I've got 3 that I'm looking at:

Baggs ibeam
PUTW #27
K&K western mini

Any others you might suggest? Anyone use any of the above 3? How do they record?

thanks.

Ken

Sorry, but I don't have any pickups. I record with a mic only.

what mic do you use?

I have a pair of AKG C414 ULS mics. Large diaphragm condenser mics. For solo guitar I frequently use the pair, about 3' apart, 2' in front. In an ensemble I use just one, 2-3' in front.

quote:

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Originally posted by ken-E:
I've got 3 that I'm looking at:

Baggs ibeam
PUTW #27
K&K western mini

Any others you might suggest? Anyone use any of the above 3? How do they record?

thanks.

Ken

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Your Collings will handle just about any single pickup or pickup combination there is. The real question is what pickup or pickups sound best to you, given your right hand techniques, styles of music, remainder of your signal chain, overall budget and personal preference.

Pickups are usually used in the context of a "gigging rig", amplifying the guitar for live performance or personal enjoyment.

Recording is a complete industry in itself. ALthough pickups can and are used in recording, most will record the instrument using mics , perhaps with a separate track recorded using a pickup.

The gigging rig is a more limited set of issues, and is usually less costly. A decent setup can be had for $500 or so, with systems topping out about $5k.

Recording is much more complex and takes quite a bit of time and effort to even understand it, let alone get needed gear and acquire recording skills. A basic recording setup for solo guitar plus possibly vocals (assuming you already have a computer) is perhaps $1,000. You could spend $20k pretty easily too - it can be a money pit.

So I guess I'd suggest identifying your goals. Then you can research things to get a feel for what you might be in for.

Ken,
I had a Highlander IP-1 installed in my OM3HG and I love it. I decided on this pickup after National installed an IP-1X Inline in my '34 National Style O. I have an I-beam in my LoPrinzi acoustic and I find it picks up too much percussive sound for my style of playing. I can tap the top of my Collings and very little noise is transmitted to the amp. As a matter of fact, tapping the bridge with a pick yields dramatically less sound than tapping the saddle. The Highlander is much different than most under-saddle pickups I have tried. The repair guys at Mandolin Bros were joking that they dislike having to install the Highlander 'cause it is more work. A slot is routed below the saddle slot; it is smaller than the saddle slot and this is where the flexible transducer sits. I find this pickup has virtually no feedback problems. This pickup also comes with the option of a mike input for a dual system. Let us know which one you choose and how you like it.

http://www.highlanderpickups.com/index.html

i know this is off topic, but rockerbob wrote

"I have a pair of AKG C414 ULS mics. Large diaphragm condenser mics. For solo guitar I frequently use the pair, about 3' apart, 2' in front. In an ensemble I use just one, 2-3' in front."


i wanted to ask him if he could recommend a condenser mic that is a little more in my range of $200 or less?

also, any advice on tube mic preamps?

again, sorry for getting off topic

kevin

I don't know what's out there in the $200 range. I haven't looked in years. A friend has a Rode condensor that was not too expensive and he loves it.

quote:

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Originally posted by kevin:

i wanted to ask him if he could recommend a condenser mic that is a little more in my range of $200 or less?

also, any advice on tube mic preamps?

again, sorry for getting off topic

kevin

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Kevin,

I have had excellent luck with the Behringer B1 and B2 large condensor mics. Both can be had for under $150.

I'm a member here but can't log in for some reason. If you want samples of the mics, send me a note dberch123@mchsi123.com

remove the 123's

David

Hi Blockdog here. New guy.

Don't know if it's the best but I just had a LR BAGGS Dual Source put in my OM2H in March. I have had 5 different set ups in different guitars over the years and this is the best one I have come across so far. Sounds very natural to me. Just a little of the internal mic goes along way. It also can run in stereo with the right cord and can run mic and saddle pick up individually. Haven't tried that yet.

Cost... $290 installed. Money well spent IMO.

Pickups are great for live apps. but for recording I still use mics.

My 2 cents

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Blockdog,

I like the Fishman Natural with the Aura system It is as close as you get to the natural guitar.
James