Choices upon choices

abomb4601 · #1 08-06-2008, 12:11 PM

I'm still in the market for a pickup system for my GC8. i pretty much have it narrowed down to either a K&K Western Mini, Fishman matrix infinity, or an LR Baggs iMix.

my questions are as follows.

1. Which do you recommend given:
- if i play plugged in it is usually in a duo with another acoustic
- sometimes it is in church
- i may play with a band in the future

2. What do i need as far as a signal chain with any of these choices.

3. If you use one of them do you like it and why or why not?

I was wanting to get the Fishman ellipse blend, but alas it does not fit in my guitar. I was originally a fan of the "dual source" type pickups with a UST and either a mic or a SBT. I have also considered the rare earth blend pickup.

grace and peace

rainsong · #2 08-06-2008, 02:27 PM

Keep in mind this is just my opinion based on my experience(s). I had a K&K many years ago (before they even offered the mini) and it was just too feedback prone and boomey. I didn't play in band but did play with an acoustic bass player in some pretty unfriendly room (lots of hard surfaces etc.) I have always been of the opinion that an SBT is a good secondary source but not a good single source unless your in very low volumes or acoustic friendly environments and don't really care if you can hear much of the guitar in the floor monitor. The Infinity I'm sure would be a good single source, maybe even as good as the Element by itself if their claims of increase dynamic range are accurate (which I have no reason to disbelieve).
Without hearing the Infinity I can only speculate. My vote would probably be for the i-mix because I think 2 sources are better than one and I have been happy with my Element which is one of the pickups in the i-mix, unless you plan to get an Aura in the future. If that's the case I would seriously consider the Infinity.

abomb4601 · #3 08-07-2008, 10:59 AM

thanks for the replies. i think i may go with the lr baggs. but im still not sure... im not a huge fan of making decisions like this

rainsong · #4 08-07-2008, 03:25 PM

Be thankful you live in an era where you have a plethora of good pickups to choose from. 20 years ago you had the choice of a soundhole mag or an Ovation!

ttchen · #5 08-07-2008, 05:26 PM

Last Sunday, I played my sub $300 Walden T550 (travel sized guitar) equipped with K&K PW Mini w/BBE Acoustimax to Bose L1 Sound System (w/tone pad). I was really impressed with the acoustic sound especially when the sonic maximizer was engaged. The sound was more alive, almost
3-D ish. I have used the Pure Preamp XLR but the sound wasn't as alive as the Acoustimax.
This is my personal opinion on this setup, hope this helps. God bless.