SA-6 Mag Mic Acoustic Soundhole Microphone System Review

Almost perfect

This pickup is a near perfect solution for guitars (Acoustics, Jazz Boxes) with weak or non existence pickup systems and next to no modifications. Depending on the guitar and whether your looking for a permanent solution or temporary fix, this pick up does the trick. The permanent solution is the preferred method for most people and generally less likely to have issues over… read more time, but that's a personal choice. The guitar I chose was a D'Angelico Ex-63 for installation. Take your time to ensure the installation is correct. The pickup is plenty strong and balances nice right out of the box. For testing I used a Eventide H9 direct to a Empress Effects buffer+ to a Orange 35rt amp. The guitar sings and dances and with the balance control it should work out perfect for different venues. I couldn't be more happy since adding the pickup. My only request is for the next version to have a rechargeable battery with external charging capabilities. ***** 5 Stars to Sweetwater for getting my order out so quickly.

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Love this pickup!

Very happy so far with the Seymour Duncan SA-6. Sounds incredible paired with a couple pedals or by itself. I personally use it with a TC Electric BozyRez and a Boss RV-6 reverb pedal and it sounds great. I love the minimal look and the easy-to-use controls. Installation was easy, just make sure you have a 1/2'' step drill bit. I put this on my 1960's Framus Texan and I couldn't… read more be happier. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quality pickup.

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Review Update

Review update, as for recommending Daddario Nickel Bronze for this pickup and putting them up against Elixir, ouput volume is similar. If your want an electric feel for your strings with more brightness and slack go with the Nickel Bronze, you'll lose some unplugged vol and warmth but it will play similar to an electric. If your are a long time Elixir fan, the warmth, smoothness,… read more harmonic overtones and longevity can't be topped. Going to stick with Elixir Phospher Bronze Nanoweb with no real loss of output for this pickup and a warmerand more natural acoustic tone.

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Mag + Mic = Super Sweet

Awesome pick up. Fits soundholes from 3.25-4.2 inches circumference. Had to send one back due to possible defect and the Sweetwater team shipped the replacement first and immediately, that is excellent service. One of the knobs - volume was angled, the replacement pickup arrived the same way so I believe this may be "on purpose for access?" Easy to install, use a reamer, from Stew… read more Mac if Sweetwater doesn't have one, read and heed all instructions. Cut your velcro first, it includes twice the amount needed to mount on neck block and the adhesive is hardcore, don't remove the velcro early.... : ) You may want to invest in some bendable metal wire clips for inside the guitar, this pickup comes with 2 plastic wire mounts that do not stick inside the guitar really well and look difficult to get the wires into, however this does not take away from the value of the pickup at all in my opinion. I have no experience installing acoustic pickups and pulled it off without a single rattle or spot of damage - think of every step first, including the wires natural tendency to bend in it's previous direction and I recommend that you do not cross them, power straight to sound block and twist tie the extra, and pickup wire straight to bottom of body after wrapping and twist tying the excess. Mounted this in a Martin D Jr Sapele and it's excellent. You can also use the pickup without a permanent install with a small loop for endpin. The pole pieces are set in such a way you can adjust them on either side of the strings with them at full tension with the included allen wrench easily and without damage to strings, poles or pickup: brilliant. The two knobs are Master Volume and Mic Volume. The master vol must be up before the mic vol goes up. So you can use magnetic without mic, but not the opposite. Mic sounds excellent and is mounted on the back of the bass side of the pickup: also brilliant. I achieved an excellent volume balance by adjusting the pole pieces diagonally from high to low from low E to high E, not a spot of feedback yet and those valuable string noises like string slaps are preserved. By adjusting the pole pieces any type of string can be used, but if you want a high output and uncolored sound then look up Daddario Nickel Bronze strings here on Sweetwater. Prepare to be able to be inspired and possibly explore new sonic territory with the Seymour Duncan SA-6 Mag Mic.

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LIfe Changing Sound....

I have a few Taylors with the ES2 systems. Works excellent, for recording....not so great for Live Performance with a Band/Backing Tracks. I installed this pickup on my 914 CE and it is amazing. All I can say it is a completely different animal and is now my go to Live Acoustic Guitar. Don't believe me? Try it for yourself. I am buying a few more for some of my other guitars.

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