Which device to equip a D35 without major modification (piezo/pickup/other)

Liam77 · #1 11-09-2018, 03:27 AM

Hi,

I have a Martin D35 2018 and wish to equip it with an amplification device so I can play a bit louder when rehearsing with a friend and also use my looper when practicing.

I noticed it has already a small hole underneath the saddle so it seems ready to receive a piezo.

However, piezo are not always the most natural sounding systems and I understood I might have to ream the end plug hole to fit the system and I dont want to make major modification for the moment.
Most of the alternative I have spotted are soundhole pickups, however I feel it is bit strange to use this with an acoustic guitar, as it will work (almost) like an electric one. I thought some kind of internal pickup would be the best way to go for acoustic.

Can you lecture or advice me on all theses options?

Just to mention, I have a Boss AD-10 preamp, so I will use it to shape the sound from the guitar.

Cheers,
Liam

AeroUSA · #2 11-09-2018, 06:42 AM

Without major modification? Ultra Tonic or K&K. Most natural undersaddle sound? Baggs Anthem. I have some demos with a D-35 on my YouTube channel.

meb · #3 11-09-2018, 06:53 AM

To me, this situation screams out Black Angel; since you do not want
major mods and already have the AD-10. It comes with a mini-plug to 1/4"
cable that runs out the sound hole. It is passive; the AD-10 fills the need
for a preamp. The BA has sounded good
with every guitar I have tried it with. It can be easily installed and
removed, even with the strings on. I had a Boss AD-2 for a while, and
it did fine with it. It would be super easy to audition and send
it back if you don't like it. It also comes with an endpin jack should
you decided to install it.

Many guitars have passed thru, but the BA's always stay. my 2 cents.

Good luck.

Br1ck · #4 11-09-2018, 02:44 PM

You can use pretty much any piezo, and you can use a mini jack that won't require drilling the endpin. I would not use an undersaddle pickup, but a soundboard transducer of which the K&K is a popular choice. But my all in recommendation is a Dazzo paired with a SunnAudio Stage 1 DI. You can save a lot of time and money making the investment up front.

Any passive piezo will need a devise to match impedance to downstream devices like mixing board inputs.

varmonter · #5 11-09-2018, 02:55 PM

baggs m80 soundhole pickup.
Has your endpin been drilled out .Is the hole
1/2 inch ?

Liam77 · #6 11-09-2018, 03:13 PM

Thanks for the answers.

I'm indeed thinking a soundhole pickup might be best.
I spotted the Seymour Duncan mag mic but its a bit above my budget (something up to 150$ would be best) so I checking alternatives.
It seems that a dual system (with a mic) gives a much better sound.

Nb: the guitar endpin hole is as form factory (I didnt even put the endpin provided with the guitar so far). I have to check if it is big enough to fit any jack socket, but I doubt.

SalFromChatham · #7 11-09-2018, 04:18 PM

If all your doing is practice with a buddy, then I’d do this

Dimarzio DP136

I’ve always had one in my gig bag as a back up. Sounds fine.

Otherwise... k&k installed is about $150... an excellent option. $100 if you are handy and have the guts to drill out your Martin endpin. It’s scary, but easy enough... and YouTube shows the way for the entire install.

63telemaster · #8 11-11-2018, 05:21 AM

Another shout for the DiMarzio Black Angel. I have one in my D28 and bought another for a cheap back up dread. Great sounding pickups imo.

Davis Webb · #9 11-11-2018, 08:35 AM

I have tried most of the things suggested here. They are all good. Soundhole pickups are not so good, the worst of the bunch usually.

Whatever you choose, please run it through the TC electronics body rez stomp box. It will restore your real sound after the pickup destroys it. I started using it a couple years ago and everyone tells me it sounds amazing. The thin, horrible sound of almost all acoustic pickups has to be processed or it sounds, thin and horrible no matter what you spend.

Recording engineers mic guitars for a reason.

Duh · #10 11-11-2018, 09:47 PM

I got a Schertler DYN-G for cheap on Craigslist. I think I paid $50.00.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo0bfS4nD0c

Attach it with some putty and then you haven't disturbed the innards of your D35.

Liam77 · #11 11-13-2018, 02:40 PM

I just spotted in my guitar shop a used LR Baggs M1 active, so it can fits my budget.

Does anybody has anything to say about this one compared to teh other systems mentionned previously?

It seems to be in the high range of acoustic pickup.

Gordon Currie · #12 11-13-2018, 03:20 PM

The M1 is decent. It is magnetic so it will have a certain sound, however no piezo quack that you will get with USTs. It will also work well with a looper or any effects. If you can get it cheaply, go for it.

I always recommend a SBT as many others have, though they require extra equipment (DI or preamp for impedance matching) to sound their best.

If you don't care for the sound of the M1, then you have no true choice but to spend more.

paulin · #13 11-13-2018, 03:39 PM

I had the M1 active but returned it for a M80. I think the M80 sounds much better and isn't as sensitive to the dreaded "click" if hit with a pick or finger nail.

Having said this, I really prefer the DiMazio Angel in my Martin 000-15M.

Liam77 · #14 11-14-2018, 06:50 AM

Will a K&K pure mini sound better than the active M1 ?

Pure mini is actually cheaper and unobstrusive than most of oiption discussed.

If it can be processed properly by my Boss AD-10, then it might be best for me. (even if I have to install the endplug jack in this case).

meb · #15 11-14-2018, 06:51 AM

I totally agree with paulin. I prefer the Black Angel to the M1A and M80.

That being said the M1A is a reasonable alternative if you want to go
with an active pu and are on a budget. For a few more bucks the M80 is
cleaner, can go active or passive, and has a volume control. I do
keep an M80 on the shelf fro times I 'need' an active solution, but it
is rarely used, because the BA sounds better.