Acoustic Guitar Pickups #19 - L. R. Baggs M80

[@bradpdx2]

After years of fighting different pickups, including K&K, Fishman UST, Baggs UST, Baggs Anthem, Baggs Double Barrel dual source, and Monotone NC-2, the M-80 is my "go-to". I use it with the Baggs Voiceprint DI and get the clearest, best defined sound I've ever had. I do a lot of single note work and flatpicking with different ensembles, and that always seems to bring out the worst in pickups. The M-80 isn't the most "natural", but it is by far the most workable and musical pickup I've used. I always get compliments on my sound. YMMV, of course!

[@aaronshortmusic]

Nice!

[@rodneyferguson961]

M80 with Voiceprint DI video please : )

[@30smsuperstrat]

I used an M1 active for a few years that worked reasonably well. I sold it with the guitar, and when It came time to replace it, I went with the Seymour Duncan Mag Mic instead of the M80. That pickup with the mic blend gave a great sound.

[@andreyklimov5955]

Best review of LR Baggs M80 I've seen so far and useful tips, too. Huge thanks, Aaron!

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thank you so much!

[@garryw.robertsmusicandmore2359]

Thanks for doing this test and posting this video. I really can't tell the different between the guitar miced and the M80. I have a six-year-old, early production model Guild F-2512E. I hate the pickup in it because it's powered by a 9v battery in a bag attached with velcro inside the guitar. The battery keeps coming loose and banging around inside the guitar! Larer models of this 12 string have a battery box on the side now, but this one doesn't, and I finally got fed up and took the battery out completely. Besides, I don't like the sound of the existing under saddle pickup. I know some 12 string players have installed the earlier LR Baggs M1A, but I really love the sound of the M80 better. I checked with LR Baggs customer support, and they said that either the M1A or M80 would work with a 12 string, but they really recommend going with the M80 due to its extra sensitivity. After viewing your video and several others, I do believe i will be ordering am M80 for my Guild! Thanks again for posting this video!

[@DjBydLo]

Actually I hear a difference between the guitar without the pickup setted on the soundhole and with it, (i am speaking about the recording made with the mic in the room): the pickup somehow damps the extreme low end of the guitar, subtle but it can be heard and the guitar sounds thinner to my ears with the pickup set on it, it sounds more stringy. Anyway, the difference is subtle, and the video is great, thats how you make a video reviewing this product. I trying to decide between this one and Fishman Rare Earth blend.

[@Regular-Person-Guy]

Great job buddy! I really liked how you done this. This video really helped me decide some things.

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thanks!

[@josehayas63]

Would love to hear the tones of the M80 through the Voiceprint DI.

[@jdotte]

I tried the M1 passive with the Voiceprint DI and it sounded awesome. Huge! Right now I’ve been using the Lyric with the vpdi but I’m thinking of going back to the M1. I just don’t know if I can get past the aesthetics of a sound hole pickup.

[@josehayas63]

@@jdotte Thanks for the info. I like the idea of having a simple pickup and using the voiceprint, rather than a mic-blend type of system. the only blend system I've really enjoyed is the Cole Clark 3-way system but that doesn't help my other guitars. I had an M1 when they first came out, but sold it. I like the frequency response of magnetic pickups but not the timbre of them, if that makes sense. They have a full but smoother low end than USTs.

[@jdotte]

@@josehayas63 I love their low end too! I think you’d love what the voiceprint does with the M80 or any sound hole pickup.

[@josehayas63]

@@jdotte Thank you for the info!

[@cpfwriter]

Great review as usual! One field note on taping the cable to the pickguard: I've had great results using gaffer tape (wide black sorta clothy thing) on my guitars, though usually for setlists. Hasn't damaged any of my finishes or left a residue, provided I remove it after use. If your pickguard shape doesn't lend itself to what Aaron did here, or if you have no pickguard at all, worth a try.

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thank you and yes I would never leave the tape attached longer than I need to.

