Most Recent Submissions
This page lists all the submissions made to the database in the
last three weeks (approximately). This will include both the user comments
and any spec pages that are added.
Fishman Natural II
Submitted at: 7:14, 12/15/2005
Product Info
Pickup features: Undersaddle Piezo
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $119.99
Purchased from: Local Music Store
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Martin D-28
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Didn't have a pickup to begin with
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Jason Mraz
You musical style(s): Percussive Acoustic Rock/Folk
Reason for pickup change: I needed to amplify my new D-28 so that I could lead worship at my church with it. I am a worship pastor, and figured it was about time I got a real guitar.
Sound
Perceived output level: Its a relative loud pickup that has a very balanced sound. If you use an acoustic amp this thing is a dream, if not you will need a preamp to shape some of the sound.
Tone: Is very balanced, but you need something to notch the middle tones out of the d-28. My guitar resonates so much that I have to tone the mids down or I get to much mid.
Sonic evaluation: Sounds real good to me. I turn the mids down to the 9 o'clock position and everything sounds great. It has very clean lows and highs. I play lots of dave matthews music, and when I play it correctly, it sounds just as if he was playing.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I belive the pickup is great for all around music. Its best aspect is its minimal feedback at even ridiculous volume levels.
Overall Rating
Comments: Best pickup to choose from if you actually play for a living. If you just jam every now and then, you can get away with something else. However, if you need tons of volume and headroom, the Fishman Natural II is the way to go.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: Jason Lester <jason.g.lester@gmail.com>
K & K Sound Systems Mini Western
Submitted at: 11:01, 12/8/2005
Product Info
Pickup features: passive under bridge
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $85
Purchased from: Soundline
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Washburn D-100M
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): fingerstyle
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: loud enough
Tone: bassy
Sonic evaluation: into yamaha guitar preamp and into stereo system
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Overall Rating
Comments: I am happy with this pickup. It was fairly inexpensive, easy to install (although you do have to drill a hole, it is where the strap button is already, took about 15 minutes) and sounds good. I do have to cut the bass quite a bit to get a realistic balance, but with a bass cut and a little reverb, the sound is comparable to what I hear on many recordings. I am getting another for my Baby Taylor
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 9
Lace Music Products Lace Music Products
Submitted at: 14:43, 12/10/2005
Product Info
Pickup features: soundhole single coil passive
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $30
Purchased from: ebay
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: yamaha fs-413s
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: duncan performer
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: blowout acoustic trio
You musical style(s): acoustic blues rock
Reason for pickup change: needed another pickup for the band.
Sound
Perceived output level: hottest passive.
Tone: bassy
Sonic evaluation: direct to peavey powered speaker. will benefit from eq 3 db high boost on house pa systems. impressed by the "acoustic" quality of this pickup. delivers the presence on solos that I just can't get mic'ing the guitar.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: blues, jazz, classical picking and strumming.
Overall Rating
Comments: I'd get another one ASAP.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Schertler Dual
Submitted at: 4:51, 12/13/2005
Product Info
Pickup features: Passive dual microfone system.
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: Swedish crowns 4500
Purchased from: Jam acoustic
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Martin DM
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Fishman Matrix 1
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock, folk
Reason for pickup change: I have been playing acoustic guitar increasingly in my band and I wanted a good sound through the PA instead of the usual "rubberband" piezo crap. I guess the Fishman is OK for a piezo system but I just wanted something that sounded as musical and natural as possible. It makes sence to me considering how much we usually spend on pedals and amps for our electrics. Why not make your acoustic sound good too?
Sound
Perceived output level: I have no idea but it gives me all I need.
Tone: Two mics: The one under the saddle is bright and punchy. The one inside the body is warm and has a lot of body. The mix of the two is where the magic is. If you get it right the guitar will sound really natural.
Sonic evaluation: OK, this is the deal: There are two mics (hence the name Dual). One is placed under the saddle and is a Shertler Bluestick transducer. This gives you the attack and punch. The other mic is placed inside the body and is a Schertler Dyn-G. This mic giver you a warm, natural, full-bodied sound. Mounted in the soundhole you have one master volume control and one blend control. Basicaly you just set your volume to taste (max) and go about twisting the blend control to find yoyr own sweet spot. Different PA systems and monitors sound different and you will probably need to adjust the blend depending on what PA you play through. Generaly speaking
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: No Opinion
B-Band A2.2
Submitted at: 6:34, 12/1/2005
Product Info
Pickup features: Active
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $150
Purchased from: ebay
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Yairi DY-61
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:
Sound
Perceived output level: The output level is adjustable since the A2.2 has a volume/gain control. It also has a mix control that balances the two pickups. The output level is more than adequate since it has an active preamp powered by a 9v battery.
