Better Plugged-In Acoustic Guitar Sound Basics: Pickups, PA, Amps & All That Stuff - That Pedal Show

[@chibisven]

Friendly sound guy here, great show as usual and LOVE this topic because I can't tell you how many crap sounding acoustics I've run sound for. I'm not much of an acoustic player myself, but here's just some sound guy nuggets to enrich this guitar loving audience: - Acoustic amps are way better than wedges most of the time because the front surface of your acoustic resonates, and changing the location and angle of the stage sound putting a human body between the speaker and the guitar helps enormously. - cheap sounding pickups just can't be fixed at the board, but the good ones while kinda gross pre-eq can sound fantastic once they've been EQ'd. So far the best sounding direct sound I've ever heard came from a Mcpherson guitar played by a blue grass pro who's been playing longer than I've been alive. The worst sound is tied between Ovation and Ibanez (sorry) - The back side of speakers put out a ton of low end, so 99 times out of 100, I'm having to trim a bunch of low out of your signal to keep it from resonating into feedback, that's why it sounds so "thin" to you, and sorry but that's just the way it's gotta be - A feedback buster DOES have a negative effect on your guitar, but it's far less negative that howling feedback, so if you're playing in a loud situation or with a full band, plug that hole. - The number one sign for me of an acoustic player that's going to give me a good signal is walking in with one of those LR Baggs acoustic preamps, the one with the built in tuner and parametric EQ. I don't know why, but almost everyone who walks in with one of those just does a better job. - Play your strings harder than you think you should, it just makes everything sound better. I'm not saying full punk rock jackhammer, but put some heat on it when playing live. Hope that helps, or at least gives you a little more idea of how your sound guy is thinking.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you for that Sven - useful and enlightening!

[@Texfire]

Funny how I found the pedal show while searching for videos on amps and pedals, and I think I've learned almost as much about tips to help my sound board running. Thanks Sven, some nice pointers.

[@juancblum6445]

Thank you very much for such a great advice. I am one of the nerdyes walking with LR Baggs preamp and my acoustic amp as my monitor. Always getting from the rest of the band --there is no need-- feel revindicated 📣😀

[@jamjar20049]

Sven, hi, having been dissatisfied with my cheap piezo equipped guitars for years I asked my bandmate how he got such a good sound with his Martin x series electro acoustic. It turns out that it's not the onboard preamp but a passive DI box between the guitar and PA. I tried it with my low budget acoustic and it works well, it now sounds like an acoustic when amplified. Perhaps this would work with the Ovation and Ibanez guitars too? Or did you do this already? Ian

[@motorhed]

as a sound engineer and musician myself, I fully support this! It's true, whenever I see LR Baggs, it's like and instant tell that the player is no schmuck lol

[@MikeTaffet]

Seeing Dan and Mick actually performing together might have been the greatest That Pedal Show moment ever, and there’s been some epic moments.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Oh wow. Thank you kindly! Gives us great confidence for the band. We were worried people would think we were just being indulgent. Thank you.

[@xxcelr8rs]

What a nice surprise!

[@PatFlanigan]

That Pedal Show has officially become That "how to be a great gigging musician who's ready for anything" Show, and I love it!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Cheers Pat :)

[@joelecho]

I dig it! I love a good fuzz pedal, but I get so much more knew knowledge from these type of shows, and that carries over to live performances where I can take advantage of what I've learned. Amazingly valuable.

[@YetAnotherWittyUserName]

the perfect balance of helpful gigging advice and pure guitar nerdery

[@smwatson1512]

That Pedal Show - The Album. Do it.

[@colaboytje]

I agree. Let's like this until they do it :-)

[@redmcmannus]

DO IT!!!!

[@redmcmannus]

DO IT!!!

[@rasm0225]

That Pedal Album

[@lionsdenblog]

rasm0225 Dude, I actually laughed out loud! Great stuff.

[@lance134679]

"Here Comes the Sun" is such a great song for two acoustic guitars - you get kind of a 12 string type sound with one capo'd up high. My friend and I jam that one often when we see each other. Good singing and playing! I know you guys sing all night at your gigs, so no surprise there. I can see why there are so many acoustic gigs - the bigger rooms with big, loud bands are currently diminishing. It seems that the big clubs all have house DJs and the 'real' music is in small places - restaurants, pubs, lounges, etc. That could be just in my little corner of the world, but our town is losing it's last 300 seat bar, which is where I had a house gig every Saturday.

