Acoustic Guitar / Pickup Shooutout / Baggs Anthem / Fishman Aura VT Enhance / K&K PWM

[@nzstarful]

Collings with Ahtem sound so sweet and mellow. Great stuffs.

[@gair1944]

I am in love with the Anthem PU. I've used it in two Collings, 4 Martins, Gibson J45, Gibson J-185. It sounds good in any guitar I've tried.

[@lorenvguitar614]

Thank you for a straightforward solid video.

[@gair1944]

You're very welcome. Glad you liked it.

[@SoundPursuit]

Thank you for this. Great guitars and playing. Decisions, decisions…..They all sound beautiful.

[@braderrick]

Thanks so much for doing this. First of all, they all sound great and you are truly blessed! I’m still left undecided between a K&K trinity and the anthem although lately I’m leaning toward the anthem. Nice work!

[@gair1944]

I have not used the Trinity. That might have the flexibility I missed with the K&K Pure Western Mini. That said, I have Anthems in all my acoustics. They are plug and play and sound great into any system I've used. The battery lasts for a good several months to almost 6 months depending on usage. That is exceptional compared to other active PU's that require a battery. The K&K pure western mini does not need a battery but I found it sounded best with an external K&K preamp and it was not nearly as feedback resistant.

[@mcdee56]

I conclude that your natural expression through music is totally great for us as well! Thanks, Gary!

[@gair1944]

What a kind thing to say. Thank you. You made my day. It is a privilege to be able to make music and share with others.

[@briankahanek]

Great demo and lovely playing!

[@gair1944]

Thank you!

[@jeffdawes879]

Great video, thank you. And could listen to your playing all day.

[@santacruzman]

Hey, thanks, man. I just installed the anthem sys in my dread. I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time and effort to share.

[@gair1944]

I hope you love it! It’s my favorite plug and play pickup

[@santacruzman]

@@gair1944 Hi, Gary. I really do like it. Beautiful.

[@gair1944]

@@santacruzman Thanks for circling back. The most user friendly/plug-and-play Pickup I've found that sounds great into any amp or PA. You don't need an external preamp whatsoever.

[@sonofprovence]

Wow to the Collings! Now I understand why they are so expensive. Great demo Gary. This is going to help a lot of us. Many thanks.

[@gair1944]

Thank you Marcel. I am so glad this video was helpful!

[@TheMadStrater]

Great demo man! That Collings does sound AMAZING! great playing too!! That D-18 sounds like a piano - so sweet!

[@rustbeltgypsy3713]

Thank you for the demo. Sincerely. -SB

[@johnlynch6248]

What fun in that man-cave ! They all sound so good with their own signature. But, oh boy, That Outlaw ! Perfection. The Collings was really big (great) sounding with the Anthem. OM Martin, smaller, but nice and tight with the Fishman. D-18, just big (great) and full with the Anthem. I would make it a habit to take off early every Friday to play in the cave. Have fun and thanks.

[@MichaelAlso]

Thanks for this, Gary! Really considering the Anthem.

[@gair1944]

To this day I love the Anthem! I have it in four Martin dreads currently.

[@zellecaster8580]

Great demo Gary, thanks for doing this!

[@gair1944]

My pleasure!

[@supersqueegee3276]

I wish you would have played the enhance on ~

[@gair1944]

From what I remember of it, I never liked the tone of the Enhance. It never sounded natural to me personally. The guitar is long gone so that ship set sail anyway. Great guitar however.

[@markola]

All sounds fantastic!! But that D18 and Baggs combo is just something else!

[@gair1944]

The D-18/Baggs Anthem is my number one gigging guitar!

[@rowdyhoo]

They all sounds awesome. I’m a little partial to D-18, but would be happy with any of those sounds. Thanks for sharing the rundown.

[@gair1944]

I am glad it was helpful!

