The Acoustic Guitar Forum

Go Back   The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Acoustic Amplification

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #16  
Old 03-06-2021, 12:25 PM
Matopotato Matopotato is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Sweden
Posts: 2
Default

Hi Methos1979
Thanks for a great review!
I was wondering about "It was definitely a little biased towards the trebels and sounded best with the the highs cut to 25% and the lows boosted to 75%."
Can you set the tone from the pickup itself you mean? Or was that set on the amp?
I have a Martin that I am not so keen on touching at all with anything but fingers...
But one old Emperador dreadnaught and one 12 string Aria, both I would like to "mic up". They are not great guitars so I was thinking something on the low end:
Fishman Neo-D Humbucker (lacks adjustable poles)
Seymour Woody XL (might be too wide for the Emperador)
Plan is to have one pickup to switch between the 12string and Emperador until I am confindent to try with Martin, and by then I will of course let it stay there... But I would like to revive to two older almost unused ones
Then the Helix Solo appeared and no reviews, but the guy in the video does a goodjob. Not interested in "entering" the guitar too much and happy to have cable out through the soundhole.
I suspect I will not like a too metally, artificial sound, but then again for the two cheaper options I guess that is what to expect.

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 03-06-2021, 12:34 PM
fazool's Avatar
fazool fazool is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 16,562
Default

I have become convinced (very recently) that the absolute best acoustic pickup is a soundhole combo. Obviously a mic is the best but can't really be used in a lot of gigging conditions. So the soundhole combos blend together to give the next-best sound and best flexibility. I love them.
__________________
Fazool "The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter"

000-15 / GC7 / GA3-12 / SB2-C / SB2-Cp / AVC-11MHx / AC-240
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 03-06-2021, 03:32 PM
Methos1979's Avatar
Methos1979 Methos1979 is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seacoast, NH
Posts: 8,070
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Matopotato View Post
Hi Methos1979
Thanks for a great review!
I was wondering about "It was definitely a little biased towards the trebels and sounded best with the the highs cut to 25% and the lows boosted to 75%."
Can you set the tone from the pickup itself you mean? Or was that set on the amp?

I suspect I will not like a too metally, artificial sound, but then again for the two cheaper options I guess that is what to expect.

Cheers
You cannot set the tone from the pickup itself other than the gloss/steam tone switch which is more of an overall tone and volume boost. It's great for going from strumming to fingerstyle.

The EQ setting I was talking about was done at the mixer/amp level. Keep in mind that at least a part of the need for me to boost the lows and cut the high's so much was due to the guitar I use the DHS in being all mahogany and therefore very mid-forward.

Another consideration is the Clingon pickup system I recently reviewed. Very inexpensive and easy to move between two or more guitars. But you will need to have something to EQ the signal for best sound.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 03-07-2021, 08:01 AM
Matopotato Matopotato is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Sweden
Posts: 2
Default

Thanks for your reply,
The Cling On does not seem so easy to come by in Europe, so I will try out the others and see if I go all the way to the Helix.
Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 03-15-2021, 02:20 PM
Nick84 Nick84 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Lancashire, UK
Posts: 1,390
Default

I’ve been looking for a soundhole pickup to replace the M1 in my LG-2. I liked the M1 but there was a nasally frequency I could dial out. I decided to sell it.

I was going to go for a Fishman Blackstack but I read your review and decided to give this a whirl. It should arrive this week hopefully in time for a St Patrick’s day themed live stream I’m doing Friday night, that will be a good opportunity to put it through it’s paces.

I too was worried about the appearance of the pickup but your review (and pictures) reassure me. I love soundhole pickups. The Blackstack in my J-45 studio sounds fat and warm and I love it. I’m hoping I like this one just as much!

Thanks again for the detailed review. It’s the only one I’ve found anywhere so far on this pickup !
__________________
http://www.Facebook.com/NickSpencerMusic


Gibson Songwriter Standard EC
Lowden WL-22
Maton SRS808
Taylor AD11-SB
Taylor 811 GT
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 03-16-2021, 09:31 AM
jricc jricc is online now
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Jersey Shore
Posts: 4,984
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick84 View Post
I’ve been looking for a soundhole pickup to replace the M1 in my LG-2. I liked the M1 but there was a nasally frequency I could dial out. I decided to sell it.

I was going to go for a Fishman Blackstack but I read your review and decided to give this a whirl. It should arrive this week hopefully in time for a St Patrick’s day themed live stream I’m doing Friday night, that will be a good opportunity to put it through it’s paces.

