L.R. Baggs M80 -- new soundhole pickup

[aunchaki]

I've been looking through my latest MusiciansFriend catalog and they have a full-page piece on the new L.R. Baggs M80. From the adspeak, it appears that it's a switchable active/passive version of the M1 (I have a M1 passive and LOVE it). LRB make/license the M1 technology to Takamine in the form of the Tri-Ax, which is also switchable between active and passive modes.

Other than the active/passive switching, the copy doesn't tell me anything about how (or if) the M80 is an improvement over either M1. I'm wondering if anyone knows something I don't: is there something to the M80 other than the switching.

I may need to get a second soundhole pickup this year and was planning on getting another M1 passive (I use a LRB DI into a PA). I'm kinda hoping the M80 will push the M1's prices down a bit...

[Jethro]

Hmm....news to me. I have the M1A, but I will be watching this thread to learn more of this. I too may be looking for another soundhole pu

[Jack S]

I use an M1 Active and like it very much. Why don't you call them at the factory? They are very nice and easy to talk to if you call. I have spoken at least a few times to the engineer who works there. Sorry that I cannot remember his name right now since it has been a few years since I last spoke with him, but he has always been willing to talk to me about their products and answer questions.

[carbon ribs]

From what I have read on Baggs' website along with other Internet sources, it is supposed to sense body resonance/vibration better than the M1. If I was in the market for another sound hole pickup I would probably give it a shot, seeing as I really like my M1 passive. Better body sensing and an active/passive switch sounds ok to me!

It supposedly uses the same strap jack and 1/8 type plug that the M1 does, so it would be pretty easy to try it out in your current guitar.

[chezdeluxe]

Some more detail and video on the LR Baggs website here. http://lrbaggs.com/m80/.

I am a big fan of the Baggs M-1 and M1-A pickups.The big difference of the M80 from the M-1 and M-1A seems to be increased body sensitivity from the second humbucking coil and a newly designed suspension system which allows that second coil to move in response to the guitar.