What's your cureent fave acoustic pu system ?

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by Cuki79

Martingitdave is right. There is a lowcut filter. And the lows.also go through a limiter/compression stage

It is written in lr baggs patent.

I own both dpa4099g and lyric and I confirm that tons of bass are.cut. it enables.to prevent feedback and gain some dynamic

The only known cure is IR.convolution like Tonedexter.

Cuki

Thanks Cuki, I couldn't remember the source of the information. Now, I do! You!!!! (And the patent of course.) Do you recall the frequency for the roll off knee? I recall 160 Hz but I have lots of numbers in my head these days.

[rickvox1]

Hi I currently use and am completely happy with the sound of the Dimarizo Super Natural Plus DP136. It has a beautiful acoustic sound has a volume control, 12 foot cord, adjustable pole pieces,installs so easy I don't permanently mount it as I also like to play my guitar at home as an acoustic.The pickup sells for $89.00 which to me is a bargain for the sound it gets on my guitar. On my band gigs with a drummer and bass guitar I plug the pickup into a Behringer ADI21 V-Tone Acoustic Driver DI Pedal $29.00. I know Behringer isn't known for quality BUT this thing works great with passive pickups. Then I plug directly into the PA. I totally get the acoustic sound I want regardless of the money spent as I really don't care about impressing people with the name brand high buck systems most people use. My guitar is a Epiphone EJ 200 Artist I bought from Guitar Center new for $200.00 on sale and it plays and sounds great. I have been playing for over 50 years and still gig at least 4 times a month with our band.We play festivals ,Car shows, Bars, Private parties,State fairs, Casinos ect.

[MaurysMusic]

Trance Audio Amulet M. Phantom or 9V - doesn't make a difference, tonally.

[troggg]

Zero Piezo quack out of my K&K passive mini installed by a guy who's done hundreds of them on a Collings CJ-35 ... as opposed to "some" piezo quack opined on martingitdave's chart.

Does it benefit from a little EQ tweaking? Why, yes. But I won't be a Tonedexter customer cause there's no audible quack to rectify.

[6L6]

K&K Pure Mini passive in all of my acoustics.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by jonbutcheraxis

Anyone using the Fishman Aura VT ? I really hate piezo quack, trying to find an alternative that dosen't cost a gazillion dollars..

Original Thread Link

Today, 09/21/2016, I received my new Martin GPC-18E with Aura VT Enhance. Both the guitar model and the Aura VT Enhance pickup/preamp system are new for 2016, and I haven't seen many of this model and the other new Standard Series models showing up much yet. The Martin GPC-18E, being a Standard Series model, features a regular Martin dovetail neck-joint. This model also features forward-shifted/scalloped X bracing, ebony fingerboard and bridge, open-gear tuners, and Modified Low Oval neck with Performing Artist Taper. You could think of this guitar as the "modern guitar" sibling of the newer Martin D-18 Standard Series model. The Martin GPC-18E is similar in concept to the Taylor 514ce ES2, and it and other Martin Grand Performance Cutaway models were likely developed to compete with Taylor's Grand Auditorium models. The Aura VT Enhance, which is a dual-source pickup/preamp design, consists of a Matrix UST feeding a single Aura Image which can be variably mixed with the output of the Enhance SBT pickup.

I've only played the Martin GPC-18E for a few minutes and can say it has good sustain and balance along with a pleasing resonance that definitely shouts Spruce/Mahogany! I've played a new Standard Series Martin OMC-18E in a local store, both acoustically and plugged-in, and acoustically I'd say the GPC-18E sounds a bit more balanced and a bit fuller than the Orchestra model. The plugged-in tone of the OMC-18E was okay. *I've yet to plug-in my GPC-18E to test its Aura VT Enhance pickup/preamp system. I'll report back here with my further impressions of the Martin GPC-18E and its Aura VT Enhance system, and although it's a Spruce/Rosewood guitar, a comparison with my Taylor 814ce ES2.

*I've now plugged-in the Martin GPC-18E and have commented on it in below posts. More to come.

The Martin OMC-18E packs a lot of punch and tone for a smaller guitar and it's super comfortable to play and hold. For me, it was a debate over ordering the GPC-18E online or getting the OMC-18E from my local dealer. The GPC-18E won out because I got an incredible deal on it. It took me two guitars from the dealer to get the keeper I now have but that's another story.

I'm getting the Martin GPC-18E's Aura VT Enhance sorted out but will install a new, fitted by me, Tusq saddle to replace the one factory-installed at Martin Guitars. That one was sanded too thin and tilts forward too much in the saddle slot for what I believe isn't enough full contact with the Matrix UST and, in turn, its contact with the bottom of the bridge-saddle slot. The saddle thickness (front-to-back) for a UST should be fitted to the bridge-saddle slot with just enough clearance so it can slide back and forth along the slot but still be tight enough not to tilt forward or backward. I have the time to properly fit a saddle to the saddle slot but Martin technicians are likely time-constrained and, thus, can't always dedicate their skill to the task at hand.