[@jamesmack8504]

Thanks for this great video. Highlighted how the woods of the guitars matched with their pickups has an effect on the sound. I really like the Collings with Anthem pickup. Your Martin Outlaw and K&K has convinced me to get a K&K for my Maton CS.

[@gair1944]

Hi James , I highly recommend getting the K&K pure XLR preamp if you get that pickup. It is the best pairing I’ve found if you use the K&k pickup

[@jamesmack8504]

​@@gair1944 Thanks Gary, will do. I read (hopefully correctly) that of all the pickups you find the Anthem most versatile? Cheers

[@elholt7095]

Collings OM1A Baggs Anthem with mostly mic with a little pickup Martin OMC-18E Fishman Aura VT Enhance no enhance dialed in with tone dialed to richest Martin D-18 standard (2015) Baggs Anthem Martin Outlaw 17 K & K Pure Western Mini (PWM) Fishman Platinum Pro largely set flat and then through a Bose L1 compact Great video Gary! They all sound nice and natural. My buddy has an LR Baggs IBeam passive on his Martin D15Mahagony and it sounds very true to the guitar. so I was looking at this one for my J40 but the Anthem looks really really good. I already have an LR Baggs Para Acoustic DI box I can use through my Carvin AG300 and then to a PA. I have a D18Retro Aura and need to take the time to really dial in the sound I want. Time to set up a partial man cave and spend some money! Any words of wisdom is appreciated. Thanks for doing this! Cheers!

[@paulheartsongs]

You get good sounds!! 🇦🇺 SUBSCRIBED!

[@paulheartsongs]

Gary, your demos reveal a great understanding of amplifying acoustic guitar. Your tone provides me with a reference each time I listen. Thank you 🇦🇺

[@virgilrw]

The Collings sounded... #INCREDIBLE! 🤔

[@STETTRACE]

That Bose is just incredible!! Wish I could afford it ALONE with my Tak not even mentioning the great guitars!! And sweet playing may I ad also.

[@gair1944]

Thanks terry. If you can stretch and find a Bose L1 compact used you won’t regret it

[@jsphillip60]

They (and you) all sound amazing! A little partial to the Collings and the D-18, but there ain't a runt in the litter! I have man cave envy...

[@gair1944]

No dog in this race. All of these Pickups and guitars are worthy.

[@0713mas]

They all sound incredible but the anthem pickups sound the best and that colings really does have a balanced sweet sound.

[@gair1944]

Thank you. I agree, the Collings is very balanced and works great with the Anthem

[@1funkybasslady]

D18/Anthem is killer!

[@gair1944]

Anthem and D-18 has become my number 1 Gigging guitar. I bought a Cutaway D-18 with Anthem Pickup since making this Video and it is my go-to gigging instrument. I still have the D-18/Anthem that is in this video as well. But I use the upper register frequently, so the cutaway works out best for my needs. But the Anthem and any D-18 is magic!

[@peterjohnston4472]

All beautys but the d18 anthem Wins that shoot out for me quite easy

[@mikeparlett]

The Collings and Anthem kills em all!!

[@ClaytonWain]

K&k sounds nice to might get one in my yamaha fg3

[@boydbc]

I might be an OM guy from the sounds of it. Frankly all those pickup systems sounded really good to me. The Aura VT Enhance has a unique sound, but it isn't a bad one to my ears. As for what I can conclude? I can conclude that the Collings sounded amazing! The Martin OMC-18E sounded really good as well. I am the proud owner of a OMC-18E as of today so I might be a bit biased. The dreads sounded nice as well, but I found the OMs to be more pleasing amplified. All in all those are some mighty fine guitars with awesome pickups. Bravo sir!

[@glennwisse6271]

Sounds really nice. That Collings sounds the best to me. That anthem system sounds the best to me. But they all sound really really good.

[@gair1944]

I agree the Collings is superior in so many ways. The Anthem plays really well with the guitar.

[@JasminBellavance_Music]

That was fun! Thanks

[@revelation12ministries51]

Hey Gary - thanks for these videos bro!

