MiSi pickups. Any experience?

[rbpicker]

Has anyone tried one of these pickups? Very unobtrusive, active pickup, and recharge in 60 seconds. Too good to be true??

Thanks
Rb

[George]

First I have ever heard of them, but the clips sound pretty good...  I will do some research.

[George]

I have tested one now.  It does recharge quickly, but discharges to zero overnight even if not played at all.  The capacitors used to replace the batteries are not designed for long term storage.

The bass and treble control worked very well. 

There is no volume control.  The output level is only moderate.

I did not pick up any noticeable hum when close to a 60 hz power source.

It sounds very clean to the ear as long as the bass and treble controls are adjusted for it.

My opinion is that it is not as "round" tonally as I would like.  It may sound much different connected to a guitar amplifier instead of a recording signal chain.

It also does pick up slight pick tap clicks when the pick strikes the top, but not terribly distracting like some others are.

The mounting screws are plastic and designed for slot head screwdrivers, so they mar easily.  The mounting ears are cushioned with cork but the bend under pressure.  The unit stays put though.

My two cents...

[Paraclete]

I have the the MiSi acoustic trio in my Seagull.  MiSi is actually a preamp system,not a pickup.  The pickup on the trio is the Baggs element, which is a good pickup, but it is an undersaddle, so it's not as rounded as a combo system.  I had some noise/feedback issues at first, but it was a matter of securing the wires inside the guitar better.  As for the duration of a charge, I've always ever charged it before playing,so I don't know how long it holds a charge (past a standard church service length).  There are a number of different pickups available with the MiSi system.  I also have the acoustic trio in two ukuleles.  My friend and I installed a MiSi preamp into his C-10, linked it to his existing Element pickup.  It is a lot less hassle than a battery pack.  If I could find a way to power my iMix system with one, I'd do it.  Also, you can get a tone and volume control for it.  I have one in my Seagull, and it works fine.  Still like the iMix better, sound wise.

[George]

The magpie I tested is a soundhole mounted active pickup with bass and treble controls, not just a preamp...