|
Post by nkforster on Jun 9, 2016 5:43:46 GMT
Whilst looking up some of the names mentioned in this thread I came across this: www.dougyoungguitar.com/pickuptests/Be warned, interesting though it is, it's also a bottomless pit. I found a few I liked, but what you need to remember is most pickups sound ok at low volumes, it's what they sound like through a PA at high volume where the trouble starts. nigel
|
|
|
Post by andyhowell on Jun 9, 2016 8:46:53 GMT
Whilst looking up some of the names mentioned in this thread I came across this: www.dougyoungguitar.com/pickuptests/Be warned, interesting though it is, it's also a bottomless pit. I found a few I liked, but what you need to remember is most pickups sound ok at low volumes, it's what they sound like through a PA at high volume where the trouble starts. nigel This is a fascinating resource Nigel and I've spent hours listening to it when considering a change of pickup — sad I know, but there you go! While it is good in some ways I'm surprised by how different some of these pickups sound to what they sound like in the flesh, so to speak! Still, this seems to give people on that other Forum hours and hours of endless fun :-)
|
|
ocarolan
Global Moderator
CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
Posts: 33,976
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"c0cfe1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 182a3f
Mini-Profile Text Color: 733a1c
|
Post by ocarolan on Jun 9, 2016 9:08:26 GMT
Spot on Andy and Nige - all the "tests" in the world don't tell you what the result will be with your own instruments through a variety of amplification systems in a whole host of environments.
I find it quite reassuring that this issue, as with many others in music, is largely about personal preference, and personal experience, often hard (and expensively!) won. I suspect that the "endless" fun on the "other Forum" is largely because so often people need i) to be told what the "best" solution is, and ii) to have validation of their eventual choice by others.
But is is fun to chew the fat - 'swhat Forums are for eh?!
Keith
|
|
|
Post by andyhowell on Jun 9, 2016 13:23:58 GMT
Too true Keith.
I had a Headway pickup installed in my Lucas, the top of the range model. I did so because, firstly, I like their preamps and it seemed to me that they were a company that understood about acoustics. Secondly, I thought I'd go with an English design and company.
When I first plugged it in seriously I was a bit disappointed because, well, it sounded like a pickup. But as I've used it more and more I've come to like it more and more and have respected its balanced sound. Of course, it helps if you play regularly as audience members and sound people will tell you it sounds good to them.
A few months ago the Lucas went back to its creator for a bit of tweaking. I had a few gigs to do. I discovered my OM's pickup had developed a nasty hum and so I brought the Martin J40 out of retirement. On its first outing I got to the venue to find that the guy with the PA — knowing he was doing the sound for only solo performers — hadn't bought enough cables. I had to forgo the preamp and plug directly into the PA.
Now I don't remember the J40's pickup with any great affection. It is a Fishman UST that was installed almost 30 years ago! I was frankly stunned by how nice the sound was in a small hall. Everything sounded nice and balanced and even C tunings were not too boomy. I guess the guy doing the sound just knew what he was doing.
But it goes to show I probably don't have any idea what I am talking about! Over on the other forum people are fascinated by the relative merits of different pickups but in all honesty it his there own technique which probably makes the most difference.
The OM will need a new pickup. For some reasons I've not been bowled over by K&K but (of course egged on my Keith) I think I shall try these out next!
|
|
Martin
Administrator
Posts: 11,882
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"http://mandocello.org/lytebox/images/adirondack.jpg","color":""}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0a530b
Mini-Profile Text Color: 4f3517
|
Post by Martin on Jun 9, 2016 15:22:23 GMT
Is a pickup the best option for amplifying an acoustic? I've seen dedicated microphones being used live to good effect, but I suppose there must be drawbacks.
|
|
|
Post by andyhowell on Jun 9, 2016 20:03:01 GMT
Live mics just are a hassle in many settings. They need proper setting or sounchecking. I shall be trying to use one in Saturday. Will report back.
|
|
|
Post by Cams on Jun 11, 2016 11:18:55 GMT
It is indeed a bottomless pit. After many years of experimenting, I'm a big closer to the sound I've heard other performers get and it's made all the difference in the world to my playing. I've got more experimenting to do though, having just ordered an Apollo Twin Duo designed for studio use. I'm getting into production anyway, but I found the company (Universal Audio) after seeing Pierre Bensusan using their Firewire model for live mixing with a MacBook Pro. I'm excited to see what it can do in a live settings. The pickup is just one bit of the equation!
|
|