Dean Markley Pro Mag Plus

Pickup features: single coil, passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Peavey Indianola
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): Rock, Brit Rock, some pop, a little ska...okay just about everything.
Reason for pickup change: it didn't have one?

Perceived output level: not all that loud
Tone: bright
Sonic evaluation: i've used it through a fender bassman and through a PA. Both of which have left the guitar sounding bright. It has good bass response and nice highs with a good crisp tone.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play mainly with a pick and it sounds really good for that. It doesn't pick up finger picking as well as it does with a nice thin pick.

Comments: I actually would never buy the pickup again. Honestly it's pretty good if you are on a budget. But it picks up every time u tap the guitar or the pickup. Also, if u don't use the pickup all the time like me the rubber that holds the pickup in place dries out and no longer works. Oh yeah...not that any pickup should really have to deal with it, but i stepped on mine and broke the part that holds the pickup on the guitar...that also is a big mistake heh. wood putty and super glue does a good job on that though.
If it was lost, stolen...hell even if it isn't, i'm gonna go get a rio grande tone bone or possibly a fishman rare earth pickup. If u must have dean markley the next step up does eliminate the tapping problem. But at the same time the foam still dries out and makes it impossible to stay in place.

Pickup features: Single coil passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Guild D4 dreadnaught, Taylor Big Baby 15/16 dreadnaught
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: None
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Blues / Acoustic Pop
Reason for pickup change: Sick of dealing with sound guys who can't manage a mic, or venues where the SM58 is the only mic around...

Perceived output level: Not real hot -- barely drives amp to acceptable volume without a pre-amp.
Tone: Balanced, with single-coil clarity. Nice on my Guild, which booms and needs taming.
Sonic evaluation: The sound is pretty well balanced, if you set the pickup height properly.
I like it through my Fender Concert, which with normal electric pickups is ridiculously loud. With this p'up, however, its clean warm tube tone, good eq-shaping capabilities, and impossible-to-overload EV speaker bring out a nice full round sound. The amp has volume to spare, so I can raise the volume to compensate for the pickup's relatively low output.
The pickup is held in place by foam rubber in two slots at either end,
and there's some potential for adjusting the relative heights of the bass and treble sides. I like the entire pickup sitting fairly low in the sound hole, with the bass side just slightly higher to compensate for the tendency for the unwound strings to be slightly louder than the wound ones (though this is far less pronounced than in some other magnetic soundhole pickups I've tried, which have un-tameable treble bias.) This slight tilting yields a nice, balanced sound, without the dreaded clack and thump of a bridge piezo. Pretty nice. Still could use a pre-amp, which would add the one thing this unit lacks -- a volume control.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Strummed or picked, this is a good-sounding unit. I've run it through a Rocktron Austin Gold overdrive with good results -- like a big jazz box with a bit of snarl on leads.

Comments: I got this to after showing up for a garden-variety open mic event at which the so-called sound guys couldn't deal with mic'd instruments. After sitting onstage for ten minutes while they tried to get it right, then finally resorting to walking off and setting up the mixing board myself, I decided that I needed something child-proof for the future. I really dislike the piezo sound, and when I saw these
on sale for 20 or 25 bucks, I bought one single-coil and one humbucker. They do a decent job in a pinch, though a mic is still the way to go on acoustic, for my two cents. Some sort of pre-amp with at least rudimentary eq and gain control is a worthy addition if you plan to use it a lot. With a pre-amp, this is a very nice unit.

Pickup features: Single coil passive
Impedence or other specs: unknown

Model of guitar or bass: Martin 000-1 and Fender DG-7
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: unknown
You musical style(s): pop, rock, blues, country
Reason for pickup change: there was no pickup on guitar-originally acoustic.