[@jeremyreed663]

Dan just showed exactly how to play with another person. As soon as Mick played a lead part in that last section of this, Dan backed off with a much simpler rhythm part. It didn’t take much space up in the mix and it made Mick sound awesome. I wish more musicians understood this!

[@barneyharding]

As a regular (aren't we all!) viewer, I can't tell you how long I have been waiting for this!!!!!! More Acoustic stuff, please!.... as Mick says.... "people like it!"

[@DrBillOwen]

F Me. Here I am in Covid Iso, North of Sydney. My wrists ache from too much guitar, I'm a bottle of Hunter Shiraz in, I've watched ALL of KZbin. And you guys have just made me smile so wide and so long that I feel like a new man. Thanks fellas!

[@aymericmarchand3472]

Well, as an insignificant part of the TPS audience, I love this!

[@gcvrsa]

If you are going to use a passive piezo, then you would do well to plug it into a very high impedance input, on the order of 5-10 Megaohms, like a Z.Vex Super Hard-On. Piezos have a very high characteristic impedance, and they improve greatly by plugging them into an appropriate impedance, rather than the usual 1 Megaohm of the average guitar amp or other audio gear. A Countryman Type 85 DI has an input impedance of 10 Megaohms.

[@hectorgrande8000]

Super hard-on? I don’t know if I would sound any better playing with one. I think it may be a little distracting but hey whatever works.

[@fishypaw]

Your voices go well together. I'd pay to see this cover band. :)

[@ThePsprout]

Alright fishy paw? Thought you might tell them that in Scotland "hen" means lassie ;-)

[@fishypaw]

Hey man. lol, they probably know that already. How's your wonderful home made looper and pedal board? I hope your getting lots of good use out of them.

[@ThePsprout]

The board went through a radical downsize - less is more (controllable!).

[@MarkPritchardGuitar]

It's Friday, that means one thing....That Pedal Show!!!!!

[@merickel1]

So, I've chewed up and spit out a plethora of acoustics and preamps. What I've learned. 1. Taylor ES system is not the greatest. Blind listen to just about any other pickup system and you will agree. 2. In just about any acoustic preamp and or pickup, the first thing to do is cut the mids down by at least 60%. 3. Micing an acoustic is always better than any pickup but not convenient in a gig environment. 4. Play before you buy. Dont take the reviews as gospel. Go to the store and tey it out! We gig professionally. My gear is as follows. Guitars - Martin GPCPA1 with fishman Aura. Martin D28 with K&K pure mini. Preamps- LR Baggs Venue DI. Fishman Aura Spectrum.

[@samchoate1719]

Pure mini is a great pickup

[@camhaines5482]

Ladies and gentlemen please welcome Dan and Mick Here - The Here Brothers! ........So sorry, I am a 52 year old father of 4 this is best I can do! Please don't block me. Great show.

[@mattgilbert7347]

Dad jokes are the best jokes.

[@whatwouldhousedo5136]

Could bill themselves as The Hear Brothers.

[@MurrayWilliams]

Once you do a gig with a great acoustic amp ... you will never go back. Ever. It allows you to play expressively and get away from the strummy-strummy. And if you use it as your monitor running vocals and guitar through it ... say good bye to being at the whims of a sound man. It is heaven. HEAVEN!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yep!

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Agreed! LOVE my Fishman amp. Bye bye sound guy. ; )

[@ParaBellum2024]

Which acoustic amp do you recommend Murray? I tried a Fender Acoustic 200 with guitar and vocal, and really liked it.

[@mattgilbert7347]

I couldn't believe my ears the first time I heard a proper, high-quality acoustic amp. I ran a Tele through it for THE clean Jazz guitar tone. And ofc, an acoustic. Alas, I can't remember the brand and it was super-expensive so I didn't end up buying it. Belongs to a mate who has a store in Sydney.

[@billedwards2657]

I mean.. in a more practical sense.. it’s a hell of a lot easier to lug one acoustic amp and throw a mic/cables in a backpack to go gig most bars/coffee shops. You can add a 400w powered speaker run from the output of the amp if you need more power, or go into a PA the venue has. If you’re doing acoustic/electric mixed gigs things change but for a solo or small group acoustic amps just win.

[@MythosSoundStudio]

Ok - the universe as we’ve known it has just imploded! Dan playing a Martin with a PRS strap, acoustic guitars on TPS, and this videos wasn’t blocked by the KZbin police! LOL. Seriously, you guys do have to take the acoustic set on the road. It would be an amazing show.

