Electrics vs Pick ups

[mutley2209]

Which system is the better choice for an acoustic? i know that both will give off a differant level of sound quality but how exactly? when electrics are installed how do they affect the soundwaves bouncing around when there's a block of plastic inside? but the pickup also sits ontop of the soundole shile i suppose will effect how the sound comes out, and i've also heard that pickups don't deliver in the same way as onboard electics, or is that an old perception?

Im still learning so hearing from people much more experinced from me is great

[SimonC]

Mutley - This is exactly the predicament I had (I have to stress it ended with me buying an Avalon D100CE!)
I have a Seagull S6 which I've had for nearly 14 years. Until three or four years ago i never had the need to be "plugged in" and as content with being "Au Natural". Now my S6 is a little special in that not long after I got it it had a warranty issue and ended up back at Godin's factory in Canada. Whilst there it went through the custom shop and had a full set-up and once over... what resulted was a guitar that cost very little and plays like a dream.I've had many comments of admiration about my Seagull, how it feels and plays and have in fact been offered more than twice what I paid for it if I would sell it..

My playing outlets have changed over the last few years - resulting in me being back to the question of should I put electrics or a pick-up in the S6 as I now needed to plug in. After some consideration I narrowed it down to what I've been told is one of the most simple and natural systems - A KnK Western pick-up (http://www.kksound.com/) . Not only is this not too expensive - it gives great sound and is really easy to install. At most all you need to do is to bore out your strap button to accept the plug in type. The system is passive so there isn't an on-board EQ/Volume ... but that also means you have little inside your guitar to affect sound etc..
There's been plenty of chat on here about KnK - so I'm sure you can search for more info. IMHO . if I had of gone down the route of "Electrifying" my S6...KnK would have been the only way for me.

So why did I not do it ... well the thought of any change /potential for change to the feel/sound of my S6 fuelled me to bite the bullet and buy a new Avalon...at least that's my excuse to my wife and I'm sticking to it!!
SC

[Steamer]

I am considering the DPA 4099 microphone as an alternative to a pickup. It fits directly to the guitar body using a special clip. Quite pricey but you can use it without any damage to the guitar and move it to another guitar very easily. Obviously its attraction does also depend on the type of gigs you do and the type of sound you want. The few reviews look good but difficult to find one to audition.

[crofty]

that sounds like the kind of thing that James Taylor was using on that concert " One Man Band "on the BBC last week,a small mike attached to the lower bout of the guitar and angled towards the soundhole.

Crofty

[SimonC]

I am considering the DPA 4099 microphone as an alternative to a pickup. It fits directly to the guitar body using a special clip. Quite pricey but you can use it without any damage to the guitar and move it to another guitar very easily. Obviously its attraction does also depend on the type of gigs you do and the type of sound you want. The few reviews look good but difficult to find one to audition.

Expensive ... but a nice bit of kit

[Ross A]

I am considering the DPA 4099 microphone as an alternative to a pickup. It fits directly to the guitar body using a special clip. Quite pricey but you can use it without any damage to the guitar and move it to another guitar very easily. Obviously its attraction does also depend on the type of gigs you do and the type of sound you want. The few reviews look good but difficult to find one to audition.

Would it work in a band situation?

[mutley2209]

aye i was watching that as well, i noticed a mic' in james's guitar, thats when i started thinking about my system cheers for the feedback everyone, its great to hear from players more experienced than me (im still learning ).

think i'll look at a pickup first then try out a mic' on its own if i get the chance, so i can compare the sound quality by ear, personally i'd like to have both. running them at about 60/40 in favour of the mic' so not to get too much of a electric sound from the pickup, not compramising the acoustic sound, plus im trying to learn the percussive style of play like Andy McKee, Don Ross and the almighty Preston Reed so having a mic' sould pick up those tapps and knocks better? or would a pickup do just as good a job of picking up those echoes?

but like i say im still learning im really interested in learning more about guitars, how there built, what kind of systems you can have etc. so this forum for me is brilliant especially as its an Avalon forum, don't have one yet myself but im saving up for my dream guitar, the master series double bevel WHAT A GUITAR

[frankhond]

Andy McKee, Michael Hedges, Preston Reed and all these slap/tap people have one thing in common: they use a dual approach - both electromagnetic pickup and some kind of internal mic system. Generally the pickup is used for bass frequencies, sometimes the top 3 or 4 poles are removed to only get the bass strings. The internal mic/piezo is used for the mid and treble along with the thonks. Then you need a good dual channel preamp. All of this is outlined in "Rhytm, Sonority,Silence" (Michael Hedges tab book from stropes.com).

[Leaf768]

Hi guys,
I rather choose pick ups.,I much like this because this kind of guitar is much more efficient to use to me.,




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