As of today, August 4, 2017, I'm still messing around with the Aura VT Enhance trying to get a nice amplified tone. I should contact Fishman regarding any possible adjustment of Trim pots that may be on the preamp board as a means of adding more Bass-frequency emphasis to both the Aura and the Enhance sections of the tone. The preamp, as is from the Martin factory, really needs the outboard EQ capabilities of an additional preamp, mixer or amp to get a satisfactory tone!

Martin GPC-18E Specifications at Martin Guitars Website (click the circled i on page for specs):
https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars...odels/gpc-18e/

[MrErikJ]

I always like simple so I'm currently using the Baggs LB6 as I like the tone (low-quack, warm, clear) and the amount of output it has for a passive pickup. I'm able to use it with a Radial PZ Deluxe or a Paracoustic DI and I receive compliments on its tone. If I was to use another pickup, I'd probably try Dazzo as I wouldn't have to change any of my other gear. Again, I prefer simplicity and dependability over something as robust as a Trance or the Anthem.

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Original Thread Link
As of today, August 4, 2017, I'm still messing around with the Aura VT Enhance trying to get a nice amplified tone. I should contact Fishman regarding any possible adjustment of Trim pots that may be on the preamp board as a means of adding more Bass-frequency emphasis to both the Aura and the Enhance sections of the tone. The preamp, as is from the Martin factory, really needs the outboard EQ capabilities of an additional preamp, mixer or amp to get a satisfactory tone!

This is the reason I would like them to continue development of the Aura F1 system. Full on-board control is very convenient. I think the major benefit of any active system is to make it as plug and play as possible into a flat EQ on a mixing console.

[jonbutcheraxis]

No onboard controls ?
What do you do to control it during a performance, particularly vol adjustment ?

Originally Posted by Vancebo

I really like your table Dave. It is very useful since people are always asking for opinions. You are entitled to YOUR opinion and others are entitled to theirs. It doesn't matter if they agree or not. I can agree with much of your opinion since I have owned many of those and a few others. If you don't mind, will use your format to give our OP my opinion on my favorite pickup system the Dazzo.

Dazzo by Teddy Randazzo
Ease of Install- Easy/moderate
Modifications- End Pin
Acoustic Degradation- none
Natural Tone- very mic like,
Piezo Quack- none. No matter how hard it's played
Weaknesses- Epoxy is used to attach, no on board controls, EQ modifications necessary to cut through a loud band.
Strengths- no battery, sounds good set flat, select pickups to match the voice of your guitar, microphone is not necessary, small EQ adjustments for fine tuning to the room or speaker, sounds like your guitar. Comes with the Italian jacks that hold your cable in better.

[jonbutcheraxis]

Great review. Am I right in assuming that this system is not available to purchase independently ?

Originally Posted by SpruceTop

Original Thread Link

Today, 09/21/2016, I received my new Martin GPC-18E with Aura VT Enhance. Both the guitar model and the Aura VT Enhance pickup/preamp system are new for 2016, and I haven't seen many of this model and the other new Standard Series models showing up much yet. The Martin GPC-18E, being a Standard Series model, features a regular Martin dovetail neck-joint. This model also features forward-shifted/scalloped X bracing, ebony fingerboard and bridge, open-gear tuners, and Modified Low Oval neck with Performing Artist Taper. You could think of this guitar as the "modern guitar" sibling of the newer Martin D-18 Standard Series model. The Martin GPC-18E is similar in concept to the Taylor 514ce ES2, and it and other Martin Grand Performance Cutaway models were likely developed to compete with Taylor's Grand Auditorium models. The Aura VT Enhance, which is a dual-source pickup/preamp design, consists of a Matrix UST feeding a single Aura Image which can be variably mixed with the output of the Enhance SBT pickup.

I've only played the Martin GPC-18E for a few minutes and can say it has good sustain and balance along with a pleasing resonance that definitely shouts Spruce/Mahogany! I've played a new Standard Series Martin OMC-18E in a local store, both acoustically and plugged-in, and acoustically I'd say the GPC-18E sounds a bit more balanced and a bit fuller than the Orchestra model. The plugged-in tone of the OMC-18E was okay. *I've yet to plug-in my GPC-18E to test its Aura VT Enhance pickup/preamp system. I'll report back here with my further impressions of the Martin GPC-18E and its Aura VT Enhance system, and although it's a Spruce/Rosewood guitar, a comparison with my Taylor 814ce ES2.