[@mattgilbert7347]

I have a Gibson strap on my Fender and a Fender strap on my Gibson. When worlds collide...

[@mattgilbert7347]

And a strap-on.. No. Stop there, Gilbert. Quit while ahead.

[@maxwarden4555]

My favorite electro-acoustic sound is actually a soundhole pickup into a clean, fender-y amp with loads of headroom. It's definitely not a typical acoustic sound, but it has a certain warmth and midrange to it that makes it a unique and completely usable sound that actually sits in a mix quite well! It's not gonna jump out at you, but it works great as a sort of bed for the other sounds to sit upon. Listen to The Tallest Man On Earth for some examples, he's a big fan of this sound and will even use it playing solo! Also, Elliott Smith was a big fan of passive soundhole pickups; except he would just plug into the mixer. I think he might've even recorded with one, but don't quote me on that

[@adamandvanessawilson2654]

A couple of years ago, I was searching for “effects for acoustic guitar” on KZbin, and I stumbled across your channel, then you guys helped me learn how to enter the electric guitar world. If you’re worried that your audience won’t like acoustic episodes, I can tell you that most worship leaders in the US play acoustic and are constantly wanting to improve their acoustic sound through a PA, or they’re wanting to transition to electric. Either way, you guys can make a show about almost anything and you’ll be helping someone out there. Keep up the good work!

[@Brandontsmith85]

Fantastic episode. Really looking forward to part two. Gotta say, really enjoyed all of your playing here. There's definitely something about the dynamics of acoustics that just make a duo work so well. Also gotta say, that AER amp sounds GODLIKE. Never heard a plugged in acoustic sound THAT good.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks Brandon! It’s a super simple setup that just works. :0)

[@douglackie3777]

I’m 44 and I picked up the guitar during Covid! Now I can not put it down! I should have started a long time ago! But now I am determined to get as good as you guys one day! There is something about acoustic guitars! Keep up the great work!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Great stuff Doug 🤓👍

[@peterhall4852]

Resonator next😅

[@pedalhead2641]

Just some thoughts and ideas: 1. The AER sounds fantastic 2. That Acoustic Pedal Show on Tuesdays and the standard show on Fridays??? 3. Since I don’t play for audiences bigger than family, I find using the electric guitar modulation pedals (mix knobs set to full effect)and amp fun for a low volume stereo effect. Wonder if that becomes exponentially more complicated with trying to run an acoustic amp in stereo? Considering phasing and such. 4. It would be cool to expand your budget conscious acoustic guitar idea to the most purchased models from Martin, Taylor, and ... maybe Yamaha or Epiphone.

[@klewis2048]

Loved the start to the show. Ultimately, I play music to be in a band, and to play with my friends, and for others, and this came across more strongly in the first 10 mins of this show than in any other one. before AER Compact 60. I have one of these brilliant tiny boxes. Dan's reaction to it was unexpected and delightful! Don't let the size deceive you, they are serious kit. I mostly use it for home rehearsal using my modelling pedalboards (Headrush, Amplifire) and backing vocals (SM58 clone). It's a perfectly formed compact mono PA system. Anyway, my next challenge is how to make an electric guitar sound like an acoustic for a tiny part in one song, through a modelling pedalboard into a PA, and this has given me inspiration. Thanks guys!

[@jamesbaker9539]

Holy Cow! I came across this TPS episode while researching use of a compressor pedal with an acoustic guitar. I love hearing you two play and to hear you sing - Most Excellent Dan & Mick!!! As always, I come away from another of your presentations with new knowledge to improve my sound/tone. Best Regards, James

[@benchan32]

All I can say is FINALLY!!! 😍 I’m an acoustic performer only and I’ve spent 10 years forming my wet/dry/wet rig with my Blackwood Cole Clark that blends a piezo, condenser and transducer for the dry and a fishman black stack hunbucker soundhole pick up into my pedal board including stacked o/d and modulations into an ac30/Roland ac60 acoustic amp/68 reissue Princeton reverb. The devil is in the details for acoustic and I’m so happy you mentioned about the utilities making the difference. Keep it up fellas I loved this episode!!! #LifeLongSubscriber 😍😍😍

[@benjaminthorpe7990]

This is so relevant to me in my band right now that this has become such a perfectly timed release of a video. Thank you both for your deep exploration!

[@guitarandrewy]

Thank you guys for doing this show! I plug my acoustic into a DI every Sunday (with a few pedals in between) and this has opened my eyes to some new gear. Love all your shows!

