Pickups for acoustic instruments

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OK, micing acoustic instruments in a spaceroick context is a no go. So I need to get a pickup for my octave mandolin.

Everyone seems to have a recommendation; some say underbridge, some say sound board, some say both. I've had Fishman, Mcintyre and Pickuptheworld recommended.

Anyone got tuppeny'orth to add to this?

― Ed, Monday, 5 March 2007 09:32 (eighteen years ago)

Worth consideration

― John Justen, Monday, 5 March 2007 15:30 (eighteen years ago)

This is the answer I got from David Kilpatrick who imports my instrument (and others) from Roumania:

For aftermarket installation, I personally recommend using a Pickup-the-World sensor, as the lightest and least intrusive. It is not easy to fit due to the small soundhole and flexible tape involved. An easier sensor to fit is the Schaller or similar Belcat or Ashworth hard, smaller piezo bug. A twin Belcat or JHS piezo bug kit generally works well. These kits are about £20-40 from dealers. There is battery involved, but a decent external piezo preamp or an amplifier with a piezo input will be needed.

He also does a version of my instrument with built in pickup and preamp, so I could sell mine on and get that instead.

― Ed, Monday, 5 March 2007 15:49 (eighteen years ago)

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