[@gair1944]

Glad this was helpful. I’ve since settled on Martin acoustics , all with L.R. Baggs Anthem pu’s. They are the easiest to use, most feedback resistant most natural sounding to me and the batteries last forever

[@revelation12ministries51]

@@gair1944 Right on! I keep referring back to these, a good resource.

[@donhogan7129]

Great ,, Great demo. Perfect example of what a demo should be. The same volume, same song, same picking style, same everything while switching to different systems. The only way this could be more perfect is if all the guitars were identical...but even then, each one would have it's own character . So, that's a given. Everyone on you tube who gives an opinion should take a lesson from you. How can someone decided which pickup is best when the person doing the video flat picks on one system and then fingerpicks on a different one..Thanks so much...D

[@ClaytonWain]

Nice review I just got a d15 special and put an anthem in, love the collings and your playing is really nice thx

[@gair1944]

That's awesome you got an Anthem. I absolutely LOVE the Anthem. It is always musical and the most 'plug N play' pickup I've found that delivers an honest, sweet acoustic sound amplified. I am grateful for your compliments on my playing. You are very kind.

[@MtnLiner]

And all of a sudden I see the Carr amp peaking out. Very good.

[@gair1944]

Carr Rambler is one of my all-time favorite electric guitar amps

[@tom5216]

Nice playing and a great demo, they all sound good to me but I loved the sound of the Collings. I have a Taylor 414CE with the original expression system which is now defunct although the guitar is rarely plugged in. Taylor want over £300 to replace it with the expression system 2 so I’m trying to find an alternative as the expression system doesn’t really do it for me. Thanks for the video comparison.

[@larrydering1598]

Tom, I stopped using the ES1 on my Taylor 814ce because I hated the sound of the b string. I tried numerous amps and preamps including the Baggs para di and gave up. I installed the K&K Western mini and now with the Baggs para di it sounds wonderful. It needs the preamp for proper balance and drive. My Martin D18V has a Martin Thinline undersaddle pickup and it sounds great as is.

[@mainsblanches8793]

Some guitars will react better to some pickups, that's why you sometimes need to try more then one!!...the Pure Mini does it for my luthier made flamenco and did not work at all for my classical guitar!!...so I put in a Fishman Infinity instead and that works just great for it!!...see what I mean!!...to smooth things out for my classical, I blend in a iRig Acoustic Stage!!...for my Benoit Lavoie luthier guitar I am using a Myers Grip pickup with the 6 inch gooseneck and planning on puting in an Anthem and see how those two blend together!!...best of luck to all of you in finding the right pickups!!...

[@gair1944]

The Pure Mini has proven to be more feedback prone than the others. Even though it is an SBT mounted inside the guitar under the bridge plate, it still sounds like a Piezo to me. Especially when I attack with more conviction. The Anthem has remained my favorite for its musicality, feedback rejection and for being very plug and play.

[@rwcan]

This is the absolutely finest demonstration I've seen. Question - You played all through a preamp? Which one? and why?

[@gair1944]

Hi Bob, I used a Fishman Platinum Pro EQ Preamp. The reason I had it on my pedal board is for additional tone shaping via the EQ. I also use the Preamp because it has a notch filter to help with feedback if I am playing in a louder venue. It also has a boost feature that I use to punch my solo volume up with one click of the switch. I had the preamp and tone dialed in, so I wanted to demo these through the Bose with the configuration I use for my gigging needs.

[@gair1944]

PS: These PU's DO sound great withOUT the need for any additional preamp.

[@STETTRACE]

I think I like the OMC actually through this video

[@billurban3940]

I use LR Baggs Venue with the anthem and turn up gain on stage at church as signal is low from anthem.

[@isadorealire5722]

K&K for me,

[@shannonlee1341]

Good idea and very helpful. You should take more Fridays off! I'm an LR Baggs fan, but from this demo, it's clear they all make good products.The K&K sounded a little thin and "boxy" to me, but it could just be the different, lower, output which could presumably be tweaked at the board level.