[@jamesgoddin8880]

I use an my old Trace Acoustic amp 99% of the time for exactly the reasons Mick states. My sound is available to the PA with no additional faff, plus I can monitor myself. Admittedly it doesn’t sound as good as that AER but it certainly beats any direct-to-PA sound Ive ever achieved. I’d say it sounds better than the Mesa though. If I can earn the thick end of £900 through gigs I may consider upgrading to an AER.

[@MrHeliosoul]

Absolutely wonderful! Great cover! had no clue you guys did anything with acoustic guitars and I absolutely love it! I would definitely be interested in watching more shows on this topic.

[@colaboytje]

Make an album please, pretty please. Mick's voice is great, and Dan's harmonies are a perfect match.

[@wangbadan8446]

ive been playing the acoustic guitar live for 20 years. Through my journey i used a few different Preamps before (LR Baggs Para, AER, Firewood DI Japan) until i realised recently that I prefer just a normal DI Box (sometimes without DI) straight into the mixer. That way I rely more on my ears to bring out the most accurate, true-est sound of my acoustic guitar. I no longer wanna be spoilt by choices and options and i just wanted things simple.

[@Cryanoutloud]

A lovely detour from the norm seeing you guys perform together, well done ! I play regular acoustic gigs so im quite interested to see what wisdom i can absorb here; thanks for all your hard work guys!

[@joelecho]

A very big thank you for taking on this topic, gents. As a songwriter, and a guy in a band, I love what acoustic can do for a song, even as a smaller part of a huge rock sound at times, but have always struggled with getting it to sound good enough to justify using it live over a clean electric. For big events I'll rent one with a much better pickup, but it's still not the same. This, and the follow up episode, are such useful information. And this from a guy who plays electric 95% of the time, and has a board with 15+ pedals on it. I think many of us wanted to know more about this stuff WAY more than you thought we would. If my acoustic could sound as good on stage as it did in the house, I'd consider myself more of an acoustic player.

[@cedarbay3994]

That fancy-pants cutaway Martin sounds delightful The boys here show how to do two acoustics at the same time: one guy should always capo and play differently voiced chords--two dudes banging out open position cowboy chords all night is lazy and boring.

[@jamisonbebiak7917]

Just gonna point out you used the words "Two dudes, Banging, Open, Position, and Cowboy" all in the same sentence.

[@russheath15]

Cedar Bay Wasn’t there a film about two cowboys banging? Just saying not seen it myself......

[@cedarbay3994]

Jamison Bebiak 😂

[@BrentCasavant]

And all the sound techs said "Amen".

[@StratmanJerry]

Capos are pretty boring too with that logic seeing as how you usually are playing cowboy cords using a capo

[@scottyvernon8471]

I’ve been watching you guys for years I’ve known the band you played in and played in, but I didn’t realize how great your vocals are! Nicely done guys !!!

[@johnballantyne3458]

DAN!! You bloody, brilliant, bespectacled, bearded bugger!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

[@patrickhanly7458]

I gig weekly with an acoustic guitar. I struggled with quacky under saddle pickups, microphone pickups that sounded great but had horrible feedback, heat, cold, rain/wet. And then I got a McPherson Sable carbon guitar - all problems solved and great sound achieved. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it. The Fishman Loudbox mini is a great companion, especially if you sometimes play outside, have no power and need a mic with your guitar.

[@stevemaass3074]

That was FANTASTIC. Who knew Mick had such a great singing voice? (Probably lots of people, but that was the first time I heard him singing the lead part.) Fine harmony by Daniel. Bravo!

[@lowdefal6306]

He did a great Andertons video with Pete where he sang in a pub garden. Did Shake it Off iirc.

[@DWKraft]

Thanks for pointing that out. For anyone else interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqiuqKGdnJdqfqM

[@jonathanduffett8374]

If you’re stuck for an acoustic amp try your electric valve amp and plug a cheap piezo horn tweeter into the extension speaker socket and sit it on the top of the amp. Gives it some full range capability so you’re not having to boost the treble eq much and making it too harsh. The impedance of the piezo is very high so no problems with impedance mismatch/ amp damage risk. Conversely have modded my passive monitor wedges to be able to switch OUT the tweeter horn so can use the 12” main driver as a closed back electric guitar speaker at a push if you have a speaker failure at a gig.

[@heybuddy6794]

Aw man, love the tune at the beginning! Was awesome seeing you guys playing with the band on the Greg Koch episode, awesome seeing the concepts put into context/practice.

