New semi acoustic or add pick-ups?

ShriekingSheet

I have a nice Takamine G-series that I'm very happy with

It's more a BMW 3-series than a Rolls Royce but sounds cool and plays well

Thinking of being in a band soon and either have to get pick ups put on it OR buy a new semi acoustic which can't be very expensive cos i can only afford a few hundred quid.

Was looking at LR baggs pick ups which ive heard sum good feedback about but my general question is whether to bother getting a pick up fitted or does it just not work as well as a proper semi-acoustic?

Doctor J

You can get pickups which fit into the sound hole. They're not as flexible as onboard piezo pickups wi EQ but if you're happy with the guitar then they're worth checking out

There are lots to choose from

Seymour Duncan

Di Marzio

http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoiw6_dean_markley_pro_mag_sc1_prodinfo.html

ShriekingSheet

Originally posted by Doctor J
You can get pickups which fit into the sound hole. They're not as flexible as onboard piezo pickups wi EQ but if you're happy with the guitar then they're worth checking out

There are lots to choose from

Seymour Duncan

Di Marzio

http://www.netzmarkt.de/thomann/thoiw6_dean_markley_pro_mag_sc1_prodinfo.html

Had a feelin you'd be quick in response doctor J! Cheers!

tried one of these things before and REALLY didnt like it!

Defo would be into somethin more permanent and proper! Isn't there like a little arm the goes over the bridge? I cant help but worry whether this will get in the way , say , for dampening and muting with my right hand??

Wud u say I shud just stroll into musician and ask or maybe Derek Nelson in Marlay Park if you know him?

Doctor J

Yeah, Derek Nelson would be the man I'd bring it to if you were looking for a permanent fixture. He's done work on my Rickenabcker and ESP. If you were to get a piezo pickup installed into the bridge you'd want someone with plenty of experience so the feel and tone of the guitar isn't effected. The only thing is, with the cost of installation and buying the pickup itself, it might actually be cheaper to just buy a new guitar (or shop around the web for a good second hand deal).

ShriekingSheet

Originally posted by Doctor J
it might actually be cheaper to just buy a new guitar (or shop around the web for a good second hand deal).

Yeah this is the thing!

What do u reckon as a ball park figure for installation and cost of the pick ups?

I'd really wanna be spendin 800/900 to get a decent new one wouldn't i?

Doctor J

Depends really. I think there are great bargains to be had from the states 2nd hand. I'd say spend what you can afford. With the exchange rate as it is you're looking at a roughly equivalent $ - € price taking into account shipping and taxes. So if it's $700, it'll cost you around €700 total, or thereabouts.

Check this page http://www.chrisguitars.com/acoustics.html

I'm not big on acoustics so I wouldn't really know what to look for. Anyting look good on that page?

ShriekingSheet

hmmmm

mostly budget/classical/really old (and even pumb-burst! COME ON!) guitars but thanks for diggin it up 4 me- ill keep an eye on it for any new additions!

dabhoys

I play a 23 y/o ovation celebrity acoustic. It has I think one of the first types of piezo pick up in it. Its pure tone. Theres no eq or nothing just a volume and I must say the direct sound out is pure and lovely. Ovation are a great stage guitar. Taylor to make some lovely stage guitars. And there lower end models are still built with amazing quality and playability. I would look a buying one second hand Go into town and play a few different types and see what feels right for ya

Taylor and Ovation our my recommendation.

But different strokes for different folks. Its all a matter of personal taste and what suits you..

ShriekingSheet

Originally posted by dabhoys
I play a 23 y/o ovation celebrity acoustic. It has I think one of the first types of piezo pick up in it. Its pure tone. Theres no eq or nothing just a volume and I must say the direct sound out is pure and lovely. Ovation are a great stage guitar. Taylor to make some lovely stage guitars. And there lower end models are still built with amazing quality and playability. I would look a buying one second hand Go into town and play a few different types and see what feels right for ya

Taylor and Ovation our my recommendation.

But different strokes for different folks. Its all a matter of personal taste and what suits you..

nice one

Doctor J

Try www.austinmusicinc.com - type in whatever make and/or model you have in mind and it'll dig up some sweet bargains

ShriekingSheet

Originally posted by Doctor J
Try www.austinmusicinc.com - type in whatever make and/or model you have in mind and it'll dig up some sweet bargains

http://www.austinmusicinc.com/gearlist/guitar_picture.asp?guitar=547801

I do like this one!

sweet!

whatcha think?

dabhoys

Tis nice but your next thing to do it to go check out Harmony Central
and check out the reviews of that guitar...

Doctor J

Nice. Very nice. As dabhoys says, check out the reviews of that guitar and maybe send them a mail to see how much it'd cost to ship it over here. There's no review for that specific model on Harmony Central but there is a Rancher Jr which gets dman good reviews. Perhaps Feylya, Fitz or Giblet would be able to help you too here.

ShriekingSheet

Thanks a million guys

I e mailed them re: cost of shipping

still not fully decided but will prob go 4 it and sell my Tak

Doctor J

See if there's any shop in Ireland who supply Gretsch and, if at all possible, try one out before you take the drastic step of selling your Takamine.

Give yourself a day or two before committing to buying it too. Think about it.

Good luck either way.

fitz

Well, it's all solid-woods, so probably better than your Tak straight away.
Spruce top will give a very clear, bright sound.
The electonics are very good, should give you a nice sound.

I'd go for a hardcase.

Worst comes to worst, you sell the Tak, get the Gretch, don't like it.

You'll probably find it easier to sell a Gretch in this country than a ten-a-penny Tak, and might even make some cash on it.

Giblet

If your happy with the Tak I'd definatly get a piezo fishman bridge installed, if your competent and setting up your bridge for intonation and such, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle to install, but there is a bit of woodwork involed. You could also contact Eugene at the guitar workshop, he seems to have done this before a few times.

ShriekingSheet

Originally posted by Giblet
If your happy with the Tak I'd definatly get a piezo fishman bridge installed, if your competent and setting up your bridge for intonation and such, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle to install, but there is a bit of woodwork involed. You could also contact Eugene at the guitar workshop, he seems to have done this before a few times.

hmmm a good point

any idea how much about?

Im thinkin this is defo my economy option!

I'd guess about 250euro (I wouldnt put it in myself)

Giblet

I suppose depending on what piezo pickup you choose, the total cost including installation, would be about 200 - 300 euro. Email Eugene to make sure.