[@gair1944]

I’ve come to the conclusion I don’t like the k&k. It is muddy

[@ericsoliven9948]

Surprisingly, the K&K sounded the most natural to me.

[@docpearson]

Great video. I liked the D18 but i am probably a little prejudiced.

[@akgeezer]

All sound great! Just wondering, which Pup do you think would be best used in a loud band venue? Also, what strings do you prefer and/or what strings are you using here? I also enjoy my "Man Cave" time with my various guitars. I wish I had more time for each, but I can only play one at a time. And yet I always have an interest in bringing another into the herd!!! So much tone!!! I guess I have it bad, wife doesn't seem to get it.

[@bigsteve1tx]

Gary: What song are you playing in these demos. Sounds great. I have Martin M36 and installing LR Baggs Anthem. Sounds best to me.

[@lukeoloan9979]

Hey, did you ever adjust the tru mic screw on the anthem?

[@gair1944]

Yes that was adjusted when it was Installed. I revisit the setting every once in a while and I’m usually happy with the balance

[@oreally8605]

Baggs sounds more true.. Gonna put it in my Seagull S6. Subscribed Thanks!

[@gair1944]

Great pickup. Always sounds musical

[@ERPRocks]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, I am new to all this. Why do you need the pre-amp? Can't you go directly to the PA?

[@gair1944]

Great question. You are absolutely right. Works great straight into a PA or acoustic amp (That have tone controls etc) But I play direct into a Bose L1 Compact or Turbosound IP1000 tower. Neither have notch filters for feedback control if volume needs to be louder and the Bose and Turbosound do not have tone controls for bass/mid/treble or Phase switches (which also helps to control feedback).

[@Bluelightcheaphotel]

It's been years since I picked up a Collings----as far as playability, do you a notice a big difference in the necks between that Collings and those Martins?

[@WarrenJamesAcoustic]

Simple question... i need a new pick up... i like to tap my plectrum on the pickguard and tap my thumb or metal ring on my finger off the side of the body just underneath the neck... I just do it from time to time... sometimes it's to set a tempo, sometimes it's to get some percussion, but it's only ever in those places on the guitar. Which of these pick up gives the most response to that? The true mic or the k&k pick ups stuck onto the body?

[@gair1944]

I don't tap so I need to do an experiment to properly answer your question regarding the TruMic/ Baggs Anthem. The K&K will absolutely give you plenty of percussive top response. But I also find it feedback prone depending on volume and location of guitar to amp/PA.

[@22DINGOS]

All sound amazing mainly due to you playing. What preamp are you using?

[@gair1944]

The Preamp on the board was a Fishman Platinum Pro. But the Baggs Anthems sounds great out of the box with no external preamps whatsoever. I have also found the K&K sounds best with the K&K Pure XLR preamp. I tried the RedEye and others. The K&K is simply optimized *in my experience with its own floor preamp..

[@roymeyer6837]

The difference I'm hearing between the Anthem and Aura is exactly what I would expect. The Anthem sounds like what it is: a microphone picking up the sound from the inside of the guitar. The Aura does an incredible job of sounding like a microphone on the outside picking up the natural tone of the instrument, which is even more impressive when considering there's no mic physically in that guitar. The K&K is in a different category altogether. It still sounds like a pickup - but a very good one, far better than an under saddle model would.

[@gair1944]

Excellent insight. I agree the K&K still sounds like a PU, yet very musical. All of these are capable of very good / usable performance in a gigging performance setting. I am certain I can get a viable, musical tone from any of them. The Anthem however continues to be the most plug n play for me.

[@1ch1goStRawBerry]

hey Gary@ do you find that the anthem is lower output than the rest of the pickups?

[@gair1944]

Hi Julian, The Anthem is lower output than the Fishman PU's I've tried. But it is not far from other PU's and I've been gigging the Anthem in acoustics for the past 6 years. I have never had a situation where there wasn't enough gain. Just dial your PA and amplifier volume to what works best. I always have more than enough output with the Anthem. Does that help?

