LR Baggs Anthem vs HIFI. What would you use?

Guitarplayer_PR · #1 06-12-2023, 08:02 AM

I'm waiting

Gordon Currie · #2 06-12-2023, 10:34 AM

Anything but the Anthem. I detest the sound.

Peter Z · #3 06-12-2023, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarplayer_PR

I'm waiting

Up to this day the Anthems are the best pickups I have ever used. I ordered a HIFI 2 days ago but haven’t got it yet.

Some players here seem to be very happy with the new HIFI.

YamahaGuy · #4 06-13-2023, 05:55 AM

What guitar? What style of play? What type of sound system?

Perhaps if we knew more about your needs and what you're working with, we could give a more poignant response.

Otherwise, it's eenie meenie mynie mo for me.

The Anthem gets a lot of love and yet there are haters.

The HiFi is brand new.

Flip a coin.

Listen to the opinions of us who have no idea what you plan to do with it.

Guitarplayer_PR · #5 06-13-2023, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamahaGuy

What guitar? What style of play? What type of sound system?

Perhaps if we knew more about your needs and what you're working with, we could give a more poignant response.

Otherwise, it's eenie meenie mynie mo for me.

The Anthem gets a lot of love and yet there are haters.

The HiFi is brand new.

Flip a coin.

Listen to the opinions of us who have no idea what you plan to do with it.

How about. . . play guitar with either one?

I already know the Anthem because I used it for many years. I usually play with a band, but I usually play with ear monitors and so does the rest of the band, so feedback isn't a factor.

Petty1818 · #6 06-13-2023, 09:41 AM

Unfortunately, no one can answer this for you. You just kind of have to make a decision. Both are easy to install or remove so it’s not like it should be a difficult decision in the end.

AeroUSA · #7 06-13-2023, 10:08 AM

Anthem SL if I gig all the time with the guitar and HiFi if I plug in occasionally.

c70man · #8 06-13-2023, 10:37 AM

I've used and own M1, M80, Anthem, and recently a stage pro element.

On my concert models I love the Anthem...the Stage Pro Element is terrible. Uneven string volume to a bad equalizer.

I use the M80's on my dreds. Awesome sound. Keep in mind they can be run Passive or Active.
I sold the M1...no where as clean as the M80. M80 has almost no feedback of any kind.
I'm waiting for the arrival of a Schertler AG6 with mic. Hope its worth all the hype. I bought it used so it didn't hurt the wallet that much. Let you know what that sounds like next week. I'll post something with sound bites.

Groberts · #9 06-14-2023, 11:30 PM

I have been using Full Anthems for years and love them. Never tried the SL. I've heard conflicting reports as to whether it rivals the full Anthem but I have no experience with the SL. The Full Anthems for my touch and playing style have been very musical, feedback resistance and are very plug and play.

I recently had a Baggs HiFi installed in a Collings D1 Traditional. It has exceeded my expectations. I made a thread here on AGF with a couple demo video's. I think it lacks the 'air' and detail of the Full Anthem but it sounds musical and inspiring. I'm quite pleased.

I just made this decision for myself about which PU to install in my new 2023 Gibson Dove Original acoustic. I chose to go with the Anthem. It is replacing the Baggs VTC which I find very harsh and uninspiring.

Mbroady · #10 06-15-2023, 04:23 AM

Nothing beats a mic, but they’re not always practical. The Anthem gets you as close as I’ve heard. Had a K&K dual source in all my acoustics. They’ve all been switched out for The Anthem (SL)

mondoslug · #11 06-15-2023, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mbroady

>>>Had a K&K dual source in all my acoustics. They’ve all been switched out for The Anthem (SL)

Ruh roh...break out the popcorn!

Hey, I'm an Anthem SL Fan.

dilver · #12 06-15-2023, 10:58 AM

Seems like the HiFi addressed two needs in the market: 1) DIY installation without glue; 2) no under saddle transducer (UST) for those that prefer that for unplugged playing.

Between the two LR Baggs options, if you’re only plugging in occasionally, the HiFi is probably the way to go. If you’re plugging in regularly, Anthem seem to be the preferred option.

Marshall · #13 06-15-2023, 11:36 AM

You can try the HiFi and not change your guitar; meaning, if you’re not happy with it, it can be easily removed. No alteration to the guitar. With the Anthrm you’re altering the saddle and /or the slot when you have the UST installed. Much more involved to remove it.

Let everyone know what you decide.

guitaniac · #14 06-15-2023, 12:13 PM

The VERY old Anthem SL in one of my guitars is going bad again. (The excellent Baggs support department replaced the TruMic on the first occasion the system went bad.) I’ll likely replace it with a new Anthem SL system. The first Anthem SL served me well for many years. Beyond that, I like the action where it is and don’t want to replace or fiddle with the saddle. I’d have to deal with the saddle if I switched to the HiFi.

mondoslug · #15 06-15-2023, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitaniac

The VERY old Anthem SL in one of my guitars is going bad again. (The excellent Baggs support department replaced the TruMic on the first occasion the system went bad.) I’ll likely replace it with a new Anthem SL system. The first Anthem SL served me well for many years. Beyond that, I like the action where it is and don’t want to replace or fiddle with the saddle. I’d have to deal with the saddle if I switched to the HiFi.

Just leave the Element under the saddle...and clip the wires.

I get that many say it alters their tone but you've had it under there all this time & apparently it hasn't bothered you I think, just leave it.