Highlander Magnophonic

Submitted at: 10:48, 7/5/2002

Product Info

Pickup features: Magnetic pickup designed for National Tricone Resonator
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $290
Purchased from: Morrel Music Kingsport, TN

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: National Polychrome
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Catfish Keith, Bob Brozman
You musical style(s): Blues
Reason for pickup change: Needed to amplify my National for stage work. Very few choices for Tricone resonators.

Sound

Perceived output level: Fairly transparent. Sounds very close to guitar.
Tone: A little on the bassy side but very close to balanced
Sonic evaluation: Goes directly to PA or guitar amp. Frequently I will use a Tech 21 Trademark 60 and try and tweak it as clean as possible.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Delta, country blues and folk rock

Overall Rating

Comments: There is very little out there that is designed for a National tricone. Other than using a condenser mike, this is the only choice. The combination of mike and Magnophonic is the best bet for stage work. Tricones feedback like crazy even with this pickup. A parametic EQ would be a nice addition. Installation is not too dificult, but I would recommend taking it to somebody who knows Nationals. Installation takes about 45 minutes. It's expensive, but well designed. Nice preamp located inside guitar. Power for preamp is a separate battery box located between the guitar and amp. That way you don't have to open up the guitar to change batteries. A volume pedal is not a bad idea, especially if the guitar starts to feedback.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 7

Submitted by: Mark <slideguit220@hotmail.com>