[@benhunter9612]

I like your show a lot. I genuinely had joy in my heart hearing you guys play those acoustics so lovingly! What a great episode!

[@applemanuk]

Love all the electric stuff but super pumped that you guys are covering off acoustic gear in this show. Awesome!

[@slash0abid]

You guys are freaking awesome! Been watching your videos for years! Every time I need to learn about something, you folks have got my back. Thank you. :)

[@zakriessen7564]

Dan and Mick should make an acoustic cover album. I'd buy it.

[@fretboardhustle4264]

Wow I’ve watched the show for years and am just now discovering this video - so lovely to hear D&M singing and playing a George tune. Warms my heart. Thank you for your inspiration and for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us all for so long!

[@yugiohllavaneras]

AWESOME episode guys. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. I love electric guitar but must of my gigs tend to be on acoustic as you mentioned. Super informative as always :D PD: clean sounds Pt. 2 PLEASE 🙄

[@mattcottrell3336]

I have a stock fishman prefix plus t in my gibson songwriter. Ive had alot of higher end acoustics with UST style preamps. The less power you are taking from preamp as a signal the more natural the acoustic sound will be. Having a good DI on a passive pickup system is the main key. Being very delicate with the controls and keeping these as low as possible will leave your tone unmolested, and give you good sounds out of any ust. The guitar itself does make a difference in the eq of the sound because the quality and thickness of the build contribute so much to the overal frequencies that the saddle picks up. Ive always loved the sound of usts and they only sound bad if the player doesnt care. The topic of discussion and the solutions given in this video are perfect for the plug and play player whos thinking about not just being the acoustic guy or duo in the corner quacking away. I love seeing this topic covered. Even if its 5 years old. Get the tools for a good sound and sound good, and the gigs will come. Compression and reverb are also your friends. They add color to your playing and give a natural echo. I prefer reverb on the guitar and an almost dry vocal as it colors the vocals and makes them sound more relaxing. Depending on the gig, you have to read your audience. The more raunchy the crowd, the more raunchy the mix. If its time to party, loud and dry. For a private party, soft and pretty. Nothing beats the sound of a mic, but people talk.... some people use loopers. Theres all sorts of different reasons people use what they use. Its up to the artist to find what sounds good. If you let your di boxes and preams amplify the signal and let your PA do the work, you will get a less qucky more natural tone, more pleasing to the ear, and easier to play overall. Just my 2 cents

[@sethbecker4542]

You should do a show on “mic simulation” pedals and preamps. I have been playing in a folk rock band for years and have been using the fishman Aura Spectrum DI and the mic blend on it has given me the best plugged in sound I’ve ever had, and has become quite a standard among professional players.

[@vadlasletta]

Seth Becker same here

[@wildbillhackett]

I run a Godin Grand Concert Duet Ambiance into an inexpensive Behringer mixer and a pair of old KRK Rokit Powered 6 G2 monitors. (Those "Red" ones they made for Guitar Center years ago.) I use a cheap (but good) old MXL V63M mic to talk to the crowd (I don't sing though) and add a little of the board's built-in reverb to the guitar. The whole rig is very cost efficient and sounds great. That Godin really does sound like a very well mic'd guitar, and the crowd gets to hear the board's reverb in stereo---something I couldn't do with just an acoustic guitar amplifier.

[@napalmhardcore]

YAAAAY! Paranoid Android! I'll finish watching the show now.

[@cfreeman5631]

Guys, you are absolutely right about "acoustic feel". I started as an acoustic player, still my forte, and I can ALWAYS hear an "electric" player vs an "Acoustic" player on acoustic guitars.

[@GitShiddy]

"Whoops should have brought something cheap to test." If that isn't the That Pedal Show mantra by now I don't know what is! ;-) Look forward to part 2 just based off that brief moment with the pedals, that sounded proper good & seemed like the best option for a small footprint type acoustic rig, guitar, pedal a couple cables...rig in a case.

[@larrydering1598]

I suffered for years with a Taylor 814ce ES1 system. Spent thousands of bucks on amps, m EQ and preamps without making a big improvement. Finally ditched the ES1 for K&K style transducers from JJB. Incredible difference that has kept me from dumping a great guitar.

[@jhnlk]

There's something spectacular about Dan playing an acoustic while wearing an all you need is fuzz t-shirt.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I use fuzz with acoustic all the time. But, then again... I'm an idiot. 😅🤣

[@simonsmith2642]

Guys, if you haven’t yet.. My go to is now a Yamaha AC5M or AC5R.. You must try one. It is absolutely brilliant, and in the studio, its an invaluable tool for recording. Very nice acoustically on its own. Plugged in its always a perfectly mic’d acoustic ribbon or condenser. No annoying piezo buzz.. I just plug into my Roland JC120 and it gets you everything you want and more. Made in Japan quality for a reasonable price. You have to try one.

