Andy P
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Post by Andy P on Jan 18, 2023 9:39:52 GMT
Hi folks My Breedlove Cascade OM/CRe has a very nicely balanced sound for strumming but the L R Baggs Element Active VTC piezzo is quite frankly awful. I've heard mallards which sound less like a duck. Lying in a box I have a Fishman Rare Earth Blend crying out for some action. SO here's the question: would it be possible to disconnect the Baggs and install the Fishman? The alternative of course would be to buy another guitar Thank you Andy
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Phil Taylor
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Post by Phil Taylor on Jan 18, 2023 10:25:41 GMT
Hi folks My Breedlove Cascade OM/CRe has a very nicely balanced sound for strumming but the L R Baggs Element Active VTC piezzo is quite frankly awful. I've heard mallards which sound less like a duck. Lying in a box I have a Fishman Rare Earth Blend crying out for some action. SO here's the question: would it be possible to disconnect the Baggs and install the Fishman? The alternative of course would be to buy another guitar Thank you Andy I can't help you Andy but the quacky description made me smile Phil
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Post by PistolPete on Jan 18, 2023 10:46:44 GMT
Speaking as a tinkerer, not a luthier or a guitar tech, it should be a pretty straightforward job - certainly something I'd be happy to do myself.
I'm pretty sure both come as complete units, so it would be a matter of unscrewing the existing jack socket, unclipping the battery attachment, taking the saddle out and threading the UST back through the pinhole at the side of the bridge then pulling the whole pickup system out through the soundhole.
Then you'd just need to install the rare earth blend according to the instructions, using the existing hole for the jack socket. You might need to put a shim under the saddle to make up for the loss of height from taking the UST out.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jan 18, 2023 11:38:48 GMT
... what Pete said.
But before you remove/disconnect anything and do a permanent new installation why not fit the Rare Earth Blend temporarily with the trailing lead from the soundhole to check if you like the sound from it?
If not, then perhaps your "alternative" might be the way to go.....
Keith
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Andy P
C.O.G.
Posts: 4,982
My main instrument is: Taylor 312ce, Guild D25, Deering 5 string banjo
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"8e2be1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 060607
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Post by Andy P on Jan 19, 2023 14:49:14 GMT
Thanks guys much appreciated, especially those extra little tips!
I must get myself one of those wee mirrors with a light on...
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Post by bobcarter on Jan 19, 2023 22:05:14 GMT
Something else to consider:
There's no reason you can't fit the Rare Earth Blend and leave your existing pick-up in place - just get a second jack socket drilled next to the existing one.
I did just that with my Larrivee L03-R, which came fitted with a Baggs Stage Pro Element and side-mounted pre-amp. That pick-up is OK, but I wanted something more natural sounding that would also pick up body sounds for percussive stuff, and I didn't want to sell the guitar or remove the existing pick-up/pre-amp and leave a big hole in the side.
So I got a Rare Earth Blend and had it fitted alongside.
For a long time I just used the Fishman and the Baggs was not used. But recently I now use both in combination, and really like the mix. A mono lead as normal from the Baggs and a second mono lead (which combines the magnetic and mic signals from the Fishman) or a stereo lead to spilt the mag/mic signals (giving three separate sources to play about with - fun!). I find the Baggs gives extra power and definition to the overall sound when used together with the Fishman, even if I don't like it so much by itself.
Just an idea! ....
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Andy P
C.O.G.
Posts: 4,982
My main instrument is: Taylor 312ce, Guild D25, Deering 5 string banjo
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"8e2be1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 060607
Mini-Profile Text Color: 0b0b0c
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Post by Andy P on Jan 23, 2023 9:44:11 GMT
Wow bobcarter that's pretty left field! But, why not? It's a great idea and one I'll certainly think about if I choose to fit the Fishman. Thanks
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Post by bobcarter on Jan 26, 2023 22:24:47 GMT
Wow bobcarter that's pretty left field! But, why not? It's a great idea and one I'll certainly think about if I choose to fit the Fishman. Thanks Embrace the joy of multi-source! (You'll want to run the Rare Earth Blend in stereo anyway to get the most out of it, so what's an extra pickup between friends?) Plus you'll have an excuse to buy lots of new stuff to mix and eq it all :-) Or at least there's the option... hope it works out.
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Andy P
C.O.G.
Posts: 4,982
My main instrument is: Taylor 312ce, Guild D25, Deering 5 string banjo
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Mini-Profile Name Color: 060607
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Post by Andy P on Jan 28, 2023 21:22:44 GMT
I like your sentiments there Bob - and your ingenuity! However, after giving it a lot of thought, I've decided to part with the instrument. I've traded it in for a Taylor! Thanks for your help all the same, most interesting.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jan 28, 2023 21:58:31 GMT
... I've decided to part with the instrument. I've traded it in for a Taylor! ... Details, we need details! Keith
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Andy P
C.O.G.
Posts: 4,982
My main instrument is: Taylor 312ce, Guild D25, Deering 5 string banjo
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"8e2be1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 060607
Mini-Profile Text Color: 0b0b0c
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Post by Andy P on Jan 28, 2023 22:25:47 GMT
... I've decided to part with the instrument. I've traded it in for a Taylor! ... Details, we need details! Keith See new thread!
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