Budget system: help!

dijkstra · #1 02-06-2020, 04:00 PM

Hi guys, I'm looking for a pickup system to amplify my Walden acoustic guitar. I have a extremely low budget, say 50$. Doing researches I found three options on budget:
1) JJB Prestige 330
2) Fishman Neo D
3) Artec MSP 50
Which one do you suggest? Are there other systems that could work for me? Thank you.

kcnbys · #2 02-06-2020, 04:06 PM

Without question - JJB Prestige-330.

roylor4 · #3 02-06-2020, 04:11 PM

All three will need a preamp to boost the signal and to tweak the tone.

No experience w/Artek - but the fact that they look to have adjustable pole pieces is a positive.

You may find the Fishman unbalanced - without pole pieces to even the volume from the six strings they can sound wonky. I have JJB's in 3 guitars. They are VERY sensitive to placement and can be bass heavy and woofy in some guitars.

The Seymour Duncan Woody XL is a decent option, but a bit more money. Goes in and out of the guitar in seconds and has adjustable pole pieces.

If you have installed SBT's before, the JJB is the most natural sounding. If you haven't, it's the easiest to screw up and make your guitar sound bad. I know from experience.

YamahaGuy · #4 02-06-2020, 05:14 PM

https://www.guitarfetish.com/GFS-Sur...ck_p_6424.html

Lots of other options on a budget. Awhile ago I got a $9 Amazon deal on a K&K type pickup that worked fine.

Keep searching. Lots more than the 3 you've found.

dijkstra · #5 02-07-2020, 03:07 AM

Thank you guys.
Note that I'm going to play at the church or at small pubs.
The question then is: better a cheap magnetic pickup that probably will sound more electric or a SBT pickup that is more natural sounding but (maybe) requires more attention during installation and use (feedback, ...)?

roylor4 · #6 02-07-2020, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dijkstra

Thank you guys.
Note that I'm going to play at the church or at small pubs.
The question then is: better a cheap magnetic pickup that probably will sound more electric or a SBT pickup that is more natural sounding but (maybe) requires more attention during installation and use (feedback, ...)?

In that case, go with a mag. I also double-down on my recommendation of the SD Woody XL. (IMO, YMMV, etc).