best non-piezo amplification.

Charles Meadows

Anyone have some opinions on what would be a good pickup for my petit bouche ALD? I hate the piezo sound! Miking with an SM-57 is ideal but won't always work. I have a Fishman in my Collings and LR Baggs I beam in a Gibson L-00. But I don't think these guys will work with the gypsy guitar?

I don't want a distorted sound, so I hesitate to go with one of the humbuckers. Any ideas?

Thanks.

spatzo

You can try this one (it is a piezo but it is not vibrating freely):

http://www.enkore.fr/front/49-1-MAGNETON

You do not use the magnet option and you just put the piezo just bloqued under the middle of the bridge, for better sound you can also uncover the last part of the black rubber cover. It gives you a nice acoustic sound and gives enhancement of the pick attack on the strings.

The best is that mike and a microphone in front of the guitar

It is a cheap and excellent solution

klaatu

We've had very good luck with the Ischell Inside Box:
http://shoppingcart.djangobooks.com/Item/ischell-inside-box-cpj

It's easy to mount and dismount with no modifications to the guitar, and the sound is much more natural than any pickup we've tried, with good feedback rejection. We did have a gig the other night when the PA system seemed to be going berserk, and we switched to magnetic pickups (Krivo), but that's a rare occurrence.

It's a good idea to experiment with pickup placement - the one they show may not be the best for all instruments.

Bones

I'm no expert on electronics but mic seems best for low volume. For a louder venue you can try a Schertler Dyn-g 'contact' mic which is pretty 'acoustic' sounding (better than a piezo) and not as prone to feedback as a traditional mic (especially when played thru a Schertler amp or pre-amp/PA). Schertler pickup/amp is a bit pricey combo but works well and simple to set up.

MarkA

I would agree with Ben, I am very happy with the Ischell on my ALD. I have not had any problems with volume or feedback while playing with a drummer, trumpet, sax, and bass, the tone is excellent.