Electrifying a reso guitar

Bill Bassett · Post by **Bill Bassett** » 23 Dec 2021 5:14 pm

Howdy, Probably asked and answered a hundred times but I’m in a hurry, I’ll ask again.
I am the proud owner of a Gretsch square neck reso which my lovely wife won at the SWSGA convention 2020. I love noodling around on it but have not had occasion to play it live with a band…yet. So in a short week I’ll be playing a New Years Eve gig and could use it on several tunes. Is there a good way to attach a pickup using any kind of McGuyver materials I might have on hand? Don’t want to cut into it or mar the surface. Any suggestions?

Don Downes · Post by **Don Downes** » 23 Dec 2021 6:01 pm

Employ Occam's razor, and use a mic.

Bill Bassett · Post by **Bill Bassett** » 23 Dec 2021 6:05 pm

Yeah, I probably will. But it’s a loud band.

Don Downes · Post by **Don Downes** » 23 Dec 2021 6:37 pm

Play louder!

If you have a soundperson and/or a good PA, an SM-57 is a great choice. If you don't want to spend $100 USD for a Shure, Pyle makes a GREAT 57 clone, balanced output for about $15 USD, I have 5 of them that I used to mic my drums, and they are a dream. A producer friend of mine recommended them and they are super.

Jeff Mead · Post by **Jeff Mead** » 24 Dec 2021 2:04 pm

Before I got my current Dobro which has a built-in Fishman, I had a Barcus Berry magnetic pickup that was thin enough that is fitted easily under the strings, attached by double sided tape.

Yes, of course a microphone will sound more natural but in a band situation, I'd bet money that almost nobody in the room apart from you and (maybe) the sound guy would notice or appreciate the difference and any improvement in tone by using a mic is far outweighed by convenience and being able to hear yourself without feedback issues.

Of course, in a recording situation, I'd always use a mic.

Marty Broussard · Post by **Marty Broussard** » 25 Dec 2021 7:08 am

Fwiw, what Jeff stated…feedback can be a real mood killer….

Glenn Wilde · Post by **Glenn Wilde** » 25 Dec 2021 8:02 am

The Krivo is pretty popular.
https://youtu.be/7rtBuqwe--M
The K&K is pretty non invasive too.

Tom Whitworth · Post by **Tom Whitworth** » 27 Dec 2021 7:59 am

Glenn Wilde wrote:The Krivo is pretty popular.
https://youtu.be/7rtBuqwe--M
The K&K is pretty non invasive too.

I came here researching Peavey Powerslide lap/upright steels - the Krivo pick-up turns out to be exactly what I want instead. That's why I like this site - you just never know what might be around the corner. Thanks for the recommendation Glenn - TW

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