*I've now plugged-in the Martin GPC-18E and have commented on it in below posts. More to come.

The Martin OMC-18E packs a lot of punch and tone for a smaller guitar and it's super comfortable to play and hold. For me, it was a debate over ordering the GPC-18E online or getting the OMC-18E from my local dealer. The GPC-18E won out because I got an incredible deal on it. It took me two guitars from the dealer to get the keeper I now have but that's another story.

I'm getting the Martin GPC-18E's Aura VT Enhance sorted out but will install a new, fitted by me, Tusq saddle to replace the one factory-installed at Martin Guitars. That one was sanded too thin and tilts forward too much in the saddle slot for what I believe isn't enough full contact with the Matrix UST and, in turn, its contact with the bottom of the bridge-saddle slot. The saddle thickness (front-to-back) for a UST should be fitted to the bridge-saddle slot with just enough clearance so it can slide back and forth along the slot but still be tight enough not to tilt forward or backward. I have the time to properly fit a saddle to the saddle slot but Martin technicians are likely time-constrained and, thus, can't always dedicate their skill to the task at hand.

As of today, August 4, 2017, I'm still messing around with the Aura VT Enhance trying to get a nice amplified tone. I should contact Fishman regarding any possible adjustment of Trim pots that may be on the preamp board as a means of adding more Bass-frequency emphasis to both the Aura and the Enhance sections of the tone. The preamp, as is from the Martin factory, really needs the outboard EQ capabilities of an additional preamp, mixer or amp to get a satisfactory tone!

Martin GPC-18E Specifications at Martin Guitars Website (click the circled i on page for specs):
https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars...odels/gpc-18e/

[Cuki79]

You can buy Fishman Aura ellipse or the pedal version aura spectrum di.

I am not fan of the "enhance" pot.

[Vancebo]

Originally Posted by jonbutcheraxis

No onboard controls ?
What do you do to control it during a performance, particularly vol adjustment ?

I play with a full band at church and the sound guys have the control. Otherwise I just have an amp nearby or my Bose T1 mixer to make adjustments as needed.

[jonbutcheraxis]

Well, the Martin GC MMV is on it's way, got a killer deal, it'll touch down early part of next week.
I really hope I can choose a pu system to go with, have to confess I really didn't like the K&K Pure Mini that was in an Eastman E10D I had recently.

That E10D was great, fantastic even, by any measure. It wasn't great for the price, it was simply a wonderfully put together guitar that was full-spectrum and also happened to be a cannon. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another E10D.

The K&K that it had onboard on the other hand was quack-city, I used the guitar at a show and every time I thumped it- quack! I sufferd through that show and hating everything about the pickup....in fact that's probably why I foolishly sold that wonderful Eastman.

Ah well, Martin GC MMV inbound..

[guitaniac]

Thanks to Cuki and Dave for the interesting info on the Lyric system, with respect to how it deals with bass frequencies.

I quite like the PUTW UST/Baggs Lyric blend that I'm getting from one of my guitars, but I'm sure that it can only help to have a little insight on how the Lyric operates.

Last night I ran a little experiment with my Lyric-equipped guitar, my Fishman SoloAmp and the Boss GE-7 graphic equalizer which I sometimes use to EQ the Lyric signal. (With my particular rig, it takes some pretty substantial EQ adjustments to get a pleasing Lyric signal.)

I set the GE-7 flat and put it in the signal chain between the Lyric and my SoloAmp. Then I cranked up the level to near the feedback threshold. Under those conditions, I found it very easy to induce feedback by moving the 200Hz slider up a few db. On the other hand, I was able to move the 100Hz slider all the way up to +15db without inducing feedback. That compressor/limiter in the Lyric circuitry does indeed keep the bass end under control.

[Doug Young]

Nice chart! Possibly the hardest part of your chart to quantify is the ease of install, and it varies with what someone finds "hard", and it's tough to be consistent when each pickup has different challenges. For example, K&Ks involve supergluing 3 separate transducers to the right spot, a fairly tricky process for many people, not to mention the fright factor of hovering over your guitar with glue. You have that as moderate. Lyric involves reaching in and sticking the pickup on with tape. You have that as easy, which makes sense. But Trance also involves reaching in and sticking on 2 pickups with double-sticky tape, but that's "difficult"? The hardest part of most of these installs is drilling the end-pin jack. If you already have one, I'd call all of them "easy", as long as you have the right tools and have had a bit of practice.

BTW: to the OPs question, my favorites are always dual source. I currently have 4 setups that I like:

K&K + internal mic
Dazzo + internal mic
Trance M + internal mic
Barabara + internal mic

The mic's the key to making them all sound good.