I too was worried about the appearance of the pickup but your review (and pictures) reassure me. I love soundhole pickups. The Blackstack in my J-45 studio sounds fat and warm and I love it. I’m hoping I like this one just as much!

Thanks again for the detailed review. It’s the only one I’ve found anywhere so far on this pickup !
Let us know your thoughts!
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 03-16-2021, 01:49 PM
Nick84 Nick84 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Lancashire, UK
Posts: 1,390
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jricc View Post
Let us know your thoughts!
The pickup arrived today much quicker than expected! I agree very much with Methos in that it looks way better in the flesh than it does in the images. I tried the pickup in my LG-2 straight into my Loudbox mini.

I really like the gloss setting for my style of play. The steam was noticeably different but I think at a gig I’d EQ with the gloss setting and leave it. The phase switch is a nice touch. The mids are not overly prominent like a lot of mag pups.

I didn’t really have to do much tweaking to get a sound I was happy with. I did a little fiddling with the pole pieces and then rolled off some mids on the amp. I’ve been using a Mesa Rosette Preamp for live recently and I’m confident it will be a great match.

I also picked up a NUX stageman floor pedal after watching Aaron’s review on YouTube- I think I could also use that with this pickup quite easily as it doesn’t need major EQ.

I much prefer the pickup from the M1 that was previously in the LG-2. So much so I’ve done the permanent install.

I’m doing a live stream on Facebook on Friday so looking forward to using it then and putting it through it’s paces a different way to through a speaker.
__________________
http://www.Facebook.com/NickSpencerMusic


Gibson Songwriter Standard EC
Lowden WL-22
Maton SRS808
Taylor AD11-SB
Taylor 811 GT
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 03-16-2021, 03:23 PM
meb meb is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 517
Default

To Nick84...weren't you using a Rare Earth Blend a while back? I am
curious as to how you think it compares to the Double Helix Solo and M1.
Thanks.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 03-16-2021, 03:54 PM
jricc jricc is online now
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Jersey Shore
Posts: 4,984
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick84 View Post
The pickup arrived today much quicker than expected! I agree very much with Methos in that it looks way better in the flesh than it does in the images. I tried the pickup in my LG-2 straight into my Loudbox mini.

I really like the gloss setting for my style of play. The steam was noticeably different but I think at a gig I’d EQ with the gloss setting and leave it. The phase switch is a nice touch. The mids are not overly prominent like a lot of mag pups.

I didn’t really have to do much tweaking to get a sound I was happy with. I did a little fiddling with the pole pieces and then rolled off some mids on the amp. I’ve been using a Mesa Rosette Preamp for live recently and I’m confident it will be a great match.

I also picked up a NUX stageman floor pedal after watching Aaron’s review on YouTube- I think I could also use that with this pickup quite easily as it doesn’t need major EQ.

I much prefer the pickup from the M1 that was previously in the LG-2. So much so I’ve done the permanent install.

I’m doing a live stream on Facebook on Friday so looking forward to using it then and putting it through it’s paces a different way to through a speaker.
Thanks for your thoughts Nick84. I had the Double Helix and returned it, although I liked the way it sounded, it was buzz/noisy for me. Sadly, I must've gotten a bad one.
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 03-17-2021, 12:36 AM
Nick84 Nick84 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Lancashire, UK
Posts: 1,390
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by meb View Post
To Nick84...weren't you using a Rare Earth Blend a while back? I am
curious as to how you think it compares to the Double Helix Solo and M1.
Thanks.
Yes I was! I liked the REB very much. I got to a point were at some louder gigs I was having to dial back the mic to pretty much 0. I subsequently sold the guitar the REB was installed in and decided to try a different route with the double helix.

The M1 I’ve always had as a spare. I like them for what they are. In the right guitar I think you can get a great live tone.