Perceived output level: I needed something to amplify my guitars natural acoustic sound for gigs. Don't like piezo's.
Tone: It basically it just amplifys the guitars natural tone without any color. That's what I wanted.
Sonic evaluation: I use this pup on both my acoustics. I use 4 different Fender tube Bassman amps, 2 Peavey s.s. amps, and d.i. into a big P.A. system. It just makes the guitars loud enough to be heard with the rest of the band.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Mostly classic rock, a little blues, and country.

Comments: If it were gone, I would get another one. I've been playing off and on about 35 years. I have a small guitar store in my bedroom, but I only buy what I use. My Peaveys have gobs of eq buttons, so it works better with Peavey, although the Bassmans are full of tone. I bought this pup because it was cheap, and came with a set of strings and the feedback reducers. It makes both the Martin, and the Fender loud enough to work in gigs. I even go thru a POD sometimes. It sounds better, imho than buying an acoustic electric or a $250 pup and a $150 preamp. I have not noticed any "muddy" sounds as others have reported. I did put the cord into the endpin jack. It got in the way hanging out of the bottom of the pup. I also use a volume pedal, so I really wouldn't add anything to the Pro Mag Plus.

Pickup features: Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Fender DG-10/12
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: N/A
Artists using this pickup: N/A
You musical style(s): Rock Mainly, and Just about everything else under the sun
Reason for pickup change: It didn't have a pickup to begin with

Perceived output level: Weak, Weak, Weak
Tone: On its own Pretty Muddy, With emphisis on the Bass End
Sonic evaluation: I found this pickup to be very week when run directly in to the PA, I found that I had to really push the volume on my channel to compete with my lead players active ovation, how I overcame this was by using an old Ibanez UE405 Rack Unit as a preamp, and by using the analog compressor, and the analog EQ, I have been able to over come all of the inherent problems with this pick up. So on its own I would say that this pick up is weak, but through some basic effects it greatly improves

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: It does the job

Comments: If it were stolen I'd probably upgrade, I have no loyalty to Dean Markley, I like to ease of installation of thsi pick up and how I don't have to alter my guitar, if only it had some balls to it then we would have a good pickup. Overall I would give this pickup a 7

Pickup features: single coil..passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Hohner dreadnought
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: two piezo transducers
Artists using this pickup: Me? An artist....
You musical style(s): strummin and pickin
Reason for pickup change: I added the two transducers because the dean markley was somewhat muddy and at the same time shrill. also the b string was really pronounced so after reading about the article about the piezo setup,I went to radio shack and bought two, one the size of a half-dollar and the other a nickle. I place the small one on the inside taped to the dean markley and the larger one halfway between the end of the guitar top and the bridge slightly toward the larger strings side. I spliced them together and fed it though my equalizer and got a really decent sound. not tinny like a piezo sounds and not muddy like the dean markley but a nice mid-sound. very clear and clean is all I can say. this was all just an experiment but it worked out fine. I even left the transducers mounted in their plasic housing with no problems. I had removed one previously and the wire is so fine that you have to be careful or it breaks at the solder joint. so anyone who has a soundhole pickup like a dean markley, go get yourself some piezo transducers and have at it.

Perceived output level: clean and clear
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: I run my guitar through one channel of my TEAC EQA-220 graphic equalizer with 10 channels and then into my Fostex 4 track and finally into the breakout box. this combination allows alot of twiking and the feedback that the single coil produces (due to the monitor's electromagnetic zoomies)is cancelled out. I still have to make sure I angle the guitar a certain way when recording but so far so good. I have a real no-frills basic operation but it allows me to produce some really decent demos. people can't believe the quality sound I get when they see my setup but when you're laid off, ya gotta improvise! anybody need some electrical work done?

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: country mostly and now it is very suitable

Comments: I don't think anyone would steal it (the Hohner or the pickup setup) and I could replace it all for around $130.00.The Hohner has a laminated top but after comparing other guitars in the local music stores, I believe I got a good deal for the price. ($120.00)
I would like to upgrade to a Epiphone acoustic-electric but that'll have to wait until construction picks up again.
Once again, if you're on a tight, and I mean tight, budget and you have a single coil soundhole pickup, go get some transducers and experiment. You'll find the right combination but note that an equalizer helps. Hope this helps all the other poor musicians out there.

