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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Erie, PA, USA | Greetings everyone!
I just found this forum and thought it may be a great resource.
I've had the same Legend since '94 and it doesn't have any means of plugging in (it's an '84-'85); so, I started shopping for a different guitar. Truth be told though, I'm so comfortable with my Legend so I don't want something else.
So, throw me some ideas folks. I'd apprecieate any insight to pickup options. I'm sure there's some great experience here. I plan to use the guitar in live situations and also recording.
Thanks much! | |
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Joined:
April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | Don't listen to all the people here. They'll just tell you to keep the legend and buy another legend, and then an elite, and then an adamas, and then one of the original adamas', and then a wide neck adamas, and before you know it you'll be looking for a bigger house. | |
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Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | There are some among us who are more driven to add to their Ovation family than others, that is true. (And it is possible to get therapy for it, you know.) ;)
I put an Adamas pick-up in my ol' lady, a Balladeer from the very early 70's; it's the one where the battery box is separate from the pre-amp. She sounds wonderful plugged in.
My Custom Elite has the Op-Pro in it, and I really like that one, too.
Of the two, I prefer the Adamas one, because it's easier (at least for me) to change the battery. I like the sound from it a little better, too, but it's hard to put the "why" into words.
Be prepared for all different opinions...
--Karen | |
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Joined:
October 2007
Posts: 2711
Location: Vernon CT | Greetings and welcome Improve4,
If you want it done right contact Kim Keller or John Bundy at the Ovation factory in New Hartford
Ct (Known as The Mothership around this forum)It may take a few week butyou won't regret it! | |
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Joined:
March 2005
Posts: 12761
Location: Boise, Idaho | I have a Bill Lawrence soundhole pickup that works pretty well, but I haven't used it since I succombed to GAS and became one of those that Karen referred to. | |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | I'm sure you'll get some outstanding ideas and advice from knowledgeable folks here. I may not be all that knowledgeable, but that won't stop me from chiming in!
There are two components, the pickup and the preamp. I would guess that the Mothership could retrofit an undersaddle pickup quite easily. In fact, you could probably install one yourself without much problem. The bigger issue would seem to be the preamp. There are some very good brand names out there. IMO, the best way to go would be an Ovation factory installation. They could put in an OpPro, a VIP, or maybe something from the original vintage of your instrument. You know it would be done right and it would be "matching" to your instrument.
There are some relatively cheap piezo dots that you can simply stick to your guitar, and they really aren't half bad for live performance. You'll need a preamp nearby, and you can buy some fairly inexpensive preamps that are OK. If you're trying to be as frugal as possible, this is probably the best combination. For goofing off recording, the piezo dot is just fine.
Now, if you're looking for a more pro level of recording quality, you're looking at a more substantial system. For serious professional performing, a preamp installed in the guitar is the only way to go. You'll want some on board EQ, and a built in tuner is mandatory. An output jack will have to be installed. There are strap button endpins that have a standard output jack in the middle, or there are regular output jacks you can simply install anywhere you are willing to drill a hole.
If I were trying to save $, I'd go with a cheap piezo dot or self-installed undersaddle pickup, and a basic cheap preamp. (ART Tube works quite well and is cheap). If I were looking at real professional use, I'd ship the guitar to the Mothership.
Or, I'd buy another Ovation with electronics already installed. | |
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Joined:
January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | A simple Fishman undersaddle pickup with direct out endpin jack would work well. Under $100.
Dave | |
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Joined:
December 2003
Posts: 1071
Location: Carle Place, NY | It all come down to how much you want to spend. Dave is correct (as usual) that the lowest cost option is an under-the-saddle piezo. It's fairly simple to install but will require sanding down the saddle a bit and soldering the wires to the endpin jack. The Martin Thineline/Fishman units start at $60.
The problem with just an under-the-saddle p/u is that you will have no volume or tone control other than at the amp. There are several out-board pre-amps available for about $100. Therefore, at minimum it will cost $160 for the p/u and pre-amp assuming you can install the p/u yourself. An out-board pre-amp is not as nice an one built into the guitar although many are designed so that you can clip them onto your belt.
Fishman Pre-amp
Martin Thinline
The factory can retro-fit an entire system for about $250 and up. This is a bit more expensive but really worth the money. There are lots of options, but probably the lowest cost factory installed system would be an under the saddle piezo p/u with an OP-30 preamp. That would also give you an on-board tuner which is nice to have.
There are also p/u preamp systems that are designed for retrofit. Fishman, LR Baggs and KK have lots of options, however some of these systems will cost as much as what the Ovation factory will charge you. There are many performing guitarist who find that the other systems are superior for live performance to the Ovation OP.
Hope that helps you figure out what you want. | |
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Joined:
May 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Erie, PA, USA | Thanks everybody for your contributions; I'll investigate the Mothership route. Also, I'm sure I'll check out the other pickups available.
It's funny, money only becomes an issue when I spend it all on my electric setup. It's hard to get the feel of an acoustic from an electric though.
, Peace | |
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Good pickup for an '84-'85 Legend?