GHS A137 Soundhole Mic
Submitted at: 11:10, 3/26/2001
Product Info
Pickup features: internal unidirectional (cardiod) mic
Impedence or other specs: midrange impedance (2500 ohms) with an unbalanced mono output
Price Paid: US $90
Purchased from: Island Guitars
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Martin 000M
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: Martin Thinlne Gold + (active transductor)
Artists using this pickup: myself
You musical style(s): Slack Key/ Fingerpicking
Reason for pickup change: No change, just an addition. I was searching for a natural acoustic sound for home recording and small gigs.
Sound
Perceived output level: The output of the mic is weeker than the transductor but provides natural reverb, and helps fill and cut the unwanted tones of the transductor/piezo pickup. With the transductor/pizeo the A137 is adjusts to a large variety of sound combinations.
Tone: mostly middy, but can be adjusted for the highs and lows via moving the mic around the soundhole
Sonic evaluation: I run the GHS 137 soundhole mic in combination with the active piezo/transductor pickup which are both installed on the tailblock of my Martin 000M. Each pickup is plugged through a separate channel of a Fender Acoustasonic Jr. No reverb is needed as the sound hole mic produces the natural acoustic reverb. The GHS A137 is run through a LR Baggs Para-Acoustic DI which goes throgh the XLR channel. The Thinline Gold + (active piezo) is run straight through the main channel.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: The GHS soundhole mic can be adjusted to a large variety of sounds and acoustic guitar styles.
Overall Rating
Comments: If this mic was destroyed I would install another one. Installation was easy, just drill a 1/2" hole in the tailblock. The GHS A137 is fun to experament with if you have a system. It works best with a DI, in conjunction with an active transductor pickup, and a separate channel. Once the notches, mids, phases, etc., on your amp are adjusted, the 2 volume controls are all that is needed to "blend" or adjust the sound, volume, and tone.
There are only a few drawback with the A137 soundhole mic. Alone, the A137 is week and feedsback at higher volumes. By itself, the A137 is limited to the placement of the mic, and no amount of adjusting can bring out a full range of an acoustic sound (I am still experementing). Also, I had to drill another hole in the tailblock of the guitar (frotunately the tailblock is made of strong plywood). To "blend" the mic and the piezo pickup, requires plugning in two 1/4" jacks.
However, if you want great acoustic sound, play small gigs, or do some home recording, the GHS A137 should be considered as a great "Addition" to a active piezo/transductor setup. Even without the DI, the combination of the A137 and the piezo can acheive the natural acoustic sound. At higher volumes, feedback is minimal with the Para Acoustic DI and mic pressed up against the soundboard. Because of the flexable arm that the mic is attached to is so variable, you can place the mic anywhere inside the acoustic guitar to capture the optimal sound you are seeking. This makes it more versatile than the fixed mic systems you find on the high-end blender systems. Also, you don't hve to cut into your guitar to install this system. If you add one of these internal mics to your piezo/transductor, you will not be dissapointed.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: Lyle <lylesls@earthlink.net>