[@eekamoose]

I installed an M80 on my Guild D25 with the cable routed internally to a jack socket in the end pin / strap button on the end of the guitar and I love it. It sounds vastly more natural than any of the Fishman and Takamine undersaddle piezo pickups that I’ve used for years. The only thing to watch out for is that you hear a kind of a crackle if you hit the M80 with a guitar pick, so you need to be careful if you are playing hard right over the pickup. That’s not really a problem, though, move your right hand half an inch and any crackle is gone. The M80 is a great-sounding pickup, I wish I’d had one during 20 years of acoustic guitar live gigs. I haven’t done a back-to-back comparison with a K&K Pure Mini that I had installed on an old Takamine recently. The Pure Mini is also far better than the piezo pickups that I have used for years. I suspect that it will be close but the M80 might sound slightly more natural than the Pure Mini. It would also be interesting to compare the M80 with the slightly cheaper, slightly simpler M1 also from LR Baggs but I don’t have one. Could that be a possible comparison video for you, Aaron?

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thank you. I agree about having something in the soundhole that I may hit with my pick and create noise. I feel like it would just take me a short while of conscious playing to solve that. Every pickup has its pros and cons doesn’t it? I will look into comparing this to the M1a. Thank you for watching!

[@karlcountry2363]

I first bought the m1. I took it back immediately.... it sounds boxy and more electric to my ears. The m80 is much warmer and less electric sounding. I don’t notice hitting the pickup with my pick since I play toward the back of the sound hole while positioning the m80 toward the front. The only down fall is the noise from the guitar rubbing your clothes. It’s minimal percussionist might like that. It’s not a deal breaker though.

[@WarrenGrahamMusicLover]

I really liked the sound the this pickup.

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thanks Warren!

[@WarrenGrahamMusicLover]

@@aaronshortmusic Your always welcome to my feedback and support my friend.

[@MichaelAlso]

hey Warren, guess who's in the market for an acoustic pickup

[@WarrenGrahamMusicLover]

@@MichaelAlso They are great pickups.

[@patsysmith8030]

Really great review Aaron, so helpful.

[@fatfreddyscat2]

Thanks for this Aaron. I've got a M80 in my Walden OM. It's really good and I can plug in at an open mic without worries. For a bit more control and for longer gigs, I can tweak with my Baggs Venue DI. I've got a Baggs M1 active on my Cole jumbo and I always use the Venue with that and get a super acoustic sound.

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thanks Chris, it’s good to know you are using these at your shows.

[@douglasfan2]

Would like see how you reivew Miniflex 2 mic model 7.

[@douglasmackin9325]

Hi Aaron, Do you still have plans to review the LR Baggs Lyric anytime soon?

[@gair1944]

I am surprised how much I liked it Aaron. Sounds pretty darn natural overall. I might try one in my Outlaw. I may prefer it. I could run the lead to the end pin jack internally for a nice clean install

[@aaronshortmusic]

I think you might like it Gary. If you permanently install it you could still remove the pickup and leave the cable attached internally with a piece of tape/Velcro.

[@rodrigopandelo]

I really LOVE my M80. The main problem with it, is the same problem I'm having with my Anthem Pickup: it picks a lot of hum and buzz in my home, probably because of bad electrics. In some places I play, I don't have any noise... but at my home, it's totally useless. Passive UST don't give me that noise, like the Schatten, Dazzo and probably the K&K that's coming to me (I'll have it here soon, I hope). Great review on that M80, Aaron! I wish you played some James Blunt with it.

[@aaronshortmusic]

Haha James Blunt will sound great with this! I’m surprised to see you say you experience noise. I get more noise than anyone I know in my apartment. I do not experience noise with the M80. Did you try it in passive mode? I do have a slight hum with the Cole Clark and Maton systems but it’s not audible. Also make sure you use high quality cables. I like Mogami.

