Under-the-saddle pick-up Does it waste the sound of an acoustic guitar

[JockStrat]

Hi All,

I have a Gibson Adv Jumbo and it has an under-the-saddle pick-up fitted to it. The pick-up seems like a fairly basic one and I don't think it does the guitar any justice.

 

I have a really good Martin Slimline under-the-saddle pick-up that I was thinking of replacing this with...the question is this:

 

Do you think that the Adv Jumbo is a better guitar played purely as an acoustic, and does an under-the-saddle pick-up waste the tone when played non-amplified ?

 

JockStrat

[EuroAussie]

From what Ive read in the past the general consensus seems to be that it doesnt have much impact if any on the acoustic tone of the guitar. Most certainly does not 'waste' the acoustic tone of the guitar when played acousticall ..... otherwise Id be throwing about six guitar out, but Im not ...

[Twang Gang]

The under saddle pup does not negatively effect the guitars tone AT ALL. It is just picking up the vibrations from the top and transmiting it to whatever amplifier is being used. The Martin pickup may or may not sound better depending on how it is voiced and what size guitar it was designed for.

[BigKahune]

.

From a purist view point nothing should be between the bottom of the saddle and the bridge slot it sits in, especially a UST. But for me, I can't hear enough of difference to be concerned about it - when installed properly. The UST must fit in the bridge's saddle slot nicely and lay flat and even. Whether you have a UST or not, care must be taken so that the bottom surface of the saddle is as flat as possible. Having an uneven saddle bottom against either the bridge slot surface, or a UST can lead to strings sounding a bit off - not like they should, even muffled. These aspects must also be taken into account when making saddle adjustments.

 

 

.

[JockStrat]

Thanks to you all for good advice

Sláinte

JockStrat

[onewilyfool]

When I went to our local store (Gryphon) The tech guy I talked told me to get a soundhole pick up!!!??? That way, none of the pure acoustic tone would be lost. You can even take the soundhole pickup out and use it on other guitars. Plus there are other solutions, I-beam pickup is light and attaches under the bridge plate, some pickups have small mics that mount inside or outside the guitar...many choices other than UST type pickups...good luck!

[E-minor7]

• According to general theory and consensus on f.x. this Board, anything between the saddle and the bridge/top should be an issue.
  However I don't think it makes any significant difference.
   
  An interesting topic though.
  It would take sonic scientists to nail it once for all.
   
  Calling one of those -
   
  

[Jayyj]

I've fitted many pickups and, whilst my head tells me I should be hearing a difference before and after, I honestly can't hear it. Assuming the pickup and saddle are seated correctly so there is good transference of vibration through to the top, I would say experience suggests the difference is negligable. But I'd love to see so proper objective tests on it - if people can hear the difference between tusq and bone saddles for example, surely a piezo in there must make some difference?

[E-minor7]

But I'd love to see so proper objective tests on it - if people can hear the difference between tusq and bone saddles for example, surely a piezo in there must make some difference?

'xactly -

[mountainpicker]

About two months ago I decided to tear the UST type pickup out of my J-45 to make it lighter and to make it sound better. It DID make the guitar lighter. It DID NOT make an iota's difference in the tone. I was surprised, but there you go.

[aliasphobias]

I am interested to know how they fit it under the saddle. The AJ being a "through" saddle there would have to be material taken from the middle of the saddle or the bottom/middle of the slot. My guess would be a notch in the saddle, but I'm curious.