Pickup for Acoustic

[aut0maticzer0]

I'm starting a project with a friend, and we will most likely be playing in coffee shops and such soon, so I'm going to need a pickup for my Alvarez.
Which pickups do you recommend? I'm really not familiar with them at all. I've been looking into the Seymour Duncan Woody SC, and the SA-1....thoughts?

PS~ does anyone have experience with plugging up to your electric guitar amp? Tips? Simply adjust the EQ, what?
Thanks.

[NoFroBro]

I have a woody, and I also use an Acoustic Tube which I think is a Dean Markley (Checked it is A seymour Duncan SA-1).

The prime issues with retro fitting pickups are:

Unless you use a bug (not my recommendation) you are essentially making your guitar an electric guitar and will need to use Phosphor Bronze Strings.

You need to decide whether it is a permanant install or an add in. I find that if I'm going to do a lot of stage work built in is the only way to go.

The output from the woody (et al) will seem very small compared to a 'Fishman' or similar equiped guitar but this is because the 'Fishman' have a preamp built in. You really need a preamp for the guitar before either a PA or an amp (depending of course on the headroom of the PA/amp).

Feedback is also a serious issue especially when you put the guitar down. A system with a volume control (Like the SA-1) or kill switch is very useful.

With any equipment purchase go nuts in the shop, try everything. Make a short list and come back again to make sure your ears are fresh. Try the pickup with the amp you might be using (etc).

I use 'add in' pickups regularily so ask specific questions if you like.

[Talent?!]

Originally posted by NoFroBro
I have a woody.


and

Originally posted by NoFroBro
The output from the woody (et al) will seem very small compared to a 'Fishman'


Hee hee!
:D