Electronics guru's, please help me

Garland
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Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 22, 2022 10:00:18 GMT -5

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Post by Garland on Jan 22, 2022 10:00:18 GMT -5

I'm putting this in Sound Off so it will get read sooner, rather than later.

As y'all know, I recently got a Guild, D240E- Electric being key. The low E string is too prominent by a ton, goin into me mini fishman loud box, for the way I play. I contacted Guild they said to check the pick-up to be sure it was properly installed (I will later this mornin)... as in not twisted or out of shape somehow. But, last night, at the open mic deal, I learned that we are routed through a "mixer". He said it is a cheap Behringer but has an equalizer that he keeps near neutral settings. He paid less than 100 bucks for it. From it he cables to his Bose L1 amp.

I asked about using an in line equalizer- he replied they are more expensive than a mixer and the mixer will do the same thing. Lookin at Sweetwater web site after I got home last evenin, they are less costly... unless you want to get crazy- I am a bit unsmart, but I ain't several thousand dollars unsmart.... yet

The least expensive in line equalizer was like 170 bucks. Mixers are as cheap as 40 bucks. Lookin at mixers, I get confused because they have so many inputs and outlets, it seems, for head phones and stereo "mixing".... tho many do have an equalizer-

I don't want to spend money, unnecessarily, but, an equalizer seems a lot simpler... but, up too 100 bucks more expensive

IF you have the time

www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=behringer+mixers

Keep in mind, too... I am getting an iRig so I can connect my phone to an external mic

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

TonyKgull
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Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 22, 2022 14:07:35 GMT -5 Garland likes this

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Post by TonyKgull on Jan 22, 2022 14:07:35 GMT -5

Garland , First thing I would do is determine what the actual problem is.

Could be something with the pickup. But could be that it's just a boomy pickup which will be super accentuated when playing with just the pad of your thumb and fingers instead of a pick.

Once you've determined the actual problem, and if it still hasn't been fixed for whatever reason, then I'd go to the tool that's made specifically to do the job you want. Which would be the equalizer.

The EQ is designed to actually adjust the frequencies across the bands. And that's it's only job. That's it's specialty and that's all it's trying to do. You yourself have quoted liking the KISS philosophy.

A mixer with an EQ in it would do it too, but it does all kinds of the other stuff and can get complicated and time consuming, which is not bad unless that's not what you're into.

I don't know about this part, but I would guess that a stand alone EQ designed only to do that, would be better at it than one that "comes with" a mixer. But again, I don't know about that for sure. That's just a guess on my part.

Last Edit: Jan 22, 2022 14:09:32 GMT -5 by TonyKgull

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

Garland
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Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 23, 2022 8:38:06 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Garland on Jan 23, 2022 8:38:06 GMT -5

TonyKgull , well, I did as Guild suggested- and I also called Sweetwater and talked to a tech rep who said basically the same thing as Guild; that when they encounter this situation it's usually in the saddle/pick up where the problem is. So, I checked.... nothing was out of whack that I could see, but, the Sweetwater rep said to make sure the bottom of the saddle was flat. It was flat, but the bottom was not exactly perpendicular to the sides on the high E end...I squared it on the one end and put it back in... same thang-

I'm thinkin it's the nature of the beast

the open mic guy said Guilds are noted for their bottom end (he has a D55) ....

That said, I'm thinkin.... why spend more money to artificially fix somethin that ain't broke... I may just return it, or get somethin else

I was lookin around last night and discovered the DeArmond Tone Boss sound hole pick up... I'm thinkin about my Orangewood Ava and or my 00015M - I like the way they sound in their natural state and was wonderin about that Toneboss pick up.... I found this at reverb (among the reviews)

No batteries
Verified Purchase

The best passive acoustic guitar pickup out there. I put it on my Martin 000-17 , not only sounds natural but looks great.

I see it has individual adjustments at each string... that, I think may be key to my style coming through better...whatcha think?

Last Edit: Jan 23, 2022 8:47:00 GMT -5 by Garland

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

blues90
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Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 23, 2022 12:22:12 GMT -5 Derick and Garland like this

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Post by blues90 on Jan 23, 2022 12:22:12 GMT -5

I've only had one acoustic electric, it was the EL-00 under saddle.It was balanced yet didn't sound acoustic at all.

I read some do yet most that just have the under saddle don't. I could be the saddle was flat but the bottom of the bridge slot was not. Sure the low E is bottom heavy buy the low A is close and should be balanced.

2004 Seagull Grand S series

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TonyKgull
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Location: Ontario, Canada

Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 23, 2022 18:02:55 GMT -5

Quote

Post by TonyKgull on Jan 23, 2022 18:02:55 GMT -5

Garland,

Honestly, it's hard to get into opinions or suggestions regarding the details of it without actual hands and ears on the thing. I can only say keep experimenting with whatever you're able to until you find what sounds pleasing to you.

