Dazzo 60s installed in Martin HD28

tbirdman · #1 03-11-2021, 12:22 AM

I guess I’m a convert for Dazzo. I had Kerry from Char Luthiers in Portland install the Dazzo in my Martin HD28. Haven’t bought a preamp, but fed straight into my Boss MK2 50, it sounds great with no EQ needed.

Cuki79 · #2 03-11-2021, 06:01 AM

Congratulations! Can you please post a recording?

Mandobart · #3 03-11-2021, 06:14 AM

As I've stated ad nauseum here, the function of a preamp is to match the high output impedance that all piezo pickups have with the low input impedance frequently found on amps and PA's. Its not just to boost the piezo signal for use by your PA/amp (although most preamps today do that as well).

If you're plugging in to a high impedance (HI Z) input, a preamp isn't necessary. My Carvin AG300 for example has two HI Z inputs. I don't need any preamp when plugging any of my (JJB) piezo equipped instruments into it. If I do use my RedEye there is no audible difference. The specs for your BOSS state a 1 Mohm input. That's high impedance.

The need (or lack of a need) for a preamp with a passive piezo pickup is dictated by the PA or amp you're plugging into, not the pickup you're using.

PANDAPANDELO · #4 03-11-2021, 11:42 AM

Ahhh... I really got happy to see more Dazzo users being happy with their pickups. I've installed the exactly same pickup in the exactly same acoustic guitar you did! 60s into HD28! I'm not using it anymore since I did some stupid moves trying to reinstall it and broke the pickup, but it was one of the best acoustic plugged in sounds I've ever had!

I'll try a K&K pickup pretty soon! I hope it sounds as good as the Dazzo 60s sounded in my HD28!

Petty1818 · #5 03-11-2021, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PANDAPANDELO

Ahhh... I really got happy to see more Dazzo users being happy with their pickups. I've installed the exactly same pickup in the exactly same acoustic guitar you did! 60s into HD28! I'm not using it anymore since I did some stupid moves trying to reinstall it and broke the pickup, but it was one of the best acoustic plugged in sounds I've ever had!

I'll try a K&K pickup pretty soon! I hope it sounds as good as the Dazzo 60s sounded in my HD28!

Why not go back to the Dazzo? Sounds like you had amazing results. I can't see the K&K being any better. Is there a reason why you moved on from it, other than the reinstall issue?

tbirdman · #6 03-11-2021, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandobart

As I've stated ad nauseum here, the function of a preamp is to match the high output impedance that all piezo pickups have with the low input impedance frequently found on amps and PA's. Its not just to boost the piezo signal for use by your PA/amp (although most preamps today do that as well).

If you're plugging in to a high impedance (HI Z) input, a preamp isn't necessary. My Carvin AG300 for example has two HI Z inputs. I don't need any preamp when plugging any of my (JJB) piezo equipped instruments into it. If I do use my RedEye there is no audible difference. The specs for your BOSS state a 1 Mohm input. That's high impedance.

The need (or lack of a need) for a preamp with a passive piezo pickup is dictated by the PA or amp you're plugging into, not the pickup you're using.

I know I don't need a preamp, but probably need one when I go to open mics and plug into a mixer board or PA system with low impedance inputs. However I may try to get by with a Superfly amp as a preamp which has the benefit of besides being paid for

, I can add my backing tracks via the built in BT.

tbirdman · #7 03-11-2021, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PANDAPANDELO

Ahhh... I really got happy to see more Dazzo users being happy with their pickups. I've installed the exactly same pickup in the exactly same acoustic guitar you did! 60s into HD28! I'm not using it anymore since I did some stupid moves trying to reinstall it and broke the pickup, but it was one of the best acoustic plugged in sounds I've ever had!

I'll try a K&K pickup pretty soon! I hope it sounds as good as the Dazzo 60s sounded in my HD28!

Why try K&K when you were happy with the Dazzos? I suspect you may be able to buy a replacement single Dazzo unless they are matched. I guess I have read about those going from the K&K to Dazzo, but not the other way.

tbirdman · #8 03-11-2021, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuki79

Congratulations! Can you please post a recording?

