Anybody ever seen/used/heard one of these?

[dapmdave]

I was searching out different pickups on-line and ran across this.

My first reaction was: WTF? Another guitar gimmick?

But on the other hand, why not query LTG? I might learn something!

So, anybody??? It's a Planet Waves "O-Port", BTW. (Not a pickup)

Dave

 

[chazmo]

Looks like another guitar gimmick to me. Is it a humidifier? Yeah, I know, I *could* google it, but what fun is that?

 

[cjd-player]

Several threads over on AGF.

It's supposed to provide more volume and overall clarity. Apparently it enhances bass slightly on some guitars, but no really outstanding reviews by folks who have tried one.

One plus is that it seems to work well as a feedback buster when performing live.

I think it's another solution looking for a problem. :roll:

 

[204084]

they also have a pickup that looks just like that almost.

 

[Brad Little]

There was a similar device used occasionally in classical guitars in the 19th-early 20th century. I can't remember the name at the moment, but it will come to me sooner or later. There have been a few reviews of this on the flatpick-l or acoustic guitar forums, not sure which. Seems no clear results. I'll see if I can dig up some references.
Brad

 

[chazmo]

So, if they combine a pickup with a humidifier (which I don't think they did here), that might be a useful innovation.

 

[cjd-player]

So, if they combine a pickup with a humidifier (which I don't think they did here), that might be a useful innovation.

:shock: Makes me think of one of these: http://soaponarope.com/mm5/merchant...noveltysoap&Product_Code=7020&Category_Code=K

 

[chazmo]

So, if they combine a pickup with a humidifier (which I don't think they did here), that might be a useful innovation.

:shock: Makes me think of one of these: http://soaponarope.com/mm5/merchant...noveltysoap&Product_Code=7020&Category_Code=K

Bwhahaha! That's a must-have, cjd!

 

[Christopher Cozad]

I have not used one, but have read the various reviews and watched videos...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ze_Np09 ... tube_gdata

The consensus among players seems to be that it adds little (if any) improvement for higher-end guitars, but can make discernible difference in volume for beginner or middle-quality instruments.

It costs less than $30 and is non-invasive. For live performance feedback reduction, it sounds like it may be worth giving a whirl. It is definitely an improvement over the rubber soundhole plug.

It appears to be based upon the tornavoz found in some nylon-stringed instruments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHBRB3NCuB8

 

[markus]

I have not used one, but have read the various reviews and watched videos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ze_Np09 ... tube_gdata

Too bad; I was waiting for a video showing Carl singing under the shower …
Markus

 

[cjd-player]

I have not used one, but have read the various reviews and watched videos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ze_Np09 ... tube_gdata

Too bad; I was waiting for a video showing Carl singing under the shower …
Markus

:shock: :shock: That would most certainly be edited by the mods as inappropriate content. :shock: :shock:

How is the weather over there, Markus?
Are you folks getting more snow than normal ?
We certainly are.

 

[micklevanon]

I've had the (mis)fortune of actually seeing this in action. A local dealer sells them and he put one on a mid-priced Alvarez for me. Played it before and after. Did nothing for me playing it. Then I had him play it. As a listener, the bass tightened a little bit, but I don't think most people would notice. Projection improved directly in front of the guitar, off to the sides there was no discernible difference. Mind you, this experiment was conducted in a very scientific matter, using silly string to measure out distance and angle, and making sure he and I were the same size, and had the same form so the guitar was exactly in the same location. I think he may even have pictures proving such, but I'm not copping to them. Conclusion, save your $30.

cheers
m

 

[Ridgemont]

They regularly advertise in AG magazine. Makes the guitar louder? Maybe, but I just don't care. Speaking of gimmicks, what do you think about the magical Tonerite? I am tempted.

 

[cjd-player]

Speaking of gimmicks, what do you think about the magical Tonerite? I am tempted.

Do a search on the Acoustic Guitar Forum (AGF).
Been discussed to death over there.
Helped some guitars, made no change in some guitars, made some guitars worse.

 

[dklsplace]

We carry them & I have one just for the sake of having one. Don't have it installed in any of my guitars, but have tested it at work in some cheap-ish acoustics. From my playing perspective, there was NOT night & day differences, however it did help a bit in clarity & bass response. I would say it's decent for a rhythm player using a guitar that might be more prone to compression when wound up with heavy strumming. Not for finger style players with higher end instruments.

 

[Ridgemont]

Speaking of gimmicks, what do you think about the magical Tonerite? I am tempted.

Do a search on the Acoustic Guitar Forum (AGF).
Been discussed to death over there.
Helped some guitars, made no change in some guitars, made some guitars worse.

yup, talked to death.