Tone: The tone is excellent since you can balance the two pickups. The AST (Acoustic Soundboard Transducer) is very bright and I find that I have to tone it down more towards the UST side. The preamp has their XOM technology which is just a fancy term for a crossover between the two pickups. The AST handels the high tones above 700hz and the UST handles the low tones below 700hz. Being able to control the balance between the two pikups really lets you dial in the perfect tone.
Sonic evaluation: Sonically, the pickups sound great. The AST picks up every single tiny sound while the UST seems to be more muted, but maybe that is just the crossover working.
Three great things about this pickup combination: 1) It sounds great 2) It is easy to control your own volume and tone. 3) You can't even notice that it is installed.
If you have an expensive instrument that you do not want to do major surgery on, this is a great way to add unbelievable sound to it.
I installed this myself and I consider myself to be mechanically inclined. If you are going to do it yourself, take your time. The most tricky parts of the installationa are:
1) Making sure the drill bit does not hit a brace when you drill a hole for the UST. It is difficult to estimate where the hole beneath the bridge will come out by just feeling around inside your guitar. Mine came out fine and it was about 3/4" from one of the braces. When you drill this hole, just make sure that you stop when the bit makes it way through. Definitely install the UST FIRST! You do not want to accidentally drill through the AST.
2) Make sure that the UST and AST do not touch. The lead for the UST comes out of the hole in the bridge and you just have to make sure that the AST does not touch it. There was not much room to work with, but I was able to make sure they did not touch.
3) You may need to trim the cardboard template that they provide. Try positioning the AST several times making sure sure it does not touch the UST.
4) Take is slow drilling the hole for the strap-jack. I did not have a reamer, but I progressively made the hole larger using multiple drill bits. I finished with a 1/2" wood bit. I put making tape on the bottom to prevent any scratches.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play at home, at coffee houses, and in a church service.
Overall Rating
Comments: I would buy this again in a heartbeat. I also considered the Baggs Imix, but it was more expensive.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: Goobie <gubitose.safe@netzero.com>
Fishman Neo-D
Submitted at: 19:45, 12/2/2005
Product Info
Pickup features: Single Coil passive magnetic
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: Canadian $ 80
Purchased from: Steve's Music
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Washburn D13
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Dean Markley ProMag Grand
Other pickups on guitar: None.
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Folk, Blues, just about everything
Reason for pickup change: The Markley just wasn't clear enough. Wanted better but can't afford new guitar with all the neat electronics on board.
Sound
Perceived output level: Typical single coil. Maybe a touch less than the Markley but insignificantly so. Plenty of power.
Tone: Balanced. Clear. Crisp. I Can't believe how clean this sounds for the $$$. Watch for typical single-coil noise but hey that's the tradeoff.
Sonic evaluation: OK here goes. I tried it on a Ibanez Troubador acoustic amp in the store. Amazed. Got home and...ready?..Roland Micro Cube practice amp set on "acoustic" simulation, feeding a Crate GX80 guitar amp modified with two external speaker jacks. Into which are plugged my home stereo speakers. Ok go ahead and laugh. It's what I had on hand and it sounds wonderful for the budget. Cant wait to get a proper acoustic amp. The pickup is much MUCH better than the Markley for clarity, string balance is as advertised. A purist might say it's still not "acoustic" enough, fine. I compared directly to an Ovation, an Applause, and one other gtr in the store and found, sure, a new guitar sounds betterfor some things, not in others. I'm starting to discover all boosted acoustics (in my price range) compromise somewhere. On a budget ? Buy this pickup and give your old acoustic ax new life. Take the time to install the wire inside.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: A bit brittle for agressive picking but EQ can tune that. Picks up percussive thumps and lots of bottom end.Great for hybrid and finger styles.
Overall Rating
Comments: If it were lost I'd get the same one again immediately. Sounds great, easy soundhole clamp-on, (Careful you dont put it in upside down the sound will be unbalanced). I could add a preamp/pocket eq to it but thats extras. Direct into a nice amp or PA, you'll get clear, crisp sound with a slught and I mean slight magnetic/electric "edge". Play with care, (dont bang too hard) you'll get good acoustic tone. Well done, Fishman, I am truly impressed.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
K & K Sound Systems Mini Western
Submitted at: 14:32, 11/22/2005
Product Info
Pickup features: passive transducer
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: N/A
Purchased from: KK Sound website
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Taylor Leo Kottke Signature 6 string acoustic
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: Fishman Prefix
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): rock, folk, et.al.
