Ellipse Aura Acoustic Pickup and Preamp System - Narrow Review

Put into my Martin D 35

I am still learning all that it can do. It is a perfect complement to my Martin.

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Good Pickup - Poor Instructions - Poor Packaging

While I like the Fishman Ellipse Aura pickup itself, the installation instructions are so poorly written, they're almost a waste of time. First off, when I opened my "brand new" Fishman Ellipse Aura, there were parts that were missing. First the disc for the software was missing, the USB cable, the cable clips, the plug for the USB port, and the installation instructions. Additionally,… read more part of the sealing film covering the mounting bracket adhesive strip was exposed and material stored in the box underneath was stuck to the adhesive. I'm trying to make it work (without much luck so far) but, may end up having to try CA glue or getting a new bracket from Fishman. I was able to download the installation instructions on line, I happened to have a spare USB cable (1/4" USB), and I downloaded and installed software from the Fishman site. However, I don't know if it's the correct software as Aura 2.0 Gallery was supposed to be included on a CD with the package and Aura 1.0 and Aura 3.0 are the only ones available on the Fishman web site. I guess I'll find out down the road if it really works.As for the instructions, I honestly believe a 4th grader could write better instructions. Unless you have a great deal of experience with crafting and fabrication, you should really take the kit to a luthier and have them install the kit for you - especially if you have a very expensive guitar that you don't want damaged. I managed to work my way through it without damaging my guitar but, I honestly think I was very lucky to do so.First, Fishman tells you to "widen the endpin hole to 15/32" to accommodate the endpin jack". What they don't tell you is that, most likely, the existing endpin hole on your guitar is less than 3/8" diameter. So, if you simply buy a 15/32" drill bit and start drilling, you'll probably screw up your guitar. Fortunately, have done a lot of woodworking, I realized this up front and gradually increased the size of the hole working with four different bit sizes from 3/8" up to 15/32". Next, they tell you to "install the pickup per Acoustic Matrix installation instructions". There are NO Acoustic Matrix installation instructions. Later on, they tell you to "install the endpin jack per Switchpack Installation instructions. There are NO switchpack installation instructions. And, this is where it gets hairy. Unless you have child's forearms or those of a small female (my forearm is a small 12" in diameter), you will not be able to reach into the sound hole far enough to install the endpin jack. However, have done a bit of auto mechanic work in the day, I have an extensive selection of tools. With the aid of a pair of long needle-nose pliers, I was able to snake my forearm into the sound hole far enough to install the endpin jack. Of course, I still had to remove and install it several time to get the position of the interior locknut correct so that the correct amount of thread was exposed on the outside of the guitar. So the bottom line is, this installation is NOT for the faint of heart or those not extremely experienced in working with their hands. And, given the poor quality of the instructions and poor condition of the kit I received, I will probably never buy a Fishman product again. In fact, I was torn between a Marshall AS50D and a Fishman Loudbox Mini. I was so disappointed in Fishman that I bought the Marshall instead. Hope this helps.

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Great Product

The Ellipse Aura is turning out to be a great pickup for my Gibson J-200. I originally tried the L.R. Baggs and the Fishman Matrix Infinity and neither pickup translated the sound of the guitar through the system well. The Ellipse seems to be the missing piece because I'm getting the rich warm sound of the J-200 to come through the speakers now. It was easy to install and the… read more countless imagining options that this pickup offers gives you the ability to most definitely find the sound you're looking for.

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9 Volt Silence

My new Gibson from Sweetwater came with a Fishman Ellipse Auro(no owner/instruction/troubleshooting manuel) performs well so long as you are patient and remind yourself to stock up on 9 Volt Batteries...Twice this week I have had to replace these 9 volt bateries either because I chose to leave the guitar plugged into the amp(turned off,of coarse). Apparent open circut somewhere… read more is costing undue $$ and needless aggrevation..W T F

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