Time will tell which I prefer of the 3 but I’m liking the ease of the K&K so far it seems more of a plug and play pup.
__________________
http://www.Facebook.com/NickSpencerMusic


Gibson Songwriter Standard EC
Lowden WL-22
Maton SRS808
Taylor AD11-SB
Taylor 811 GT
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 03-17-2021, 12:37 AM
Nick84 Nick84 is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Lancashire, UK
Posts: 1,390
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jricc View Post
Thanks for your thoughts Nick84. I had the Double Helix and returned it, although I liked the way it sounded, it was buzz/noisy for me. Sadly, I must've gotten a bad one.
I was worried about the noise but I didn’t use the he temporary Jack which you thought may have been the issue?
__________________
http://www.Facebook.com/NickSpencerMusic


Gibson Songwriter Standard EC
Lowden WL-22
Maton SRS808
Taylor AD11-SB
Taylor 811 GT
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 03-17-2021, 06:29 AM
Methos1979's Avatar
Methos1979 Methos1979 is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seacoast, NH
Posts: 8,070
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick84 View Post
The pickup arrived today much quicker than expected! I agree very much with Methos in that it looks way better in the flesh than it does in the images. I tried the pickup in my LG-2 straight into my Loudbox mini.

I really like the gloss setting for my style of play. The steam was noticeably different but I think at a gig I’d EQ with the gloss setting and leave it. The phase switch is a nice touch. The mids are not overly prominent like a lot of mag pups.

I didn’t really have to do much tweaking to get a sound I was happy with. I did a little fiddling with the pole pieces and then rolled off some mids on the amp. I’ve been using a Mesa Rosette Preamp for live recently and I’m confident it will be a great match.

I also picked up a NUX stageman floor pedal after watching Aaron’s review on YouTube- I think I could also use that with this pickup quite easily as it doesn’t need major EQ.

I much prefer the pickup from the M1 that was previously in the LG-2. So much so I’ve done the permanent install.

I’m doing a live stream on Facebook on Friday so looking forward to using it then and putting it through it’s paces a different way to through a speaker.
I'm glad to hear you like the K&K DHS, Nick! I still like mine as well although it's not getting much love these days as it's in a guitar I don't play much and I'm thinking of selling off. I may or may not sell it with the DHS in it as I don't currently need the pickup but I'll likely keep it as you never know when the next new guitar coming down the line might be in need of a pickup!

If I didn't jump back and forth between strumming and fingerstyle then I would likely do as you and keep the pickup in gloss as that setting is just so lush but I'd bet that in a live setting with any sort of volume you'd quickly run into feedback issues with it no matter how much you turn it down. If I remember I'll check out your live stream on Friday to see how it goes. All my live streams are all-acoustic (no amplification) so I don't get to use the DHS for those.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jricc View Post
Thanks for your thoughts Nick84. I had the Double Helix and returned it, although I liked the way it sounded, it was buzz/noisy for me. Sadly, I must've gotten a bad one.
I was trying to remember who had the buzzing issue so I'm glad you chimed in. It's too bad you couldn't figure it out. Maybe it was just a bad one. It happens.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 07-11-2023, 06:56 AM
Mayfair's Avatar
Mayfair Mayfair is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Maryland
Posts: 729
Default

What’s the current consensus on these pickups? Thinking about ordering one after using the Fishman REB for years.
__________________
"The real risk is not changing. I have to feel that I'm after something. If I make money, fine. But I'd rather be striving. It's the striving, man, it's that I want." - John Coltrane
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 07-11-2023, 07:57 AM
Methos1979's Avatar
Methos1979 Methos1979 is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Seacoast, NH
Posts: 8,070
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mayfair View Post
What’s the current consensus on these pickups? Thinking about ordering one after using the Fishman REB for years.
I think the general opinion is about the same - it's an excellent, albeit underappreciated pickup. I recently picked up one again as part of a a K&K Dual Source system where it's paired with a K&K Pure Mini. I ended up just using the Pure Mini so I had K&K send me another jack with a plug in it so I could use the DHS as a standalone pickup system. I still think it is an excellent choice compared to other magnetic soundhole pickups. The ability to change the tone with a flick of a switch is very convenient for my type of playing.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 07-11-2023, 09:18 AM
Mayfair's Avatar
Mayfair Mayfair is offline
Charter Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Maryland
Posts: 729
Default

Cool, I'll look more into it. I may have two blank canvas acoustics soon to explore pickups in. I usually default to my Fishman REBs since my live ecosystem's optimized for them, but am always up for experimenting.
__________________
"The real risk is not changing. I have to feel that I'm after something. If I make money, fine. But I'd rather be striving. It's the striving, man, it's that I want." - John Coltrane
Reply With Quote
Reply

  The Acoustic Guitar Forum > General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion > Acoustic Amplification

Thread Tools





All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:00 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright ©2000 - 2022, The Acoustic Guitar Forum
vB Ad Management by =RedTyger=