Reason for pickup change: Wanted more wood sound from the guitar (sounds beautiful unplugged) and less of the famed fishman 'quack.' Listened to the webpage and i started drooling at the sounds they were getting.
Sound
Perceived output level: Low output level though my luthier might have installed incorrectly
Tone: trebly which is suprising since i kept hearing how low-end heavy it would be
Sonic evaluation: I run the KK Undersaddle (which i am also less than excited about) and the Mini-western transducers through the KK Quantam blender pre-amp straight to the PA so i am getting no acoustic amp coloration which could be swaying my opinion. I play 80% pick and 20% fingerstyle as a worship pastor in a church of about 2,000 with a stellar PA. The KK mini-western transducers were giving off some type of distorted tremelo sound and had none of the low end i heard on their website despite my Taylor Kottke's 6 penchant for giving off a lot of low end naturally since it is a jumbo. Their Fantastick undersaddle also was less full than both an EMG undersaddle and Fishman undersaddle i had previously. The dial in on the Quantam, which i was thinking only would need to be tweaked to customize the sound, required massive cuts and boosts to get the sound even close to where it needed to be. My drooling in anticipation soon to fuming foaming of the mouth as my search for the ultimate acoustic guitar tone would have to continue. I had high hopes that i could quit searching and just start playing, but alas the quest continues.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:
Overall Rating
Comments: I am going to go back to the beefiness of the EMG undersaddle and attempt to see if the transducers were installed improperly (which is doubtful since he has worked on every guitar with every pickup system imaginable for tons of labelled acoustic players). I hope to use about 80% of the EMG couple with 20% of the mini-westerns for shimmer and string separation of tone.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 6
Submitted by: Jordan Fowler <prologue_worship@yahoo.com>
K & K Sound Systems Big Shot
Submitted at: 10:47, 11/28/2005
Product Info
Pickup features: Passive Soundboard Transducer
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $36
Purchased from: Trading Musician Seattle, WA
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Unknown Classical (late 1950's)
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: various
You musical style(s): folk, acoustic rock/country
Reason for pickup change: I wanted a pickup for my vintage classical without having to drill holes. It was a gift from a close family friend.
Sound
Perceived output level: Output is amazing for a passive pickup. LOUD!!!!
Tone: balanced & clean in any amp I've played it through
Sonic evaluation: I use whatever amp or PA system is available....no preamp.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It works for ALL styles...and is AFFORDABLE!!
Overall Rating
Comments: No modifications....No batteries (I despise batteries!!!)....My classical sounds like a classical should! 'Nuff said!!!
FYI: K&K also makes the Big Shot Internal model for those who wish for internal installation in their instrument(s).
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: Vance O.
K & K Sound Systems Pure Mini
Submitted at: 19:42, 11/29/2005
Product Info
Pickup features: Passive
Impedence or other specs:
Price Paid: US $89.00
Purchased from: Gollihur Music
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Martin OM 16 (DADGAD tuning)
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: B-Band UST
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: See the K&K web site at www.kksound.com
You musical style(s): Mainly Irish/Celtic & original
Reason for pickup change: Just trying this style of pickup after years of under saddle pickups.
Sound
Perceived output level: Output level without a preamp is impressive...balanced, clear, and true. With the K&K Pure Preamp, it's amazing.
Tone: This is my first bridge plate-mounted pickup (glued to the bridge plate under the top), so wasn't used to the initial tone. It was good, but a bit bassy and not much treble. Using the K&K Pure Preamp, I cut the bass a bit, dropped the mids, and increased the treble quite a bit. The result is a very true acoustic sound with excellent balance all the way up the neck, even with the capo at the 10th fret it's clear as a bell. Much better than the B-Band that was in it.
Sonic evaluation: The Irish/Celtic duo I'm part of doesn't have any gigs for a while, so didn't want to drag out the big sound system and hook it all up. So I used my personal Biamp 350W 6-CH powered mixer with reverb and 10 band EQ hooked to a small set of speakers with subwoofer (excellent sounding practice system). Even with this smaller system, the K&K Pure Mini w/K&K Pure Preamp sounds fantastic.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Irish/Celtic, contemporary, original
Overall Rating
Comments: Yes, I'd buy another one. I've been playing professionally for 30+ years. My other stage guitar is a 1970 Guild F-30 Paul Simon. What started this out is the LR Baggs LB6 in the Guild went out, so after a lot of online research and hearing sound clips with the K&K compared to other pickups, I ordered the K&K for the Guild, which is in standard tuning. After receiving the K&K, I got to thinking that I use the Martin a lot more since I play most of the Irish/Celtic music in DADGAD tuning, so did a switcheroo. I took the B-Band UST out of the Martin, put it in the Guild (sounds really good), and installed the K&K in the Martin. The K&K works very well with DADGAD, producing an exceptionally balanced, clear, and acoustic tone, bringing out the wonderful tonal character of this particular OM 16. So the decision to install the K&K in the Martin was a good one. Depending on how it works in a performance situation, I may end up getting one for the Guild as well....although the B-Band sounds pretty good and I only use it for a few songs. We'll see. The B-Band isn't quite as woody and acoustic as the K&K. Also, the K&K is better balanced than the B-Band. And I didn't get the middle pickup exactly centered between the G & A string holes. I practiced placement for a while before committing to gluing and was getting it pretty close, but as I was watching through the pin holes and lining up the pickup between the holes, I must have moved my hand down a bit at an angle instead of a straight line as I moved the pickup forward into position. So it's closer to the G string hole than the A. But even so, it still sounds great. K&K says there's room for placement error...thank God! The other two pickups are exactly centered where they should be.
