Preamp or something to make Bigtone Sound Better?

constantine

Hello all, I am using a bigtone and I like the sound for lead, but its a bit un-natural for laPompe. I have tried "sound-board" transducers like K&K definity and Carlos CS Sensor (like ischell) but my guitar does not respond well as I get lame output on the treble strings, so I think my best bet is to stick with the Bigtone for now (dont wanna go magnetic). So long story short... is anyone using a pedal or preamp that is improving the sound of their bigtone out there - ? Thanks - Dean

richter4208

Dean, I've got a preamp called the red eye that is pretty amazing at taming piezo type pickups.

Parkway music in NYC seems to carry them

constantine

Thanks man!!!

AndrewUlle

I've heard great things about these LR Baggs preamp/DI boxes:


http://www.guitarcenter.com/LR-Baggs/Para-Acoustic-Guitar-DI-and-Preamp-1274034482685.gc?cntry=us&source=4WWRWXGP&gclid=CLy7r7yO6dQCFQmsaQodbkYG_g

richter4208

Let us know if you find something you like

constantine

Hey guys, it is amazing how one change in your "guitar supply chain" can have such an impact on your overall sound. Change guitar, change amp, change pickup, change bridge...it all makes a difference. So here is where I ended up given that I need a solution that will work in any setting (quiet, loud, big, small, indoor, outdoor, chicken wire, etc !)

1) I could not get ischell to sound good on my Mateos, even though it sounds great on my Dupont.
2) Tried the bigtone, didnt love the sound but the signal was good..even volume across strings. I do like piezos more than mags though.
3) Installed K&K Definity - great natural sound for LaPompe, a little weak for soloing (at least on my guitar)
4) Replacing Bigtone with K&K Fantastick undersaddle transducer (currently building a new bridge). I have more faith in the transducer under the saddle vs glued into the wood with the Bigtone.
5) Bought a Tonebone PZ-PRE because it is a 2 channel preamp that allows you to blend and control volume of 2 signals, such as the Fantastick UST and Definity SBT.

Sidebar - found a company Barbera pickups that have a very cool solution for undersaddle, amazing sound, no quack, good volume. I decided against it only because they offered no returns in the event that the pickup did not function as described. For $100 pickup who cares, but for a $300+ pickup I feel better with support from the seller

So I am finally putting all this together in the next few days and will let you know how it a ll turns out. I am tired just thinking about all this stuff...Jeez!

constantine

Well 3 months later I got it figured out....ended up not liking the Piezo so pulled it out in favor of a Lace Dobro single coil pickup. The Lace sounds great especially for use to give the more natural K&K Definity a boost if you will.