GHS A137 Soundhole Mic

Submitted at: 0:43, 12/4/2001

Product Info

Pickup features: active internal mic
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $80
Purchased from:

Instrument

Model of guitar or bass: Martin 000M
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: added
Other pickups on guitar: Martin Thinline Gold+
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:

Sound

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation: Through a SWR Californa Blond, the A-137 mic plugged into a LR Baggs Para Acoustic DI is a great sounding pickup. With the addition of an active under saddle transductor pick up, the sound is even better. After about 1 year of experimenting with different locations to place the mic, I found the ideal location for the Martin OOO type acoustic guitar. The place to locate the mic is: 1) after installation, 2)extend the mic's flexable rod to a straight line, 3) face th mic up directly under the 18th fret and centr it between the top and the back of the acoustic guitar body. This eliminates the boomy bass, and muddy mid range. You can experiment with facing the mic up or down. I have tried many positions with this A-137, and the sound was not clean. Try this position and you will get the most out of the mic's dynamic range. Mixing the blend is very easy if you use a Piezo transductor and have two channels on the amp. 2 channels will give you the best sound, much better than the Fishman on-board blender. This set up cost less, is more versitale, and sounds a lot better.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play finger picking style acoustic guitar

Overall Rating

Comments: For under $100 this is a great value. I have been playing guitar on and off for about 25 years. I have been playing acoustic guitar seriously for the past 4 years. I have tried the Fishman Rare Earth with a saddle transductor, and it sound good with a solid rosewood guitar. However, the best sound I have is from the GHS A137 and the Fishman saddle transductor on a mahogany body guitar.

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

Submitted by: L