L.R. Baggs Anthem Acoustic Guitar Pickup and Microphone Review
LR Baggs Anthem Acoustic Guitar Pickup is Awesome!
L.R. Baggs is a reputable name in the acoustic guitar pickup market, and the Anthem Acoustic Guitar Pickup and Microphone is one of their top offerings. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the features and performance of this pickup system.
One of the standout features of the Anthem pickup is its dual-source system, which combines an undersaddle pickup with a microphone. This allows for a natural, balanced sound that captures both the percussive attack of the strings and the resonance of the guitar body.
Installation of the Anthem is straightforward, and it comes with a preamp that can be mounted inside the guitar or on the edge of the soundhole. The preamp provides a number of useful features, such as a feedback filter and phase inversion, which can help eliminate unwanted noise and enhance the overall sound.
In terms of sound quality, the Anthem pickup delivers a rich, full-bodied tone that is well-suited to a range of playing styles. The undersaddle pickup provides a clear, focused signal, while the microphone adds warmth and depth to the sound. The two sources can be blended using the preamp’s Mix control, allowing for precise control over the balance of the pickup and microphone signals.
One potential drawback of the Anthem pickup is its price. It is significantly more expensive than many other acoustic guitar pickups on the market, which may make it less accessible to some players. However, the quality of the sound and the durability of the pickup make it a worthwhile investment for serious musicians.
Another possible issue is the sensitivity of the microphone. Because it is positioned inside the guitar, it can pick up extraneous noises such as tapping on the body or movement of the guitar. This can be mitigated to some extent by adjusting the position of the microphone, but it may still be a concern for some players.
Overall, the L.R. Baggs Anthem Acoustic Guitar Pickup and Microphone is a high-quality pickup system that offers a natural, full-sounding tone. While it may be more expensive than some other options, its durability and performance make it a solid investment for serious musicians who want the best possible sound from their acoustic guitar.
Pros:
- Dual-source system: The Anthem pickup system combines an undersaddle pickup with a microphone, resulting in a more natural and balanced sound.
- Sound quality: The Anthem pickup delivers a rich, full-bodied tone that is well-suited to a range of playing styles.
- Preamp features: The included preamp provides useful features such as a feedback filter and phase inversion to enhance the sound and eliminate unwanted noise.
- Blend control: The Mix control on the preamp allows for precise control over the balance of the pickup and microphone signals.
- Durability: L.R. Baggs is known for producing high-quality, durable products, and the Anthem pickup is no exception.
Cons:
- Price: The Anthem pickup is more expensive than many other acoustic guitar pickups on the market, which may make it less accessible to some players.
- Microphone sensitivity: The microphone may pick up extraneous noises such as tapping on the body or movement of the guitar, which can be a concern for some players.
- Installation: While installation is straightforward, it does require some technical skill and knowledge.
- Battery life: The Anthem pickup requires a 9V battery, which may need to be replaced frequently depending on usage.
- Feedback: Even with the included feedback filter, the Anthem pickup can still be prone to feedback in certain situations.
If the L.R. Baggs Anthem Acoustic Guitar Pickup and Microphone is out of your price range, there are several more affordable options to consider. Here are some of the best acoustic guitar pickups that offer good value for money:
- Fishman Neo-D Humbucking Magnetic Soundhole Pickup: This is a simple, easy-to-install pickup that sits in the soundhole of your guitar. It offers a warm, full-bodied sound and is a great option for players on a budget.
- K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup: This is a popular pickup among acoustic guitar players for its natural, transparent sound. It’s also easy to install, and the three transducers can be placed in different locations to find the best sound.
- LR Baggs Element Active System VTC Undersaddle Pickup: This is a more affordable option from L.R. Baggs, and it offers a similar sound to the Anthem pickup without the microphone. It has a great dynamic range and is ideal for playing live.
- Seymour Duncan Woody HC Hum-Canceling Soundhole Pickup: This pickup offers a clear, articulate sound with great sustain. It’s easy to install, and the hum-canceling feature helps to eliminate unwanted noise.
- DiMarzio Angel Active Magnetic Soundhole Acoustic Pickup: This pickup is designed to capture the natural sound of your guitar without any modification. It’s easy to install, and the active electronics provide a clean, natural sound.
These are just a few examples of the many affordable acoustic guitar pickups available. When choosing a pickup, it’s important to consider your budget, playing style, and the type of sound you’re looking for.
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