[@AntonisKoumpari]

Is it a bad idea to install anthem on a 500eu guitar?

[@gair1944]

Depends on your need and desire for a great amplified sound. I play my acoustics plugged in 80% of the time as a gigging professional. So getting the vest amplified sound with a Pick up that needs no extra preamp, long battery life and sounds more natural than anything I've found. ..That makes sense for me. I feel it faithfully reproduces the natural sound of your guitar. So if you love how it sounds acoustically, it will sound great amplified too.

[@brunoniglo]

hi Garry. can you please tell me the name of your preamp please. i'm sure you talked about a Fishman one but for the rest...very very interesting pick up shootout. the way it should be.cheers from France. bruno

[@gair1944]

Bruno, the preamp is a Fishman Platinum Pro EQ

[@brunoniglo]

thank you so much Gary

[@PFDarkside]

Thank you for the comparison. Is the LR Baggs your choice if you don’t mind the installation? Also, where did you install the strap buttons on your guitars? (There seem to be several options, and you’ve added them to 4 nice guitars)

[@gair1944]

Yes the LR Baggs Anthem is my favorite acoustic PU. I use it given a choice. I have strap buttons installed on all my acoustics. The strap button goes on the side of the neck heel.

[@iyorit1089]

After all, is Anthem the best? What is the preamp used for? I personally like the standard D-18 sounds.

[@gair1944]

The anthem sounds great stand alone. I have the preamp on my board because it has a notch filter for feedback and eq for any tone shaping I might want. But the Anthem sounds great without a preamp. Very musical and it is my single favorite acoustic pickup out everyone I've tried.

[@johnswisshelm1872]

I have the Anthem in four of my Martins > i run them through a LR Baggs Venue .Then i go into a pair of Evolve 50's to do my solo act ! it sounds Absolutely AMAZING !!!!

[@rwcan]

So helpful. Want your honest opinion on one more thing.. is the d28 sound noticeably better to you?

[@gair1944]

Bob, The D28 has a rosewood sound, Classic voice. Which is better is a matter of preference. But the D-28 is Iconic for sure. I am more of a Mahogany lover so I usually gravitate to D-18's. But I also have an HD-28 and D-41. They are great guitars. Email me for more dialogue. There is no short answer or a 'right' answer in this regard. email: [e-mail]

[@DavidBurtonMusic]

Thanks for the demo...you certainly know your guitar tone! I'm looking at getting a replacement pickup system for my Lowden o50 and was looking at the anthem. I like to use the guitar percussively so would need the internal mic. Would you think that was the best option, or any others I should consider? I currently have the Fishman ellipse blend which I like the sound but i keep having to replace parts which is obviously not ideal!

[@gair1944]

I think Soundboard Transducers translate more 'top' vibrations, like the K&K. But I find them to be more prone to feedback issues and they lack air. I absolutely prefer the Anthem PU always. My personal experience. I have three Martins now with Anthems. One Martin has the K&K Pure Western mini. I strongly dislike the K&K Pickup, even with the external K&K Pure XLR preamp. Anthem for me any day.

[@kairosartsministry]

@@gair1944 I like the K&K pure mini in my Taylor 712 but it got way too much low end flutter on my Lowden F32 with a K&K pure mini when I played strongly with any percussive hand-heel muting/chopping because of the very active soundboard. Switched to an Anthem. It's good live and solved the problem, but I'm not totally happy yet through the system we use. Great demo btw.

[@mcdee56]

Great job! THX Just curious why you have so many Mahogany rather than a few rosewood as well?

[@gair1944]

I prefer Mahogany. I find it is more civilized when amplified where I struggle with the deeper low end of Rosewood creating feedback issues. I don't have that problem with Mahogany as a rule. It can happen, but its not as challenging.

