Outrider Posted April 23, 2002 Share Posted April 23, 2002 I am about to undertake a new accoustic project with some friends, and need some advice about getting a really nice sound for this kind of music. I currently own two accoustic guitars...a Kramer Ferrington (thin hollowbody) and a Washburn 12-string. The Kramer is one of the earlier guitars of its kind (circa 1988). The sounds I have been able to get through my PA have been a bit harsh and thin. Mic'ing the 12-string produces nice lush sounds but is inconvenient. What I'd like to find out are some ideas on what would be the most economical way to get a really nice sound in the most economical fashion...for example, recommendations for a good pickup for the Washburn, preamp for the Kramer, or perhaps an affordable new 6-string guitar that would produce quality sounds for a strummer like myself. I'm sure a few of you are performing in a similar situation. What are your secrets? One of these days I'm gonna change my evil ways... one of these days... http://www.emotipad.com/emoticons/Band.gifhttp://www.weidenbach.net/images/storage/headbang.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fantasticsound Posted April 23, 2002 Share Posted April 23, 2002 Check out L.R. Baggs pickup systems. You won't be disappointed. For all the ink on Fishman products, I feel the Baggs pickups are more natural sounding. My inexpensive Blueridge acoustic is outfitted with a simple Baggs ribbon pickup and an onboard preamp with bass, treble, and a sweepable mid in addition to volume. My one complaint is that Baggs has never designed a nifty battery compartment, a la Takamine's pre's. The Baggs pre I have requires cutting into the side of the instrument, but Baggs sells some nifty, tiny pre's that mount in the soundhole. Very cool! As for the Ferrington.. their's not much you can do with the Kramer versions. They were designed for quick and dirty, and that's exactly what you get. I never liked 'em. (Too bad, cause I was hyped for them to excel. ) If you do decide on a new 6 string, an invaluable add on is a Lute Hole. These beautifully carved, wood, feedback-busters fit in your soundhole. Unlike the rubber feedback busters, they leave most of the guitar's acoustic timbre intact, while greatly reducing the potential for feedback. I like it for use with an external mic, as well. The vented design allows air movement (hence the similar tone, with or without) while almost eliminating any "woof" if the sound hole is directly facing the microphone. It provides dispersion, like a baffle. Happy hunting for your solution! It's easiest to find me on Facebook. Neil Bergman Soundclick fntstcsnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wickerman Posted April 24, 2002 Share Posted April 24, 2002 I agree, L.R. Baggs is the way to go for an acoustic pickup. Dean Markley makes some nice sounding sound-hole insert pickups too. As far as affordable new acoustics go, Carvin Cobalts are the best I've played for the money. Check out the page, on the left side there a link to audio samples of three of the Cobalt line guitars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfjunkie Posted April 24, 2002 Share Posted April 24, 2002 this is the baggs d.i.- http://www.samusic.com/images/baggs_para.jpg any guitar shop in your area will have one. it's industry-standard for acoustic guitar piezos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dak Lander Posted April 24, 2002 Share Posted April 24, 2002 Man, go HERE ! Get on there & get a hold of Dave. He'll be straight up about what can be done for you with what he has that will work for you, depending on what and how you play. I'm sure he can help with the 12 string but I'm not sure about the other. Dave's a forum guy too so he he'll help you out. If you don't want to go that way, look at the Dean Markley as well as the Baggs units. I have a Fishman Rare Earth & wish I didn't. The Markley Sweet Spot is better, IMHO. I'm confident enough in Dave's stuff that I'm ordering one of his pickups within the next months. Our Joint "When you come slam bang up against trouble, it never looks half as bad if you face up to it." The Duke... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_denys Posted April 25, 2002 Share Posted April 25, 2002 Well, If you ever need some wood to start a fire use the Kramer!!!! I agree with the others here, L.R. Baggs are really good. I don't know if you cand find these guitar in your area (they are Quebec, Canada made)but they are the best sounding guitars for the price... I am talking about the Seagull and the Simon & Patrick accoustique guitars. They are made by a Canadian company named Godin and most of them come with the L.R. Baggs... If you can try one, go ahead my friend... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d_denys Posted April 25, 2002 Share Posted April 25, 2002 BTW, I use a Dean Markley hole pickup for my 12 strings accoustic and it sound OK. It is the cheapest way to get a nice (not the best but OK) accoustic sound live... If you get one, get the single coil, it has less presence in the mids than the humbucker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Outrider Posted April 26, 2002 Author Share Posted April 26, 2002 Originally posted by d_denys: [QB]Well, If you ever need some wood to start a fire use the Kramer!!!!Well, it plays pretty good and it makes a good practice guitar because it's light and small, so it's not ready to be used for kindling just yet. However, the sound is harsh thru the PA and it's not loud (resonant) enough to play in a room with other accoustics due to its size, so it fails some critical tests. I've done a little research and the Dean Markley "Sweet Spot" sounds promising for the 12-string. Anybody given one of those a try? One of these days I'm gonna change my evil ways... one of these days... http://www.emotipad.com/emoticons/Band.gifhttp://www.weidenbach.net/images/storage/headbang.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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