Official Luthiers Forum!

A friend of mine is building his first guitar. A Torres EIR & Cedar classical.
He asked me for recommendations on a good "natural sound" pickup. I have no experience with amplifying classicals, so I'm hoping some of you folks can help out.
So far he is leaning towards the Fishman Matrix Blend. With the smaller soundhole, installation might be problematic though.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,   Dan

Hey Dan,

K and K has a variety of Classical pick-ups. Ranging from list prices of US $89 to just over US $600. I just counted 9 different options. All depends on the blends he wants and whether he wants on board pre-amp or external or has one already. Their stuff remians GREAT!

Shane

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Canada

The Fishman system would be close to my last choice, next to magnetic
soundhole pickups . Classicals are generally more suited to top
transducers like the K&K systems, or things like the Baggs Ibeam. Whatever
you use, a good preamp is a must.

If acoustic tone (unplugged) is a primary goal, classicals are not near as
generous as steel strings in thier tolerance to adding mass to the top. I've
had some success with the very low mass piezo film pickups (like PUTW), but
on a very fine classical just about any top addition can make a change.
Internal mics may be an option, but I've never heard one that I thought
sounded good on it's own.

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Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

First of all, I don't think a pickup exists that faithfully reproduces a classical's natural sound. Always better to use a good condenser mic, IMO. However, if one has to have a pickup (and I concur with David regarding the issue of mass), then I typically install the Schatten HFN-C (passive) or the K&K Twinspot. And then I recommend my client purchase a good external preamp. Both of these sound quite decent, all things considered.

Best,

Michael

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Live to Play, Play to Live

Thanks guys! I'll pass this info along.
I've been away from the computer for a week, so please pardon my tardy "Thank You!"

Check out the D-Tar systems that are available.

Al

Daniel,
If you decide on K&K, I am a dealer and currently have a Christmas special going on. Email me at skg@siestakeyguitars.com if you need them.

Merry Christmas!

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"