick--much better than the $150 bridge pickup I had installed (mucho feedback, too). You're not going to get a true "acoustic" sound with the Dean Markley, but that's what i like about it. I play it through a 70s Fender Twin Reverb, and the thing sounds great. Don't let the price fool you. If you want a great sounding single coil sound, then this is your best bet. There was a review of acoustic pickups in one of the big zines a few years ago, and they said the same thing. Check it out.
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Overall Rating
Comments:
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted at: 11:10, 9/24/97
Product Info
Pickup features: Single coil
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $40.00
Purchased from:
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Takamine accoustic
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: n/a
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Southern Gospel
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: The output was not the best. You can't have the monitors above a certain level or you get serious feedback. The pick up is too strong.
Tone: The tone has a tendency to be a little muddy at times.
Sonic evaluation: If I had to do all over again, I would go the more expensive model just for sound quality purposes. However, it is very handy,it easily slides in and out of my guitar. For the price, I'd say I got what I paid for.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Most suitable for finger picking, least suitable for strumming.
Overall Rating
Comments:
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 4
Submitted at: 16:39, 7/8/97
Product Info
Pickup features: single coil (read other entry)
Impedence or other specs: (read other entry)
Price Paid: US $49.99
Purchased from: Guitar Center
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: n/a
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup: n/a
You musical style(s): blues, rock
Reason for pickup change: none
Sound
Perceived output level: normal
Tone: can't tell
Sonic evaluation: Just your normal acoustic guitar pickup. I can tell why it is supposedly one
of the most popular acoustic guitar PU's out there. It's extremely easy to
pop in; and it is not too expensive. But my friend has the humbucking version
of this (I think it is the ZH-7, it's black), and the sound quality outperforms
mine. The Pro-Mag is not as clear and it is much softer. I also hear much
more background fuzz. If you are a sound freak, I'd recommend the ZH-7's. I
think they are a considerable amount costlier than these though. You should
get these if you need an acoustic guitar pickup, you don't have loads of money
to spend on it, and you aren't too picky with sound quality.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: all styles that require an acoustic guitar...
Overall Rating
Comments: I don't need another acoustic guitar pickup. This one is fine. I really don't
use my acoustic guitar that often. I like the ease of use. The cable, however,
is extremely long and thin; and it gets in your way. If you don't wind it up
carefully, you'll find yourself spending lots of time just untangling it. But,
on the other hand, it's good that it's 15'. Sometimes you need it all. Read
above for my comparison with the step-up model (I'm pretty sure it's the ZH-7).
Basically, it's all that you could ask for in an acoustic guitar pickup,
excluding the average sound quality. It suits me just great. Maybe if I had
bought it for $30 like the other person did I would have been happier.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 7
Submitted at: 13:13, 1/21/97
Product Info
Pickup features: Single Coil
Impedence or other specs: 15' double sheilded cord, solderless plug
Price Paid: US $30
Purchased from: Guitar Center (El Cerrito)
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Warshburn
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): all except country
Reason for pickup change: Price, it was on sale and came with 2 packs of Blue Steel Strings.
Sound
Perceived output level: Since it's a single coil, the true acoustic sound has an electric quality. The treble strings really stand out, the bass strings warm and true but the "G" string is weak.
Tone: trebly
Sonic evaluation: The high tones are just so strong that the bass sounds really, weak, but then again I dont play it through a true acoustic amp.
If your looking for an acoustic pickup thats easy to put on and take off, and have the amp for it
this one should be high on your list
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Overall Rating
Comments: 8.5 out of 10
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: No Opinion
Submitted by: Glen Castillo <stranger@diversion.com>