[@VojtaHanak]

Accoustics are great topic for you especially considering your insight. I am hoping for part on the "work needed to be done at mixing console". Can you see into that for a bit - eq, compression, etc.. What can a sound guy do to make accoustic sound nice (especially whet there are more of them). I would appreciate that because i am being on both sides of the PA.

[@gregurbani6996]

BEST SHOW BEING EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@shadowgolem9158]

Damn that space makes such a great studio! Awesome balancing and mixing as usual of course. Thanks for doing this show! P.S. This is another "headphones needed" video. You'll not hear much difference on a phone or smallish computer speaker.

[@tony59able]

Awesome guys I’m made up. Asked to do a church gig and with not a lot of experience I took along my Taylor 310 with a K&K and my Marshal acoustic amp which went to the PA system in the church and bingo quite a good sound for a novice performer so yes I’m with you all the way on acoustic amps!

[@baronvonmarlon1]

I play in an acoustic two piece. I hated gigging until because our lovely sound we honed in our living rooms disappeared the second we plugged in. In the end we threw caution to the wind and just decided to one-mic the act (single condensor) and it's the best thing we've ever done. Not only does it sound lovely, you get to use mic technique; and because you're slightly quieter, the audience shuts up and engages with you. I know it's not possible for all setups but I will never go back to plugging in.

[@TheSwalden588]

Thanks guys. I can't tell you how much I needed this episode. Getting a good sound out of a good electric is so simple. But anytime to try to make an acoustic louder it sucks all the character out.

[@DanEtch]

That look Dan gives Mick during the opening jam...❤️❤️❤️

[@hoangseidel4114]

Daniel Etchells real bromance

[@brianpateman2666]

Best TPS for a while - looking forward to Part 2. The whole thing with acoustic amplification is that you have what you have in terms of output and any adjustment needs to be done early in the signal chain. As the immortal Scotty said "You canna change the laws of physics cap'n"

[@nickfit3]

Tech 21 has an acoustic d.i. that has been around for a long time. Check it out.

[@echrise]

I both gig and do sound engineering for myself and others I have pre-2001 Taylor 914CE with the Fishman prefix blender on it (before the expression system came in). I do a lot of work with bands playing worship music in reverberant church environments and the best solution for artist and audience/congregation is always wedges and FOH PA placed in front of the mics, with acoustic guitar EQ presets on the digital desk as a starting point. This can however create an issue with guitar feedback into the wedge mix if they don't have a sound hole blocker in place. The key weakness with acoustic amps is when they are placed as a backline into which microphones are plugged in that they deliver instant screeching as the amplifiers fire signal down the the throats of the mics. There are rules and solutions for everything but no one panacea. I am putting together a PA with an active stage box with labelled acoustic guitar channels so you can plug in and hear your sound out of the wedge and then tweak the EQ/ monitor volume yourself using the iPad app for your vocal/instrument channel - perfect??

[@elonmush4793]

Lovely intro performance! What's your stage name? D&M Live? Dan and the Micks? That Pedal Stompers?

[@jamiebarr8781]

The Schwangrila's

[@MarkArtyniuk]

TPS Tangents! :)

[@LivingDeadPunker]

That Pedal Band

[@mattgilbert7347]

The Pedallin' Pimps

[@mattgilbert7347]

YEAH BABY! ft. Notorious D & M

[@thaiming649]

One of the best episodes the last few months

[@bellachi9575]

Speaking for acoustic players everywhere, THANK YOU! very informative show. You guys are great.

[@ripplebear]

I've still got, and will always have, a Taylor DN3 that my mom bought me before she became sick and died. She wanted me to have something real and solid to remember her with. Thanks, mom, love you! I want a Martin too though! Nice show guys, refreshing for sure.

[@pd4165]

How's your dad? When my dad died I bought a Porsche, a very old one. When my mum died I bought a Merc. Fairly old. Other dead relatives bought me a MusicMan and decent amps, which I couldn't have afforded otherwise. They all represent them, so have near mystical attachments to me. And I get to have interesting things around me. I'd prefer to have the people back.

