Acoustic amps

I know the only way to get a truly great acoustic sound in a performance is to put a microphone in front of it, or nothing at all, but unfortunately we've not been able to do that. Our group has struggled to get a quality acoustic sound live, and we're leaning towards just getting one of those Fender Acoustasonics and seeing what we can do with that. The guitar he uses is mine, a '76 Guild D-40. Do you think an LR Baggs M1 or equivalent soundhole pickup is the better option? Right now it has some terrible sounding internal pickup in that I don't even know what it is. Was in it when it was purchased. What do you acoustic legends think?

You've identified two issues: pickup and amplification.

If the pickup in the guitar you have isn't doing it, no amount of amplification will help. I'm one of the fans of the LR Baggs M1 (the passive one, never tried the M1A active). I've used a Fishman soundhole pickup, as well (Neo-D single coil), and liked it. The K&K Pure Western system gets rave reviews here (search here and on the rest of the 'Net). I've had mixed luck with undersaddle ribbon transducers. There's one in my Epiphone Chet Atkins and it sounds pretty thin; I use a chorus pedal to bring that guitar to life.

As for amplification, I run through a LR Baggs Para Acoustic DI into a PA. Your setup, however, may determine what's best for you. I really like the Fender Acoustasonic amps, I've used the smallest one (http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Acoustasonic-30-DSP-Combo-Amp-with-Effects?sku=480728) (the one that you can tip back and use as a stage monitor). I've also used two different models of [url=http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?q=crate+acousticCRATE acoustic amps[/url], and they seemed to be priced well and performed nicely.

Let us know what you decide. Good luck!

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If the pickup in the guitar you have isn't doing it, no amount of amplification will help.

Indeed. Bad stuff into the amp>Bad stuff out of the amp.

I have K&K Pure Western Passive Pickups in two Martins and I have the Pure outboard preamp.

K&K Pure Western installed by a good luthier (parts and labor) - $135
K&K Pure Preamp - $85

This is not super expensive stuff and it sounds great.

Aunchaki is a mind reader!

I had a Fender Acoustasonic 30. Nice amp.

I then bought a Crate CA15 (cheap) to hide in the living room to use with my Taylor T-5 and I was stunned that the CA15 had more bass and volume that the Acoustasonic.

In the end I sold both amps and bought a Fishman Loudbox 100 which may be the last acoustic amp that I ever buy. 100 watts biamped. Nice.

I would start by upgrading the signal out of the guitar (K&K ??) and next buy an amp.

Look at this deal - Linky! (If the pickup in the guitar you have isn't doing it, no amount of amplification will help.)

CA15's are normally $149- I don't know how this seller does the super cheap price but this is where I got mine.

Have fun.

John

The two pickups I would recommend are the Baggs M1 and the K&K Pure Western Mini. For amps I would look hard at the Genz Benz stuff. I found a used Shen 150lt and it's flexible enough eq-wise that I don't need a direct box.

Acoustic Amp ==> Trace Acoustic by Trace Elliot.

Honestly the best sound we've gotten from the rythm acoustic is straight into the PA. keep the highs turned down for a nice mellow tone and a touch of reverb. And it keeps from having to haul another amp.