[@martijnvanspaendonck7989]

Soooo what's on the pedalboard and what pre-amp/eq are you using? Is there any compression etc. going on. Sounds great!

[@gair1944]

The pedal board had a Fishman Platinum Pro EQ. Don't think there was any appreciable compression on, but the preamp does include that feature and I usually had it on just about 9-10 o'clock.

[@RSinobadOfficial]

Gary Roberts Hey i’ve got Fishman aura DI with eq and compression on it, i rarely use image for the sound but it can sound nice, ive ordered anthem for my GS mini Koa that has a beautiful sound and lovely neck for playing all styles

[@bens.4961]

Collings wins it for me! Do you prefer the bose system to the fishman loudbox performer?

[@gair1944]

I prefer the Bose because I also sing and the mid and high frequencies are at the top of the Bose which gives me better near field Monitoring. The Bose is more natural sounding than the Fishman LB performer (to me) But the Fishman has built in EQ, Notch and reverb/chorus. I have to use a pedalboard preamp (Fishman Platinum Pro EQ) and reverb pedal on my board to get all I want from the Bose. that is what I did because ultimately the disperses better and projects better. Also listening back, the Collings with Anthem sounded best to me out of all these too. But I would typically shape the tone with the Fishman Platinum Pro EQ for each guitar to optimize it.

[@Darltornjacket]

I also use a Bose compact with the Fishman platinum Pro with a Hall of Fame reverb works well Looked at a tone Ed but no compression so I’ll stick with what I have Thanks Gary keep it up

[@k3804g932]

If I get the Anthem installed in my D28, can I then run it directly into my Peavey mixer-amp? kg

[@gair1944]

Yes absolutely.

[@larrydering1598]

Gary, nicely done and excellent tone on all. What preamp are you using? Thanks.

[@gair1944]

The preamp on the pedal board was set flat, it was a Fishman Platinum Pro EQ. But for the most part, it was not adding or subtracting any frequencies.

[@renakmans3521]

You get a great sound on all! Do you play out live and if so, what do you go through since they won’t have a Bose tower?

[@gair1944]

Renak, yes I play professionally in my city. I bring the Bose L1 Compact to my gigs. It is very easy to carry. Or I use a turbosound IP1000 which is a little heavier but sounds great too.

[@gair1944]

Ps; thank you for the compliment!

[@keary18]

Gary, great video. I play a Collings OM2H-T, looking at either the Baggs Anthem or the K&K. In a BAND setting, 3-5 players, how does the K&K stand up to being pushed harder versus the solo gig? Thanks again for doing this, really helpful!

[@RSinobadOfficial]

Anthem has undersaddle pickup so you can blend the mic or go straight for piezo sound, i’ve got Epiphone ej200 and a taylor GS mini Koa and Will put anthem in it , coz it sounds so rich and beautiful .. Collings sound so rich i love it

[@mr.yellowstrat3352]

Lol he liked your question but didn't answer it 🤦‍♂️

[@outatime862]

Nice vids Gary! I’ve just purchased a Martin D-18 2016 model myself and want to put a pickup in it, what would you recommend out of the ones in this video? As the D-18 is new for me I’m rather conscious of someone doing a bad job of the installation, essentially I don’t want it get ruined as I would probably never be able to afford a replacement. Is there something decent that doesn’t involve much work to the Guitar?

[@gair1944]

I realize this is a very late reply but I always love the full LR Baggs Anthem in my Acoustics

[@peterd5901]

I definitely prefer the Baggs Anthem pickups by far in this comparison. I think I'd put the OMC-18e second and the Outlaw third although they both sound good enough.

[@gair1944]

Thanks Peter. The Anthem is a superb system for sure. Really dogs in this race

[@peterd5901]

Agreed! I think all OMC-18e in the new 2018 Martins can come with it now as optional electronics. (PS I am iiCybershotii on acousticguitarforum.com)

[@peterd5901]

Also thanks for this video it's very helpful!