I will try although I've only been playing since April so it will show more of my bad playing

As a relative newbie, I have limited experience, but immediately I was impressed with the HD28 Dazzo equipped vs the Taylor 214CE with ES2. It was plug it in and no changes. I know this is apples and oranges, but I seemed to have to mess with EQ with the ES2 equipped Taylor to get decent sound.

Br1ck · #9 03-11-2021, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PANDAPANDELO

Ahhh... I really got happy to see more Dazzo users being happy with their pickups. I've installed the exactly same pickup in the exactly same acoustic guitar you did! 60s into HD28! I'm not using it anymore since I did some stupid moves trying to reinstall it and broke the pickup, but it was one of the best acoustic plugged in sounds I've ever had!

I'll try a K&K pickup pretty soon! I hope it sounds as good as the Dazzo 60s sounded in my HD28!

It won't. Not even close. I bought a K&K equipped guitar and could not wait to get rid of them.

Br1ck · #10 03-11-2021, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbirdman

I will try although I've only been playing since April so it will show more of my bad playing

As a relative newbie, I have limited experience, but immediately I was impressed with the HD28 Dazzo equipped vs the Taylor 214CE with ES2. It was plug it in and no changes. I know this is apples and oranges, but I seemed to have to mess with EQ with the ES2 equipped Taylor to get decent sound.

I have no beef with the ES2 system. It's competent. My beef is running an open mic, getting the sound right, then having the owner twiddle knobs. Almost every time. Instead of asking for more volume in the monitors, they crank their guitar volume, sending us running for the channel fader. I now just rest my finger on it and watch.

Petty1818 · #11 03-11-2021, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Br1ck

I have no beef with the ES2 system. It's competent. My beef is running an open mic, getting the sound right, then having the owner twiddle knobs. Almost every time. Instead of asking for more volume in the monitors, they crank their guitar volume, sending us running for the channel fader. I now just rest my finger on it and watch.

The volume adjustment would be a pain for sure. Couldn't you just ask them to keep the volume maxed on the ES2 while doing soundcheck? Nowhere for them to go after that!

The only issue I have with playing shows where someone is running the sound is that they often eq my guitar for the room. I mean that makes total sense but it often means stripping it of any body and making it hi-fi.

PANDAPANDELO · #12 03-11-2021, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petty1818

Why not go back to the Dazzo? Sounds like you had amazing results. I can't see the K&K being any better. Is there a reason why you moved on from it, other than the reinstall issue?

I just got really impressed with the K&K Trinity system in a few videos I've seen. Really good sounding. I think that it with a good preamp might be a great possibility, and it's easier to install (I'd say it's more "foolproof"). It took 8 months to the Dazzo get here, in Brazil. I can not wait another 8 months to it be with Teddy, so he can fix it, and wait another 8 months to it be back here, with me paying for the mailing and taxes... the Covid-19 made a poor mailing system here in Brazil even worse. The Dazzo + Internal Mic might be an even better sounding system, but after what happened to me, in my actual conditions, where I live, etc., I just can not afford another trial. So I decided to try the K&K Trinity, that I have received as a gift from a huge friend of mine, that really supports my music in so many ways. It might be a totally different story if I lived in USA.

And I really feel that the K&K Trinity might be a great option. I'll let you guys know how my HD28 is sounding with it, as soon as I have it with me, and installed. I'll make a video on youtube!

SpruceTop · #13 03-13-2021, 04:05 PM

I really like the Dazzo #70 Transducer system I recently installed in my Larrivee D-40M, and for a passive system, this impresses me.

Petty1818 · #14 03-13-2021, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

I really like the Dazzo #70 Transducer system I recently installed in my Larrivee D-40M, and for a passive system, this impresses me.

You've been a big Trance supporter. Just wondering how you would compare the Dazzo and Amulet?

SpruceTop · #15 03-13-2021, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Petty1818

You've been a big Trance supporter. Just wondering how you would compare the Dazzo and Amulet?

Scott, they're both Good! The Trance Amulet M-VT takes care of plug-and-play, and the Dazzo needs an outboard preamp. If you've got a good preamp, and you have the Felix, the Dazzo should very well do-ya-for. Caveat: I like the Trance, Dazzo, and the Taylor ES2. Strangely, the LR Baggs Element VTC in my Emerald X-20 sounds good when routed through an LR Baggs Acoustic Session DI. Then there's also the ToneDexter to consider bringing into the mix ...