Dean Markley Barstow

Pickup features: Active under-saddle piezo
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Martin HD 28
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): all kinds, rock, pop, country, bluegrass etc.
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Loud and clear, not quacky
Tone: well-balanced; The lows ring the mids are strong and highs chime
Sonic evaluation: I use a 60 watt Crate acoustic amp and sometimes plug directly into PA system.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It works fine in this particular guitar for all types of music

Comments: If this pickup were lost or stolen, I would replace it, though I might consider a blend system. However, The under-saddle pickup is sufficient as I could plug into the new Fishman Aura outboard system and re-create several sounds.
I also own an Alvarez AD60S 12 string with a Fishman Rare Earth humbucking soundhole pickup. I use GHS White Bronze strings which have extra metallic composition. They work especially well with this magnetic pickup. On the electric side, a Rickenbacker 330 Fireglo VP in a Fender Blues Jr. tube amp.
I have rekindled my interest in guitar playing less than 5 years ago and play at open mic nights. I chose this pickup because it was accessable and I was in a hurry so I bought what was available locally. I was surprised that it worked as well as the Martin Gold Plus in my former Martin OM. I was a bit hesitant about messing with my Martin, but I needed electric sound. I'm sure bluegrass purists would frown at a pickup in an HD 28, but you can't even tell it's there except for the gold end pin jack and the battery inside. The battery mounts anywhere inside with velcro, so I didn't have to use screws inside the body. The serial number on the neckblock is still visible too. I would NEVER cover that. Installation wasn't difficult since I took my time (less than 2 hours) Instructions were included in the attractive silver "cookie-can" package.
No soldering necessary... everything connects in a snap!
I did have to widen the saddle slot a bit with sandpaper as this pickup only comes in the 1/8" width.
I also took about 1/16" off the saddle bottom to compensate for the thickness of the Barstow element. The key to this installation for me was taking my time.