Choosing a way to amplify an acoustic guitar has become easier than ever and has never
    sounded better. With a race between the manufacturers for more realistic sounding
    systems you will find great mics and pickups at nearly every price level.

 

    Soundhole Pickups...

    A great choice for the occasional amplifier. Easy to install when needed and just as easy to

    take out when not needed. There are plenty of makers with prices from $30.00 to $40.00

    and up so they are very affordable.

 

   

 

     The pros -

    * Easy to install and remove.

    * Plenty of output, no preamp typically needed.

    * No modification to your guitar.

    * Affordable.

    * Little if any feedback.

 

    Cons -

    * Not as natural sounding as some pickups.

    * Cable attached and hangs out the soundhole.

    * May block the natural sound from the soundhole.

 

    We carry 5 or 6 different models from Dean Markley, Bill Lawrence, and Barcus Berry.

     Check out the: Lawrence A300               Dean Markley Pro Mag

                            Lawrence A345               Barcus Berry Maplebar

 

    Piezo Pickups ...

    Piezo pickups or elements have become very popular and are now used in nearly all

    factory installed pickups for acoustic.These have a very different sound which some prefer,

    and also have the advantage of not picking up unwanted magnetic fields, such as mains hum

   and feedback from monitoring loops. They come in many shapes and styles.

 

    Piezo discs...

   

        Discs can be placed inside or outside the instrument and work on vibrations in the top

    or bridge. They can be very affordable, the above example sells for under $20.00. Piezo

    discs can be permanently installed in your guitar so they are not seen.

 

    Piezo undersaddle elements ...

   

     are usually installed as the name suggest - under the saddle. They offer great sound and

     visually are undetectable. Many Piezo systems do offer preamps and seem to work best

     with at least an active system, but can include equalizers, tone presets, notch filters and

     volume controls. Piezo under-saddle pickups are a bit more expensive due to the fact that

     they need to be installed in a guitar. But done right, these pickups provide some of the most

     natural acoustic sounds available.

 

    Pros....

    * Sound very natural - like the guitar un-plugged.

    * Visual hidden - you don't know they are there.

    * Control over tone and volume can be included.

 

    Cons....

    * Can be expensive - $100.00 to $300.00 once installed.

    * Usually work best when active so require a battery.

    * Do require some minor modification to your guitar if installed.

    * Somewhat more prone to feedback.

 

    Check out the Fishman Matrix, and the Dean Markley LaJolla for under-saddle. The

    Dean Markley Artist and Signal Flex PU1.

 

 

    Microphones...

    There are a number of microphones designed for acoustic instrument amplification. All the top

    manufacturers offer examples for both stage and studio use. Typically they exhibit great natural

    sound and sensitivity. Many are of the condenser variety so they require phantom power or 

    a battery to work.

   

        We like the AKG C1000, and the Audio Technica Pro37R.

 

    There are also internal microphones available such as the GHS A-137 that can be mounted    

    inside the guitar to go undetected.

 

    Pros ...

    * Great sound, particularly when recording.

    * Can be positioned to find the sweet spot on a guitar.

    * Sensitive to even the most subtle notes.

 

    Cons ...

    * Limit your movement as they can sound quite different depending on where they are pointed.

    * Plan on spending over $100.00 for a good acoustic mic.

 

    Well to sum up, there are many choices when amplifing an acoustic. Also you want to consider the

    system or amplifier you will be using. Try out a few, ask fellow musicians when you hear a

    good system. Try combining systems, a mic and pickup together or two pickups blended

    (see the Dean Markley LaJolla) offer great results and some manufacturers even offer such  

     packs.

 

    Hope this is of some help and happy sailing.