Installed new pickup on my D-03.

[Fstpicker]

Originally, I had installed an older B-Band active UST P/U on her, but it went dead on me a few weeks ago for no apparent reason. After checking and re-checking, I wasn't able to "resurrect" it.

After looking for a P/U to replace the B-Band, I came across a used, but in like new condition, GHS Internal "mini-flex" Mic Pickup with a built-in pre-amp. It was located on another guitar forum for sale for about half the price of a new one. I had seen these advertised before in the AG mag, but never heard anyone say how they sounded.

I installed it on my Larrivee D-03 in about 30-45 minutes, subtracting the time that it took me to replace two strings I broke as I was re-stringing it back up. I then proceeded to adjust the mic position to the place where it wasn't too boomy in the bass, but yet was still strong in the bass. I also wanted to bring out the bell-like trebles as clearly as I could, trebles that my Larrivee really shines with. Well, I think I may have found the "sweet spot". Being so balanced as this Larrivee is, especially for a dreadnaught, I think I found a place where the mids are strong and punchy, the trebles are bell-like, and the bass is deep and rich, but not over-whelming. Frankly, I am really liking this pickup and its sound! I made a poor quality tape recording of it so I could hear how it sounded. I must say, even with my poor recording, that the overall quality is acoustically rich and punchy, with just the right amount of lows, mids, and highs. The quality of this mic seems to be as good, if not better than the Fishman mic that is included on their new Ellipse system.

Tomorrow night I meet with my Folk group partner in Deltona, and I'll test it out on his acoustic Fender amp to see how it really sounds. I'll probably try to compare it with his Martin and its Fishman Ellipse system, just to see how it stacks up against it. I'm serious though...I really like this pickup. Frankly, I didn't know quite what to expect. I certainly didn't expect to be this happy with it! 

Here is a picture of what I'm talking about:



Thanks for listening.

Jeff

[Randy_R]

I have a guitar with an internal mic. It sounds very good by itself into a small amp at home, but when I've played it on a stage thru a PA, it was impossible to get rid of the feedback. I will admit to not having a preamp with eq or notch filters to play with which might have fixed the feedback. But the experience has made me somewhat cautious.

Let me know if and how you are able to deal with feedback if you encounter it..

[ronmac]

This is a very nice sounding mic, I used one myself in my L10 along with a Fishman Rare Earth Humbucker. Very nice combination.

As Randy mentions, feedback is a concern when using any microphone on stage. I would be leary of using this as my sole PU unless I had access to good outboard processing and a tame PA person.

[Fstpicker]

Good advice...thanks guys! I'll keep it in mind as I continue to experiment with it tonight at my friend's house.

Jeff