Beware the pickup “trap.”

[guitaniac]

I recently had the obsessive experience of swapping out the Baggs Element UST in my Crafter because it wasn't working as well with ToneDexter as some of my other guitars were working with ToneDexter. Upon considering to sell the guitar, I replaced the Element UST and decided to once again try it with ToneDexter (since I'd purchased a Slate ML-2 training mic in the meantime). This time around the Element-equipped Crafter is sounding great with ToneDexter. I'd be crazy to sell it for anywhere close to the bargain price which I paid for it. It amplifies superbly, and I'm also enjoying the considerable tweakability and convenience of its Baggs Element "barn door" system.

[varmonter]

Originally Posted by guitaniac

There's something about the way a mag pickup responds to the touch that I've always found appealing. Like you, however, I find the mag tone disappointing. I suspect that touch response and feedback rejection are the factors which most appeal to the many good players who favor mag pickups.

I used to think about the mag tone as well.
being more electric sounding. until i tried the
baggs m80 and the sunrise.
Like mentioned above., you set up your stuf
at home and tweak your undersaddle or sbt
until you say "ahhh!! this is sweet" then you
get to a gig and your stressed because it just
doesnt sound the same, With the mag you
dont experience this. The difference in tone
is negligable or repairable quickly. not so with
sbt. Unless you use a mic its all about compromise.
for me that little bit of mag tone (and its very slight with the baggs)
is worth the lack of aggravation i get at a gig with
sbt pups.

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by varmonter

I used to think about the mag tone as well.
being more electric sounding. until i tried the
baggs m80 and the sunrise.
Like mentioned above., you set up your stuf
at home and tweak your undersaddle or sbt
until you say "ahhh!! this is sweet" then you
get to a gig and your stressed because it just
doesnt sound the same, With the mag you
dont experience this. The difference in tone
is negligable or repairable quickly. not so with
sbt. Unless you use a mic its all about compromise.
for me that little bit of mag tone (and its very slight with the baggs)
is worth the lack of aggravation i get at a gig with
sbt pups.

This is exactly the kind of experience that’s worth understanding. If you’re playing in a loud bar, the mag tone is barely noticeable and the benefits may outweigh any concerns. If you are a folk player like me, playing at modest volume, it may be much more noticeable. However, one of our club members achieves an excellent folk tone with her sound hole mag pickup.

I’m intentionally trying not to prejudice the thread with my own preferences.