I can only offer that I did, very much, like the Taylor Expression 2 pickup system when I had it which has 3 individual pickups for each set of 2 strings. So pickups that allow you more room for adjustment are definitely cool.

But after that, it's like offering my opinion on a car's ride without ever having driven it. lol.

I've never even heard of the DeArmond Tone Boss, never mind tried it so can't offer anything there.

Ya, I know, that's a lot of help. lol.

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

Garland The Mostest Bestest Member Posts: 4,661 AKA: Gdjjr Thistime Location: Texas! Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on	Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 23, 2022 19:36:19 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Garland on Jan 23, 2022 19:36:19 GMT -5 TonyKgull, it's the pickup used in the Guild smaller body M240e www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M240ETVS--guild-m-240e-troubadour-vintage-sunburst
	Playin at playin guitar- SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME Guild D140 Natural Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son) Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric Lag T118ASCE-BLK Guild D240E A-M-I J45 clone Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

Garland
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Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 23, 2022 19:39:31 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Garland on Jan 23, 2022 19:39:31 GMT -5

Jan 23, 2022 12:22:12 GMT -5 blues90 said:

I've only had one acoustic electric, it was the EL-00 under saddle.It was balanced yet didn't sound acoustic at all.

I read some do yet most that just have the under saddle don't. I could be the saddle was flat but the bottom of the bridge slot was not. Sure the low E is bottom heavy buy the low A is close and should be balanced.

To my ears it's too prominent. It really booms. Reminds me of my Alvarez AD60.... that I traded in because of it.... and it wasn't an A/E.... but I get the same sound on this Guild when plugged in ....

I'm still stewin on what to do...

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

Derick
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Posts: 7,597

Location: Staffordshire UK
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Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 24, 2022 5:24:03 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Derick on Jan 24, 2022 5:24:03 GMT -5

Garland,

Just looking at it from a different point of view.
Does anyone else that has heard the Guild guitar first hand think the bass is pronounced.

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

seagullplayer
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Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 24, 2022 6:02:19 GMT -5 TonyKgull likes this

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Post by seagullplayer on Jan 24, 2022 6:02:19 GMT -5

I have very limited experience, I only tolerate a pick-up when I have had to.
But I have had too.

I have never found a usable passive pick-up for my acoustic guitars. I have had the under saddle jobs and some kind of Dunlop sound hole pick-up. I mostly play through a PA of some type, so very little "shaping" goes on. It does it's best to replicate what it gets at the input jack. None of the passive pick-ups I have tried gave enough input signal to do much with. Something needs to be used to boost the signal.

That's what a DI box is for. Yes a mixer can be used or some type of EQ system. There are a couple of peddles that claim to do the job.

But I never have the backing of a sound man of any sort. And adjustments I get made, I need to do myself, most of the time pretty much on the fly. If a feller was set on recording this might not be an issue at all.

This is why I much prefer a built in active pick-up. If it doesn't take a battery, I'm not interested. I have had a couple different systems, my old seagull cutaway had a good one. My Martin has a pretty good one. My older Epi masterbuilt has the best one I have owned so far.

The system in my Gibson and the AJ-45 are both active with the controls hidden in the sound hole. But these offer only a tone and volume adjustment. They are both balanced and very passable. But neither offer the versatility of the AJ 500's controls.

In my opinion the guy at the open mic was right about the mixer doing the job. But you need someone running the thing for each person. That's why he leaves the settings as neutral as he can. It's acting mostly as a pass thru signal amplifier to the amp like a DI box.

This is a picture of the controls. It has dual source pick-ups, it even has two output jack options.

If I'm playing at a new place I have never played, this is my best option.

Last Edit: Jan 24, 2022 10:51:56 GMT -5 by seagullplayer

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seagullplayer
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Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 24, 2022 6:08:44 GMT -5 Derick likes this

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Post by seagullplayer on Jan 24, 2022 6:08:44 GMT -5

Jan 24, 2022 5:40:42 GMT -5 Derick said:

Garland ,

Just looking at it from a different point of view.
Does anyone else that has heard the Guild guitar first hand think the bass is pronounced.

The two I tried did not have pick-ups in them. But acoustically I never noticed anything out of the way. I thought both where very good sounding guitars.

I would have played them with a pic. That might make some difference.

Last Edit: Jan 24, 2022 6:09:33 GMT -5 by seagullplayer

Gibson J45 Studio Walnut Burst
Epiphone Masterbilt AJ45-ME
Epiphone Masterbilt AJ500ME NS
Epiphone Hummingbird Pro
Seagull M6 Spruce
Gibson J40 (1972 era)
Yamaha 365S (1980 ish)
Taylor 110, 2004
Martin DC-160GTE

Garland
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Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 24, 2022 9:58:27 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Garland on Jan 24, 2022 9:58:27 GMT -5

Derick, no sir. I'm the only one who has heard it. I've not had it out of the apt. Though I may have to take it to open mic night for a test.... but my impatience is gettin in me way

seagullplayer, thanks for weighin in on this. I figured you might have some useful experience... my thinkin, right at this minute, is having my own mixer plugged into his (since his has 10 ports) might be the route I'd have to go so he doesn't have to change his settings... of course that would apply to a mixer or an inline equalizer, because I don't want to cut a hole in the guitar for a pre amp... I'm about to call Sweetwater, again, and see what happens.

