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  #1  
Old 07-07-2014, 10:30 AM
David-NJ David-NJ is offline
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Default Pickup/preamp system for archtops?

I wonder if someone could recommend a pickup/preamp system for an archtop (piezo or microphone; not magnetic pickup). I'd much rather have the preamp in the guitar like you would on a flattop but obviously it's not trivial to get in there. Mine just has normal f-holes, a little wider than you'd find on a 335, etc. Or do I have to use an external stomp box for the preamp?

Many thanks for any advice.
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Old 07-07-2014, 11:25 AM
Steve DeRosa Steve DeRosa is offline
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Try one of these:

http://www.fishman.com/products/view...uitar-pickup-1

Since most preamps use the so-called "barndoor" configuration, which involves cutting a hole in the side of the guitar (not my favorite method when it comes to a hand-carved instrument), it shouldn't be too much more difficult than a standard round-hole installation. If you decide to go this route, here's something that should give you the best of both worlds:

http://www.fishman.com/products/view/prefix-pro-blend-1

Another possibility - and one which I would prefer as no holes need be cut - would involve making a custom pickguard and installing a preamp such as this on the underside:

http://www.fishman.com/products/view...matrix-blend-1

If you're creative you should be able to design a '40s Epiphone-style pickguard, with appropriately-placed curves to accommodate the shape of the preamp and allow easy access. FWIW the recently-discontinued Gretsch Jimmie Vaughan Synchromatic used a similar setup; these were well-made, all-solid-wood guitars with a definite '40s visual/tonal vibe, and if you've got the bucks it might just be worth checking one of these out rather than messing with your current instrument:

http://elderly.com/vintage/items/45U-1576.htm

Hope this helps...
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Old 07-07-2014, 01:25 PM
FloridaGull FloridaGull is offline
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The K&K Definity system is another to try - especially if you happen to like your stock bridge...

http://elderly.com/new_instruments/n...tem--KKDS1.htm

http://kksound.com/products/definity.php
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Old 08-26-2014, 08:51 AM
Jim Sliff Jim Sliff is offline
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K&K systems are superb paired with a Baggs Para Acoustic DI preamp - but honestly an old D'Armond "guitar Mike" monkey-stick single-coil (far less $$$ & almost identical in sound to the Rhythm Chief) either through the Baggs or straight into a tube amp sounds very natural - and looks far cooler! ;-)
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Old 08-26-2014, 10:41 PM
good_hillbilly good_hillbilly is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Sliff View Post
K&K systems are superb paired with a Baggs Para Acoustic DI preamp - but honestly an old D'Armond "guitar Mike" monkey-stick single-coil (far less $$$ & almost identical in sound to the Rhythm Chief) either through the Baggs or straight into a tube amp sounds very natural - and looks far cooler! ;-)

Will the d'Armond Guitar Mic setup work with bronze strings? I assume not, but thought i'd ask!
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Old 09-06-2014, 05:37 AM
rpguitar rpguitar is offline
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Yes, the DeArmond Guitar Mike and FHC models work well with bronze strings. In fact, they are actually balanced for bronze strings, which a lot of players don't realize. I'm literally sitting right now with a '33 Gibson L-12 sporting 80/20 bronze and an FHC pickup. Sounds perfect (my own clams notwithstanding).
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