Page 1 of 1
Electrifying a reso guitar
Posted: 23 Dec 2021 5:14 pm
by Bill Bassett
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?
Posted: 23 Dec 2021 6:01 pm
by Don Downes
Employ Occam's razor, and use a mic.
But I Hear Zebras
Posted: 23 Dec 2021 6:05 pm
by Bill Bassett
Yeah, I probably will. But it’s a loud band.
Posted: 23 Dec 2021 6:37 pm
by Don Downes
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.
Posted: 24 Dec 2021 2:04 pm
by Jeff Mead
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.
Posted: 25 Dec 2021 7:08 am
by Marty Broussard
Fwiw, what Jeff stated…feedback can be a real mood killer….
Posted: 25 Dec 2021 8:02 am
by Glenn Wilde
The Krivo is pretty popular.
https://youtu.be/7rtBuqwe--M
The K&K is pretty non invasive too.
Krivo
Posted: 27 Dec 2021 7:59 am
by Tom Whitworth
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