I guess the only thing at this point I wish this system had is a light on the preamp to indicate it's on. Sometimes on stage I forget to unplug something if I'm not reminded by a visual prompt. It'd also be nice to have an ON/OFF switch insetad of having to disconnect the OUT plug to turn it off. But these are small concerns compared to the overall quality of the Pure Mini system with preamp. As many have already said, my Martin sounds like my Martin....just louder with more power.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
L.R. Baggs LBC
Submitted at: 7:24, 11/21/2005
Product Info
Pickup features: Undersaddle
Impedence or other specs: See the website.
Price Paid: US $85
Purchased from: Music Store
Instrument
Model of guitar or bass: Alvarez Yairy CY-127 CE
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Stock Alvarez
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: see LR Baggs website
You musical style(s): instrumental pop, smooth jazz
Reason for pickup change: Stock pickup was dead when the guitar was purchased (used.)
Sound
Perceived output level: Hotter than comparable brands. Output level is greatly influenced by impedence of the device you plug into.
Tone: Very full and three dimensional.
Sonic evaluation: The LB series of pickups have been around for nearly twenty years, and I've been using them personally and installing them for others since they were introduced. They are still the best all around transducer on the market. There are newer technologies (mostly from LR Baggs) that have better attributes in particular areas, but the LB series is still the best performer. Like all piezos, the Baggs is very sensitive to what it is plugged into. It is an ultra high impedence device and needs to be buffered in order to achieve its best performance. If you plug them straight into a mixer without a buffer it will sound okay, but will require a lot of eq to get a usable sound. Adding a buffered preamp will bring out a full, three dimensional sound that is very natural and accurate. Since the pickup is bonded to the saddle material, it senses vibration in several directions and this makes a huge difference in reproducing the sound of the guitar. I removed the stock pickup and volume/tone control from a 1982 Yairi thin body classical. I installed the LBC and a Baggs Deluxe onboard preamp and I was blown away by the sound. I can get very good volume before feedback, although since this is a dedicated stage guitar I have stuffed the body with foam and installed a custom soundhole plug to reduce feedback even more. I use this guitar for instrumental pop and smooth jazz in a band situation. I also own a solidbody Chet Atkins, which can get really loud, but doesn't have the same natural tone. I also purchased a Takamine EC 132 as a backup which sucks in comparison. Any of the negative comments about the LB6 series in other reviews are most likely a result of impedence mismatch, and not a true reflection of the nature of this pickup.
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play instrumental pop and smooth jazz. I play both fingerstyle and with a pick and this pickup works well for both. I've also recorded direct with this pickup and have gotten very good results.
Overall Rating
Comments: I would immediately replace this pickup. I've been using Baggs products for nearly twenty years, and they have always been ultra reliable. I have played for about 35 years, 30 profesionally. I own or have owned a bunch of gear over the years. I also worked in a music retail store so I have had the opportunity to try everything on the market. I love the sound and reliablity of the pick-up. It is critical that the installation be done right, and nylon string guitars are especially unforgiving due to the low string tension, so it should be installed by a qualified repair person. It will reproduce exactly what it hears, so if your guitar has dead spots and uneven balance, that is what you will get. I love the fact that I can plug the guitar directly to the board via direct box and just do minimal tweaking and add a touch of reverb. The eq on the onboard preamp is also set nearly flat. How cool is that? As a side note, I've installed LB 6's in steel string guitars and they kill. I owned a small body Taylor with a LB 6 wired directly to a jack. I used a Barcus Berry Matchbox (impedence matching device) and it was gorgeous. No onboard pre-amps or batteries, just killer tone.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this pickup a: 10 Fantastic value
Submitted by: dan <dan@mirrorduo.com>
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