B-Band A2 Preamp

UST & AST

Installed in a Martin D-1

I've had a host of problems with this pickup system. The AST sounds quite good, but the hiss coming from it is quite loud. I find this pickup sounds best with a bit of boost on the upper frequencies, but this really exacerbates the hiss problem. I could live with that, however I have tried everything to alleviate the string balance issues I've had with the UST. Since the element is so thin, it is extremely sensitive to individual string pressure. Especially the low E string jumps out, nearly twice as loud as all the other strings. I spent a small fortune, and a good deal of frustration, having professionals try to correct this problem for me, to no avail. Several emails to B-Band proved fruitless. I even tried the clay shim method - at least 10 times - but that too failed to even out the string balance. It did, however improve the sound of the UST - got rid of that rubber-band sound that users of this pickup frequently complain of. Anyhow, I bought this pickup system to perform with, and it's been on stage with me only twice in 3 years. Others seem so have had positive experiences, and the system does have potential, but with the above-mentioned issues, it has been nothing but a frustrating waste of time & money.

I will never buy another B-Band product. Very disappointed, and customer service was of no help whatsoever.

Pickup features: AST and UST cofiguration
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Larrivee D03
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: B-Band AST and UST
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Extremely accurate reproduction of the instrument's sound
Tone: Accurate undistorted sound
Sonic evaluation: I am using the B-Band A2 (formerly core 99) preamp with a B-Band AST and UST. Stereo y cable is plugged into high and low piezo's on Epiphone Acoustic 30.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Strumming

Comments: I am compelled to post this review as I recently purchased and installed the B-Band A2 with an AST and UST. The installlation was in a Larrivee D03 and the sound reproduction is absolutely accurate to the acoustic sound of the instrument. I am not an expert musician by any means but I can determine accurate sound reproduction.
I had a problem with the installation due to the Larrivee end stock being a bit thicker than normal. The customer support at B-Band and Elderly diagnosed this problem and determined that removal of the inside adjuster nut would allow full extension of the endpin to allow a the stereo plug to seat properly. A simple solution that appears to be unigue to the thicker end blocks in the Larrivee.
The sound that that this pickup produces is extremely accurate. If you want to reproduce the true sound of your instrument-this B-Band system is clean. The A2 allows a way produce great amplified sound without butchering your instrument. The customer support at B-Band and Elderly was incredible.