[@rodrigopandelo]

@@aaronshortmusic You haven't experienced noise with pickups because you're not in Brazil. Here, it's a total mess. I keep my M80 to use in emergencies. Just like you said. But I still can't understand why you didn't played James Blunt in this video. I hope you change that. You're Beautiful should be your "go to" song to test the pickups. Just my 2 cents.

[@xandealbuquerque]

opa amigo,boa tarde em dois anos,eu nunca ouvir zumbidos com o meu M80 mas ainda estou na luta para deixar o som sem aquele aspecto de guitrra,quando faz acordes

[@markjohnson6485]

Hi Aaron . I liked the M-80 . I watch you every Sunday and also Mondays with Maury . I have a Martin GPC with the Fishman VT enhance but I also have a stock D-18 that I think this M-80 would work very nice in it as it is perfect the way it is so I really like the non invasive aspect of the pickup and as you mentioned it could be a back up for the GPC so your video was very helpful.

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thanks Mark! I’m really impressed with this and I’m sure it would be great for your D-18.

[@gair1944]

Hi Mark, how do you like the Fishman Aura VT Enhance in your GPC? and how do you like your GPC? Do you have the Rosewood or Mahogany?

[@markjohnson6485]

@@gair1944 I like the VT enhance the blend is nice my GPC is a 28 E rosewood

[@oliverbones8966]

So much warm and clarity! No quack, no feedback. Whats not to love, you can even remove when not gigging. What pedal would you pair with to get the best sound? And if the Rare Earth Blend was just on soundhole pickup, which is better. Also, how does the M1/M1A compare? Cheers for doing this work, so useful.

[@aaronshortmusic]

You also have to enjoy the ‘feel’ of a Soundhole pickup. They tend to have less low end and power than an undersaddle system. I find it hard to use a pickup that doesn’t have a mic these days so I would just use the Fishman REB.

[@dcallan1]

That does sound very good!

[@tueseptlikha7274]

May be late to ask.. but is it possible to combine this m80 with normal piezo pickup that comes with guitar. I have an martin Dxmae come with fishman sonitone.. i want to know can I add magnetic pickup to get more full sound using both pickup same time

[@aaronshortmusic]

It has an input for another pickup but you won’t have much control over it. I would look at the Fishman PowerTap Infinity which is an undersaddle and magnetic system.

[@johnspiro692]

Great video Aaron!! Is this more like a neck pickup as it is set close to the neck? Like a telecaster for instance set in neck position. Not sure I like the look it makes the beautiful hd-28 look a bit cheaper. It sounds pretty good! Like you said if you don’t want to permanently modify your guitar this is a great option. I’m in the market for a pickup at the moment and I can’t bring myself to drill through the beautiful grained ivorod but it is most likely the route I will take. I’m not sure what pickup to get.

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thanks John. You can move the M80 to the back of the soundhole if you like but it may get in the way of your strumming hand. I usually say if you want to plug in all the time then go for something like the Baggs Anthem or Trance Amulet and if you plug in occasionally then consider something like the M80. There are so many great options but they all depend on how you play and how often you play.

[@smandez2023]

I think it sounds great Aaron, but you make a lot of things sound great! Not tying to put you on the spot, but of all soundhole pickups you’ve demo’d which did you like best? I have a Taylor with no electronics and want a simple plug and play option. I already have a guitar with a SBT transducer, and while it does sound great it gets a little muddy in the lows and lower-mids.I would be running this in front of my favorite DI, an LR Baggs Session.With this set up I could put an EQ in front of the Baggs too.

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thanks! I would say the M80 or the Fishman Rare Earth Blend (it has a mic as well). The great thing with Soundhole pickups is that it’s easy to try them out!

[@smandez2023]

@@aaronshortmusic Thank you Aaron. Another pickup I’ve been looking at is the Mojotone NC-1. Sounds great in online demos but I wonder what kind of trickery could be used. Thanks for the recommendation on the Fishman!