Man... who'd a thunk... this has been a frustrating week end.... oh, the iRig didn't work at all

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

Derick
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Posts: 7,597

Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 24, 2022 10:53:24 GMT -5 TonyKgull likes this

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Post by Derick on Jan 24, 2022 10:53:24 GMT -5

Garland,

The reason I asked the question is other people will hear your guitar different, as an example my Nylon string guitar sounds like a big Ukulele to me playing, but standing in front of the guitar and it sounds like a choir of Angles.
Also with my hearing my steel string guitars will sound great to me one day, then not so good another day.
Another question, do you want your guitar to sound good to you or the people listening to you playing.

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

seagullplayer
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Posts: 1,022

Location: Southern Indiana
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Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 24, 2022 11:03:24 GMT -5 Derick likes this

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Post by seagullplayer on Jan 24, 2022 11:03:24 GMT -5

Garland, I googled the pick-up in your guitar. Seems some folks experience a low output signal from it. Many say the first place to start is a new battery.

There is a Guild forum out there that might help more.

When you changed strings, did you also change the gauge from what it came with?

Gibson J45 Studio Walnut Burst
Epiphone Masterbilt AJ45-ME
Epiphone Masterbilt AJ500ME NS
Epiphone Hummingbird Pro
Seagull M6 Spruce
Gibson J40 (1972 era)
Yamaha 365S (1980 ish)
Taylor 110, 2004
Martin DC-160GTE

TonyKgull
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Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 24, 2022 12:32:19 GMT -5

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Post by TonyKgull on Jan 24, 2022 12:32:19 GMT -5

Garland ,TonyKgull ,blues90 ,Derick ,seagullplayer ,

Could just fall under the category of it being true that some pickups are just plain better than others and a lot of them are just not great. No horrible, but not great.

The only 2 pickups that were single source that I've used that were stellar and worth writing home about were the Expression 2 system from Taylor and the L R Baggs Stage Pro's that come with my Alvarez guitars. Amazing signal strength, balance and built in EQs.

All the others I've used or presently use that were as good or better were/are dual or triple source.

Sometimes you just gotta keep looking until you find a good one cuz they're all different and provide varying degrees of competency and performance.

Edit: I should note, the above comes from the perspective of how they perform on stage with other instruments going that mine have to compete or blend with. I don't recall actually ever having any issues with any pickups really when I was just recording or playing solo aside from just liking or not liking the "flavor" of sound the pickup would provide.

Last Edit: Jan 24, 2022 12:40:48 GMT -5 by TonyKgull

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

Garland
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Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

Electronics guru's, please help me Jan 24, 2022 12:47:20 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Garland on Jan 24, 2022 12:47:20 GMT -5

seagullplayer, yessir.... after I played it I changed to Martin Monel 11-52's. It had PB 12-53's on it.

Derick, I hear what you're sayin about how a guitar sounds better one day than another... I experience that as well occasionally.

I played it a bit this mornin,unplugged, and honestly, I can hear the prominence of the low E but not as much...

I'm thinkin it may be the nature of the beast.... the EQ/DI may not be a choice but a have to to get to where I want to be....

Derick, funny you ask who do I want to please.... me self, of course. But, I have a pretty good ear....

if it doesn't sound good settin on top of it how can it sound good in front of it. I know that opens a whole can of worms, btw.

I talked with Sweetwater and the girl I spoke with sent the guitar people a message. I'm waitin for them to call...and I am sending the iRig back in exchange for a sennheiser

www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MKE200--sennheiser-mke-200-camera-mount-compact-shotgun-microphone

she said she uses one on her iPhone and it works good up to 5 feet away as long as you don't stry too far from its periphral capacity... which would be great IME... since now I have to be less than 2 feet away....

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

WELCOME TO THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR CABIN!!!

Electronics guru's, please help me

Post by Garland on Jan 22, 2022 10:00:18 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Jan 22, 2022 14:07:35 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Jan 23, 2022 8:38:06 GMT -5

Post by blues90 on Jan 23, 2022 12:22:12 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Jan 23, 2022 18:02:55 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Jan 23, 2022 19:36:19 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Jan 23, 2022 19:39:31 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Jan 24, 2022 5:24:03 GMT -5

Post by seagullplayer on Jan 24, 2022 6:02:19 GMT -5

Post by seagullplayer on Jan 24, 2022 6:08:44 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Jan 24, 2022 9:58:27 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Jan 24, 2022 10:53:24 GMT -5

Post by seagullplayer on Jan 24, 2022 11:03:24 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Jan 24, 2022 12:32:19 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Jan 24, 2022 12:47:20 GMT -5

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