[@stuartkinloch8057]

Thanks Gary, really helpful shootout. I’m going for the anthem, definitely....I think. I play a Lowden O12 and the Collins which I have never heard of sounds a little similar and was for me my preferred tone. What are your thoughts on the Bose L1 compared to a standard small P.A. And...not finished yet, Baggs or Fishman pre-amp? This sound equipment stuff is driving me crazy, I only wanted to be heard over the cacophonous bongo player without beating the hell out of my guitar. All the best..Stuart.

[@gair1944]

Stuart, send me an email. I have a lot to share. [e-mail]

[@goswo]

Really good demonstration. They all sounds good, but the outlaw with K&K stands out. Its details, but it just projects the natural sound of wood better. Not surprising since its a transducer with direvt contact with the wood. I have tried to like the Anthem, I just cant. Its okay, but there is twist to the sound that just does no please my ears.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for your feedback. Check this out and tell me what you think of the Anthem. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKKYhH9obtmHbJI

[@goswo]

Gary Roberts I think it sounds wonderful 😀 For sure the Anthem is very good. Its all in rhe very fine details. I have used Anthen in a very very good guitar - and it did sound good, but there was always “something” that didnt work for me.

[@mainsblanches8793]

Wish he would have done a bit of percussion and harmonics!!...

[@DjNikGnashers]

To be fair, the only way you can really test pick-ups, is to have identical guitars.

[@gair1944]

I agree. But since I had different guitars with different pickups, I wanted to demonstrate their amplified qualities.

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@gair1944 Fair play, and I enjoyed the comparison.

[@tranhai8895]

Lr baggs anthem has more bass to me.

[@rustbeltgypsy3713]

Also sounds more like an acoustic without the string thud/hum at string strike...imo the LR Baggs has the widest spectrum and hope even more with a nice Eq/Pre.

[@markola]

And super clarity!

[@MOAB-UT]

Your Collings with the Anthem stole the show. Not a fan of the Outlaw- thought I would like the K&K better. The dreads, although nice were a bit boomy. Nice playing!

[@gair1944]

Thank you. You have great ears. The Collings are best in class

[@MOAB-UT]

@@gair1944 Nah- I have just been shopping lately so A/B'ing a lot. Settled on a nice Larrivee LV-03E. It arrives Saturday! Nice Bose. If you have an A/B switch and say a Fishman mini, you can get some nice stereo 3 way separation going on in that man cave! Cheers!

[@Chance-ry1hq]

Why put a pickup in a Collings? You can put a pickup in a cheap guitar and it will sound just as good. These expensive lightly built guitars should be played through a mic. There isn’t a pickup out there that can compare to a mic, the sole reason to put a pickup in an acoustic guitar is convenience. If you want convenience save you money and put your pickup in a cheap well made guitar. It will sound just as good as any of these high dollar guitars with a pickup in them.

[@gair1944]

Why? Because a Pick up is less feedback prone, less directional, does not pick up as much loud audience background noise or dining noises at the venues where I play. I can always mic the guitar in quiet venues, but its more trouble than its worth for the gigs I perform regularly. And the same reason you see countless professional guitars on world stages using pickups instead of mics.

[@Chance-ry1hq]

Gary Roberts You missed my point. An inexpensive well made guitar with a pickup in it sounds as good as you $4000 Collings with a pickup in it. If you want to use a pickup why use an expensive guitar to gig with. If you want to use an expensive guitar then use a mic, so your audience can actually hear why it costs $4000.

[@gair1944]

@@Chance-ry1hq Thanks for the clarification. I missed that. Yet I respectfully disagree. a Great PU on a decent but inexpensive guitar does NOT sound like the same great pickup (Anthem) in a great guitar like a Collings. Not to my ears. Maybe that's true with some under saddle Pickups. But not so for the Anthem in my experience. The Anthem has a remarkable ability to deliver the actual guitar tone (better than most) in a lot of guitars I've tried.