installng a pick-ups or buying a mic

[Zag]

 I'm not sure which way to go. Whether to buy a mic or install a pic-up. I see the majority of pros online using mics.
And could someone suggest  a mic and a likely price please.
Thanks,
Zagg

[ST]

How do you use your guitar?

Is this for recording or performance?

If you are recording - is this in a quiet, controlled environment?

Do you perform live?
Solo or in a group?

Type of music?
For whom (audience: who are they, what are they doing while you are performing)?

Where will you be playing? (type of venue, size)


-=click to see why I ask=-

[ST]

-=click to see why I ask=-

Hi Zag,

Unless you've got a big den and a decent amplification system, I wouldn't be in big hurry to spend money on a pickup or a microphone.

If not for the pending deal on the LR Baggs Anthem, if it were me, I would wait until I had owned the Larrivée for awhile. The reason... to see if both guitars were getting much air time. Having the Larrivée may change your thinking about when, where, and how you will be playing.

People seem to like the Anthem. If I could pick one up for $100 I'd probably do it just to experiment and hear it first hand. But our situations are completely different.

[SMan]

  Zag   


A Fishman Neo D may not be the best alternative but I find it great for temporary amplification without permanent installation.

[Tele]

Hey Zag,

I agree with ST. If you are only playing in your den, and just want to amplify the guitar, I think you'll find it easier to go with the Anthem. You will always get a better sound from a mic, (well, almost always) but for your purposes, and for the deal on that Anthem, I think you'll be very happy with it.

I have a couple of the (full version) Anthems, one I just had installed in a Breedlove 12 string C25/W.The other is going in a custom build. The Anthem is a good choice for many reasons, but I gig with the guitar and using a mic is not always practical. I am pleased with the reproductive capabilities of the Anthem. A lot of your sound will depend on the rest of your signal chain, so bear that in mind. I say go for it. It sounds like an incredible deal!

Tele 

[cke]

I'll start by confessing I have never plugged in  since selling my Fender Precision Bass in high school.

I recently was at a convention where the entertainer played a late '70s Larrivee L (and quite well too). He had a stereo set-up with a UST and something else.  Until I saw the guitar and spoke with him I though he was playing  a 00 or something.  He was very proud of his guitar and set-up. Acoustically the guitar sounded great! Through the PA it sounded just like every UST does in my experience.   In other words, the guitar matters very little with the on-board systems I have heard: It's all about the electronics.

So I vote for a  mike. You can't dance and play at the same time of course. But the guitar has a better chance of sounding like itself through a good mike and PA.

[Glennd]

The top line Anthem for $100.00 I'll take 3 thank you. Maybe the best (non-mic) amplification available for acoustic guitar.

[unclrob]

I'm with Chris and voted that way.I have Ibeams in 2 of my guitars for working with load electric players.I've tried out all the stuff to date and it works but I really prefer mic's.