"Pure" acoustics

George E · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 7:19 pm Post subject: "Pure" acoustics

Does anyone still play a "pure" acoustic in performance anymore, with no piezo or other sort of plug-in amplification? I know some players who still use pure acoustics for practice, recording, or smaller, more intimate gigs. But when it comes to leading a congregation or playing on stage, or any venue where the singers use mics, it seems all I see anymore are acoustic/electrics or hybrids.

markm2553 · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:24 am Post subject:

George, if you mean "pro" wise, don't know anyone that plays onstage less than plugged in, there are several that don't use effects. I have seen Chris Tomlin lead with only an acoustic, no effects but it was plugged in, there where several thousand people there...

It's a sin in bluegrass to use a plug! Very Happy

Those guys always use a mic, and I have seen them lead worship.

I plug in only when I have to, and I never use effects, unless you count the EQ on the pickup. I MUCH prefer to use a mic, and almost everytime I can get by with one mic for both the vocal and the guitar. But the biggest group I have lead was only a couple hundred in size. And I never have a band to compete with, that can make a big difference in what you can get by with.

With the new Church, I don't get to play like before, I think the last time I lead worship using the guitar was at our last Youth Meeting at our old Church a couple of months ago, I really miss it. But that to was a smaller setting, normally 25 or less.

J Dan Brown · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:31 pm Post subject:

George, I have piezo bridge pick-ups on both my guitars, with a mic built inside of the Norman as part of the Fishman "dual source." The Norman works well for both recording and live, but I have to admit that I like to play the Guild most. A good sound man can do pretty good with just the bridge pickup on the Guild, but in combination with a stand mic is always best. The only problem with a stand mic is not being able to move much, turn or even rock back on your heels without changing the sound.

The sonically best and least motion affected amplified sound I have ever gotten from the old Guild is with the bridge pickup, used in combination with a wireless lapel mic, clipped to the neck side of the soundhole and aimed at the most curved part of the arched back. Had a genius soundman
at our church then, and he had the Guild sounding "unplugged," but coming through the house speakers as loud as we wanted. It sounded very acoustically accurate and you weren't tied down, standing in front of a mic stand.
Blessed, by great sound men, if only every once in a while, Dan

sharring · Tiger Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Posts: 815 Location: Texas

"Blessed by great soundmen, if only once in a while". Amen to that Bro. Dan. Last week my wife and i did a special. I specifically sought out the guy supposed to be running sound, explained that after the song i needed my guitar to be muted so i could pull out my cord. Turns out he was going to be sitting NEXT to the guy acutally at the board. So i find him, tell him the same story. After the song i look at the sound man, pull my cord and POP! The soundman shrugs his shoulders.