OT: Unbalanced guitar pick up output - self inflicted?

Started by Chris S, March 28, 2004, 11:39:09 AM

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Chris S

Okay, so this is a slightly self inflicted pickup problem.

I am using a schaller pick up 10/43 which i think is designed for a classical (spanish) guitar on a acoustic and a resonator guitar.

http://www.schaller-guitarparts.de/1382.htm

Firstly I think this things are great they have quite a microphonic quality about them (which I like on an acoustic) but when you put them through some distortion they sound great too, unlike a standard inline pickup.

Problem is the B string is louder than most strings and the big E (and to some extent the A) is quieter than most.

Any ideas how I can fix this apart from using a compressor.

Thanks!!!
//

smoguzbenjamin

I still think a compressor would still be the better option...
I don't like Holland. Nobody has the transistors I want.

Fret Wire

How well is the string volume balance unamplified? If the string volume isn't balanced, the pickup will only exaggerate it. Is there any room to use shims to raise or lower one side of the pickup where it mounts in the soundhole?
Fret Wire
(Keyser Soze)

Chris S

The unamplified string volume is fine, the acoustic has a in standrad acoutic bridge pickup in it and that perfectly balanced

Fret Wire

Then you'll have to raise or lower one side of the pickup. Using a compressor won't really help. Playing a chord, a compressor will limit the output of the chord as a whole, the B would still be prominent. It would help on single notes, but that's it.
Fret Wire
(Keyser Soze)

Chris S

Finally find a low tech solution. A strip of Gaff 5mm wide on the pickup under the B string.  :D

Eric H

It's a magnetic pickup. If you really like the sound , different brands of bronze strings have thicker, or  thinner steel cores, and will sound louder or softer --experiment. You could also try regular electric wound strings if you want it to boom on the low end ;)
A larger high-E would help, too.

-Eric
" I've had it with cheap cables..."
--DougH

Chris S

Alas buying single strings in Australia is really expensive ($37 US)

petemoore

Labs Notebook has a thing...a coil wired to provide a narrow notch IIRC, which can be tuned. If you could tune one of these to the B string that would help, try a shield between the B string and the pickup...like a Grounded, flat piece of metal...uh start with about 3/4'' by 2''?
Convention creates following, following creates convention.