[@ripplebear]

@@pd4165 oh wow. I'm so sorry you've lost both of your parents, and other relatives. lost my dad first, then mother next. But dad gave me my first chances to act on taking music into my life physically... by teaching me rhythms with wooden spoons at age 12 😁 His father played music for a living, and he actually sessioned during some rehearsals with Roy Orbison! Thanks for sharing your story. Cool cars! A friend of mine is jealous of my inheritance, I say the same as you, trade it all for my folks back in heartbeat if you show me how!

[@joeyramonelookalike]

Fantastic vid!! I don't know if you answered this somewhere else but here goes a question: Will a good acoustic amp compensate for a cheap acoustic guitar??

[@ThatPedalShow]

Depends, if it’s a cheap guitar but you love playing it you might consider a pick up upgrade

[@adambrennen7215]

Ahhhhh! (A huge sigh of pleasure.) I am primarily an acoustic player but freaking love this show. I have made the switch to electric and am learning, but this was a great episode even for me. Thanks for doing this guys!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thanks Adam. So glad you enjoy the show!

[@GavinMcLeod]

Boys, pack up the shed, take that act on the road!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ahaha!!! Thanks Gavin. About 10 people usually come to my gigs. Mick here. 50,000 come every week on here. :0)

[@gwawd]

Right on time! I'm currently exploring more pedal options for my acoustic. Thank you, guys!

[@gilmouring]

Friday is always better if you're working half (thanks God today I am) and if you watch TPS. Epic performance at the beginning.. As other said Mary Spender would have been a great addition, but, nevertheless that was great.

[@TheBigGuppy]

Depends on what you are using the acoustic for But ...... If you like the scooped sound in order to just add acoustic ambience to an electric combo or behind a vocal line you may like what we call in the US the Nashville tuning. Its an old recording trick. The g, b, and high e strings are normal. The lower e, a and d strings are the upper string gauges from a 12 string set. Flat picking leads can be cool because you can get pitch shifts on scalar runs you don't otherwise get.

[@adamfstewart81]

Really really REALLY nice job on the intro!

[@billgreen3629]

Not sure how I missed this one, but this might be my favorite episode so far (July 2020). Regarding USTs affecting guitar tone, I think it may depend on how responsive your guitar is. Also, not all USTs are the same. A pickup that is a thin, hard film (Fishman, Baggs) may not affect tone, but a round rope (Highlander, Seymour Duncan/D-TAR) absolutely will suck up acoustic tone. I think the effect is most noticeable on a guitar with a lot of overtones, and less so on an instrument with a strong fundamental tone. Once you hear it, you can’t unhear it.

[@WutipongWongsakuldej]

Wow you guys can sing. I mean, really really well. It'd be interesting if you can do vocal processor pedal in the show as well :).

[@wrap-itsolutions2387]

Wow .... I just finished watching an interview with Paul McCartney and then tuned into this ... Well done guys!!

[@Bhh-j2s]

Where are all the screaming teenage girls crashing the gates?

[@mattburdock1734]

The building is too well soundproofed now, the girls can't find it!

[@justinoneil6971]

They are on the roof. It’s not soundproof 😂

[@Cyndaquills]

They are all here in the comment section mate!

[@skypekai]

Major rapeage

[@jessebfly]

I think we need more pedal show "shows" like this. And bravo on the acoustic boards. I love playing acoustic gigs. Especially since wrangling a full band is like herding cats on the best of days. Acoustic solo or duo gigs allow to be nimble, get the songs super tight, and have tons of fun. Well done lads. ;)

[@jonlohrenz5446]

I’ve always sworn by compressors on an acoustic pedalboard. Makes fingerpicking so much easier in a band setting. Something to touch on for part 2 perhaps?

[@pat_salt]

Another approach which works surprisingly well (at least for me): using an impulse response (pickup in - high-end miced guitar out). I use the Radar pedal to host the IR from a Martin D45, this small pedal offers also EQ functions and made my acoustic preamps completely obsolete. Incredible how a boxy acoustic signal is converted into something VERY much better and natural sounding which can go directly to a PA. For recording, there is (of course) nothing which comes close to a good mic setup.

[@JDODify]

Do you think you'd ever manage to get away with micing up an acoustic with condenser in your average pub gig? Or do you think it would just pick up way, way too much noise and feedback - I've never actually tried using a condenser in a live situation 'cos I've just assumed it would be a disaster.

[@lucianodebenedictis6014]

I like that sound a lot, but the only example I remember is al di meola on stage, which probably means you have to be al di meola on stage

[@Aleph_Null_Audio]

I've done it in coffee shops. You have to be very careful about mic placement in relation to the mains. It only worked when playing without stage monitors.

