The under-saddle pickup on my GAD-30 doesn't have balanced string to string volume. The high E string is approximately 10dB lower than most strings. The low E is about 5dB lower than most strings. I've cleaned all surfaces that the pickup comes in contact with, and there are no apparent high or low spots that could cause volume issues. There is a bit of side to side free space, so I've tried a few different positions, but with no apparent improvement.
I bought the guitar used, so I presume the pickup is the Fishman Matrix Natural 1 model. Its passive, and sounds OK, but not great. EQ tweaks don't help, as the problem is simply lack of output under certain strings. I'm wondering if there is anything I should try to balance out the string response. If not, I would like to find a good replacement pickup that will fit into the saddle slot without modification to the saddle slot or nut height. I'd prefer to do the install myself, if possible.
BTW, I tried a Baggs M1 active pickup. It has fine string balance and better output before feedback, but the tone is too "electric" for my taste. I've heard good tones from under-saddle or magnetic pickups combined with a condenser mic, so these are options I'm interested in. Unfortunately, modifying the Baggs M1 to work with an under-saddle pickup is a major hassle. First I'd like to fix or replace the current under-saddle bridge, and go from there.
Although the GAD-30 is an inexpensive guitar, I actually like it "unplugged" quite a bit. The small body is more comfortable than a dreadnought, and less prone to excessively boomy bass. I'm hoping to get a good pickup system so I can use this at gigs.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Dave
I bought the guitar used, so I presume the pickup is the Fishman Matrix Natural 1 model. Its passive, and sounds OK, but not great. EQ tweaks don't help, as the problem is simply lack of output under certain strings. I'm wondering if there is anything I should try to balance out the string response. If not, I would like to find a good replacement pickup that will fit into the saddle slot without modification to the saddle slot or nut height. I'd prefer to do the install myself, if possible.
BTW, I tried a Baggs M1 active pickup. It has fine string balance and better output before feedback, but the tone is too "electric" for my taste. I've heard good tones from under-saddle or magnetic pickups combined with a condenser mic, so these are options I'm interested in. Unfortunately, modifying the Baggs M1 to work with an under-saddle pickup is a major hassle. First I'd like to fix or replace the current under-saddle bridge, and go from there.
Although the GAD-30 is an inexpensive guitar, I actually like it "unplugged" quite a bit. The small body is more comfortable than a dreadnought, and less prone to excessively boomy bass. I'm hoping to get a good pickup system so I can use this at gigs.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Dave