[@aaronshortmusic]

@@smandez2023 NC-1 is nice but I found it a little noisy in my apartment. Again you could try it.

[@smandez2023]

@@aaronshortmusic True. Hiss is a common comment on the NC-1. 👍

[@aaronshortmusic]

@@smandez2023 It’s single coil. I prefer a humbucker in an acoustic for that reason.

[@jamalarakian4189]

i think this kind of pickup eliminate problem with uneven strings volume usually get from undersaddle piezo

[@aaronshortmusic]

Actually some say the K&K has a weak high E. I think it depends on the guitar and install.

[@bradpdx2]

@@aaronshortmusic I had a K&K installed on my '97 HD-28 and it was a disaster - the high E was barely present. I did the James May Ultratonic conversion and it helped, but the high E has a darker timbre than the other strings - weird. I have the Baggs M-80 in my main gig guitar, and with the Voiceprint DI it's the best overall setup I've had.

[@aaronshortmusic]

@@bradpdx2 You will be fine with an Anthem as long as the saddle is completely flat.

[@adamalper804]

Uh-oh, I was getting ready to go for thr Anthem SL, now I'm considering this or the M1 Passive! Or the Seymour Duncan MagMic. Still leaning toward the SL, but i really like this M80! 🤯 Your videos are amazing but they're killing me!😂

[@aaronshortmusic]

Thanks. Check out my recent video on the Rare Earth mic blend as well!

[@adamalper804]

Oh, I was going to, but I was told by someone at Fishman that their soundhole pickups won't work properly with my 12-string. Matrix yes, others no. So I'm focused on the M1, M80, Anthem SL and Duncan Magic or Woody (stopgap)

[@aaronshortmusic]

@@adamalper804 Good to know thanks. I am yet to own a 12-string!

[@adamalper804]

The 12-string is seriously addictive and inspiring! Nothing like it! I guess the Fishman Rare Earths have individual magnets, so that would have a funny impact on the octave strings. I didn't get all the technical mumbo-jumbo, but it was along those lines. Duncan confirmed that the MagMic has been well-received by 12- string players and the Woody should be fine because it is a magnet bar, not individuals. The Baggs Anthem and Ms will also work, from what I've been told. Just a matter of the best one for my needs.

[@alexgold8687]

Great review. Do you have any comments on how it compares to the anthem sound and feel wise? I’ve got the anthem in my Collings d2h and find the element can be quite boomy and feedback prone, especially at 160hz. I’ve had issues in the past with the anthem on a lowden, depending on how the element was clipped inside created feedback, so I’m quite paranoid about it now! But I do like it’s high fidelity sound and warmth. Would you think the m80 would be a good option? I’m after something with a full punchy sound but still warm, I’ve tried the magmic and rare Earth blend but didn’t like their electric tone. I’ve heard the m80 isn’t quite so electric sounding.

[@aaronshortmusic]

It felt different to me at first. This makes sense as it’s picky ping up sound from a different place to an Anthem/Trance etc. l do like it and it’s easy to give it a try since the install is non-invasive.

[@jed1166]

@Alex Gold. I have a RainSong Jumbo with Stagepro Anthem on order… I am actually considering installing an M80, with a second end pin jack, and using a Y cable to blend both simultaneously. Would give great flexibility in different size venues, and volume levels.

[@JonOsborneOfficial]

Great video Aaron! I actually really like the sound of the passive mode. It mellows out the brightness and sounds more natural. Are you still using this as a backup to your Anthem?

[@aaronshortmusic]

Yes I have magnetic pickups in my gig bags in case my pickup ever stops working during a gig.

[@Danielchengguitar]

Nice review! I’m thinking of putting one of these in my recently purchased D28 as a temporary measure until I pay it off lol. Active mode sounds pretty good and I’m not a fan of magnetic electric guitar sounding pickups. Would I need an additional pre amp if I got an M80?

[@Danielchengguitar]

*long term I will get an Anthem installed so either I use the M80 or a mic til then.