[@nathansturgess92]

I’ve done it with an AT AE5400. It sounded great; however, it was a pain in the ass.

[@peterjmizzi]

I love my AER compact 60 so much I bought a second one and run in stereo. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ I’ve even sang though it for a gig. They are awesome.

[@MillerCustomGuitars]

Holy smokes! Everything was cool until Mick pluged in the AER Compact. That sounds amazing!

[@TheDarinAmes]

Great episode, Guys! I, too, have been doing a ton of acoustic gigs lately and am currently putting together an acoustic-specific board. I also use the AER Compact 60/3 and love it. I'm playing a Martin 000-42 with the Baggs Anthem system and it sounds killer. Can't wait to see part 2! One thing I’ve found VERY useful... using a soundhole plug to allow for high volume without feedback. I highly recommend this to anyone playing in a band setting or even a duo with a drummer.

[@scottcollier9178]

Acoustic in to a Roland Cube, job done! 😉

[@lpjbird]

Very practical advice…did I say that right?…There’s sooo many options with p/u’s for acoustics it mind blowing & I think I’ve tried the most common ones and have really taken a liking to the K&K pure mini & the Fishman Rare Earth Blend…I’ve been plugging into an orange tiny terror & use the fishman platium pro…then use multiple pedals to shape the sound…boss ge-7, really does the trick..chorus,verb,delay, even an echo sex & I’m in heaven. It’s a lot to drag around to an open mic but I don’t these day’s very often…the Orange TT Combo is a great amp & cleans up well & plays nice with pedals…I have an acoustic amp but it don’t cut it like the TT. Wish I’d seen this video 4years ago…you guys are real players I enjoy watching. Cheers

[@wolfqueenjubilee]

As a nonbinary person I feel like I just got a big hug with y'all mentioning folks like me!

[@ThatPedalShow]

That’s great, thank you! Here’s one right back to you. :0)

[@adamf5541]

OK firstly APPLAUSE!!! I swear I tear up every time you two play together - its just magic guys. Whatever comes after this intro is just a lovely bonus.

[@Purple_Pixel]

Please do more acoustic stuff. Please.

[@jakeisonhere]

What a great way to start a Monday morning! Here comes the sun! Thanks guys

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Funny you mention the bluegrass guitarist being a she... If you haven't already, check out Molly Tuttle. She's the IBMA Guitarist of the Year, and just won Instrumentalist of the Year at Americana Fest. Absolutely incredible flatpicker (and singer).

[@ThatPedalShow]

Cool!

[@GundogJake]

She’s a phenomenal player, I was lucky to see Her at the Green Note Camden a couple of months back. Don’t forget her Clawhammer skills I.e Save this heart etc!!

[@rokero171]

The secret of live acoustic sound using piezzo is, the simplier the onboard preamp EQ is, the better is the sound. I have a cheap Yamaha that got one of the best plugged sounds I've ever seen. Sounds better plugged in than acoustic. By the way, that OM-18 sounds fantastic, both mic'd up and plugged.

[@Massimiliano2873]

Senses working overtime.... at 30:35! What a class! Thank Youuuuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@peckermusic]

Yes, yes, yes! Great riff. C'mon Dan get your mate Dave Gregory on - please!

[@saurfarming3772]

Man, you guys nailed it. I also play mostly acoustic live right now, but spend most of my time and money nerding on electric stuff. And also never considered an acoustic amp until now, that sounded so much better!

[@benjaminvictor4996]

Live singing on an acoustic is always a mystical experience. It transcends time and harkens back millennia to our analog beginnings.

[@chrisdrake447]

Apparently not when I’m playing & singing it doesn’t ... so cruel ...

[@dgtlpmp247]

Thank you for doing an acoustic episode. This topic has been rattling around in my mind for a while now, so I cannot wait to see what you guys do in the next episode! Also, the opening song was absolutely incredible! Your voices compliment each other nicely and your talents never cease to amaze me. Impressive!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you Jerod - very kind of you to say!

[@wgb01001]

Really wanted you two to break into “Can’t Find My Way Home” at the end there...

[@jerryyeaaah15]

yEs！！

[@thenotsoguitarguy9429]

Lovely show as always guys! Incidentally, another reason the phase switch can be useful, especially for singer/songwriter situations, is the phase relationship between the pickup on the guitar and the guitar bleed in the vocal mic. It doesn't take much out of phase bleed to cause comb filtering.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Nice! Never thought about that.