cheap ~$50 temporary pickup suggestion?

[dijos]

I am being called to do rhythm duty with my acoustic ( an old-ish f*230) for 3 gigs. I have actually played a bunch (60+) of gigs with this particular instrument, all unamped. now, I need to amplify it due to room size (and loud drummer) At this point, It looks like there are a few soundhole pickups right in that range-the maplebar, SD's woody, and a dean markley, but I don't know 1) if one is really better than the other, and 2) do these amplify ph. bronze strings? I know that it's kind of a amateur hour question, but I can't seem to find a straight answer. I'm interpreting "steel string" as "not nylon string" which may be stupid.

thanks for the help.

[aunchaki]

I have a Fishman Neo-D soundhole pickup. It's great and costs $59.95 (a wee bit over your $50 budget). I've tried a few of the wooden soundhole types and I think they suck (just MY opinion, you may have a great one). I experienced lots of string-to-string variation in the woodies. I tried several different models (can't remember which).



I use regular phosphor-bronze strings and have no difficulties. DR is now making "Zebra" acoustic strings that alternate bronze and steel wrapping wire to help with magnetic pickup users. I don't really feel the need to try them out, but they may be cool.

The Neo-D is a single coil pickup, which gives it a bright clean sound. It also features 60-cycle hum in places with dimmers (like my church). You'll experience the same with any single coil, but be warned. They make a humbucking version, but it costs over $100 (for that money, get an L.R.Baggs M1).

Good luck!

[aunchaki]

As a follow-up, I did try the Duncan Maverick, a $30 single-coil soundhole pickup. I picked it up at my local GC. It sounded pretty good. I returned it because I was looking for something fancier (I got the L.R.Baggs M1).



Still, as I look back, it wasn't a bad pickup, and it was good for $30. I think my $60 Fishman Neo-D (above) is much better, but if you're looking for a quick, cheap option, this is not a bad one.

If you've got gigs quick, you might not have time to order something from MF. GC has stocked the Maverick in the past. I'd recommend it WAY before any of the woodies.

[JohnSS]

I use the Dean Markley Pro Mag and have also used the DiMarzio Super Natural for soundhole pickups in my '79 Guild F412 and a Seagull S6. Both are excellent. Haven't used the Duncan Maverick but I know it's got good word of mouth as well.

[Sollophonic]

+1 on the Fishman pickups. I have one fitted to my main acoustic, and its sounds lovely.

[robt57]

I noticed Music 123 has some Bags for like $60.00 off the $199.00 retail.


Ciao

[TeleDrifter]

Bill Lawerence (sp)...I've got an old one that's sweet...One of the originals

[dijos]

update, I went with the fishman; sounds fantastic. Thanks!

[aunchaki]

Originally Posted by dijos

update, I went with the fishman; sounds fantastic.

Thanks for the update! I like it when threads like this come full circle and you get to hear how it ended up.

When you've got some playing time with the Fishman, give us a proper review!