[@aaronshortmusic]

Hi Daniel! The M80 can be used in passive or active mode and in the latter you would not need a preamp. If you are planning on getting the Anthem in the future then maybe it's a good idea to just get that right away? The M80 is great because it can be removed from the guitar completely but for playing out on a regular basis I would personally opt for the Anthem.

[@Danielchengguitar]

@@aaronshortmusic I've actually had a change of pickup choice and have a Schertler AG6 (which I've seen you demo) on the way. Its easier to install as the Anthem will cost £350 plus another £100 or so for someone to fit. I like the mic blend option on the AG6 and as I'm not playing live weekly its a good option across my 3 acoustics. But I may yet still get an Anthem in the future!

[@gerhardsteenkampmusic8096]

Hi Aaron… I’m lefthanded and want to know if it will be possible to use the pickup on a lefthanded guitar?… thank you.. Gerhard

[@aaronshortmusic]

From LR Baggs: Yes, the M80 can be easily set up for use in lefty guitars by swapping the pole pieces around. If you swap the outer E poles and move the A-pole into the empty B position, the pickup will be ready to go for left-handed use.

[@gerhardsteenkampmusic8096]

@@aaronshortmusic .. thank you.. appreciate your reply..

[@mrjonesmusic5770]

Thank you for the review. What are you playing through please? I have read comments from people who say these M80s should be played through guiar amps but I am not sure I agree with that. what is your opinion?

[@aaronshortmusic]

Hi, the first thing is to clarify exactly what they mean. ‘Guitar amp’ implies an electric guitar amp. If they mean an Acoustic guitar amp then that is basically the same as a full range PA speaker so I would agree with them. I would not use an electric guitar amp unless I wanted that particular tone.

[@mrjonesmusic5770]

@@aaronshortmusic Thank you for your reply. I run my preamps and pedals into a full PA so I can get pretty close to the acoustic amp sound without the need to carry an extra piece of gear. I am primarily a singer using guitar as accompanyment.

[@John-wr6yo]

The k k pick up is light weighted,and there are no batteries to contend with ,and no excess junk in or on your guitar. I use the lr baggs old para di pre amp di box with my k k pick up. My instrunents are to fine to install a bunch of onboard crapp with all the bells and whistles.

[@aaronshortmusic]

I agree but I don’t think it sounds very good without a bunch of outboard processing.

[@singalongabrad4053]

I'm very surprised, this sounded very good, not at all like the normal sound hole pickup

[@aaronshortmusic]

Me too Brad. It’s got a great clean and precise tone.

[@music-writinglife1813]

Are you going to try the JJB 330 ?

[@aaronshortmusic]

Maybe one day. I see that it is the most affordable option so it would be worth trying.

[@jed1166]

YES, the electric sound is much better than the piezo “quack”.

[@ezraestrada4992]

Will M80 is better for guitar pedal effects than Lyric?

[@aaronshortmusic]

Maybe. It’s DEFINITELY better for drive and distortion pedals!

[@ezraestrada4992]

Mostly I'll be using reverbs, tremolo and delay effects.

[@aaronshortmusic]

@@ezraestrada4992 Both should work well with those.

[@ezraestrada4992]

I bought the M80 and installed yesterday on Martin 000 15 M, so far I'm liking it compare to my Lyric in my Taylor 314.

[@aaronshortmusic]

@@ezraestrada4992 That’s good. I personally would choose the Lyric over the M80 for tone but the M80 is going to be much more feedback resistant.

[@usualsuspect5173]

Too bad they aren't made in black...I don't care for the eggnog yellow color

[@aaronshortmusic]

I get it. Actually there is a black version available: www.takamine.com/tri-ax-2-pickup

[@usualsuspect5173]

@@aaronshortmusic wow, thanks a lot!

[@John-wr6yo]

Those things are almost impossible to fit in martin 000 or oo or o guitars. The sound holes are to small. I love this pick up ,but the i beam is my favorite.