Pickup features: A Passive Single Coil, no outside preamp
Impedence or other specs: The didn't specify

Model of guitar or bass: Martin D-1 Dreadnought
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: None
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup: No Idea
You musical style(s): All (blues, rock, space, metal, jazz, pop - minus country) But I bought it mostly for Worship Music
Reason for pickup change: I needed an acoustic pickup, and I didn't have alot of money. I didn't want to install a crappy pickup, so I went for this insert.

Perceived output level: Very Low (its passive passive) about the same as a computer mic. But, If you run it through an overdrive with the drive low or off, or a acoustic preamp, and you've got what you need.
Tone: Its pretty balanced in tone (easiest eq balance, you just move it!), but it is kind of muddy and lifeless. But, you get what you paid for. Remember, its not there to enhance. If your acoustic sounds "ok" without it, it will sound worse with it. I've got a martin, and it sounds pretty good. Don't blame all your problems on the pickup.
Sonic evaluation: Right now, I'm going straight to the P.A., so I'm going to get an active D.I. But from what I've heard, it sounds good enough for $50

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: On acoustic, I play lighter stuff (duh!), though I do use it mostly for worship. It gives me a great blend of tones into the electric side with the single coil. I add my little overdrive to give it some sparkle, and a tad a reverb and I'm set.

Comments: This is not my settling pickup, but its pretty good. I didn't want to tear up my guitar for something crappy, so this does the job right now. Just remember when your looking for an acoustic pickup: The best acoustic pickups are the ones that capture the true tone of your instrument. If the true tone of the instrument is mud, your in for a rude awakening. You'd probably be better off by a good solid A/E and keeping your acoustic nice and clean. I've been consider this myself.

Pickup features: single coil passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Yamaha FG-422 OBB
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: n/a
Other pickups on guitar: n/a
Artists using this pickup: me
You musical style(s): classic rock, country
Reason for pickup change: n/a

Perceived output level: Needed to really turn the amp up (and I have a 100 W acoustic amp) to be on parr with my friends' 25 W electric amp. This pickup doesn't deliver much life.
Tone: very muddy.
Sonic evaluation: I have an awesome Yamaha FG-422 guitar and an awesome Yorkville AM100 acoustic amp, and this piece of wood doesn't do it it justice.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: the wood in the soundhole is awkward when strumming because it makes a loud clicking sound whenever you touch it. For the same reason, it's hard to fingerpick (plus the wood gets in the way).

Comments: I would never buy it again. It's cheap and very easy to use, but if you own a nice guitar and/or amp, get your money's worth out of them and get a nicer pick-up. It doesn't give a very good replication of the guitar's true sound.

Pickup features: Umm, not sure... passive definitely
Impedence or other specs: don't know

Model of guitar or bass: Takamine GS-330S
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: none, first pickup
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: none that I know of
You musical style(s): various, ranging from acoustic rock to fingerstyle ballad to light jazz (church group)
Reason for pickup change: I bought it because it sounded decent (especially for the price) and it was easy to use (plug-and-play)

Perceived output level: eh.. I don't know, not much I have to compare to (a little less hot than my new Rare Earth Blend)
Tone: A little muddy, slightly weak on the highs. "Plasticy."
Sonic evaluation: Straight into the house PA, using a Peavey Basic 50 for a moniter. Very "electric" sounding coming through the Basic 50, the main PAs allow it's true sound (plastic and all) to shine(?) through.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I mentioned "my" styles above... It's ok if it's the only pickup you can afford (at least better than those stinking piezos).

Comments: Over all this pickup is underwhelming. It provides a useable sound for live applications, not very good for recording. It's ok for the money, but if you can afford it, spring for something like the Fishman Rare Earth Blend (like I did), or something like a B-Band or Sunrise blending system (from all I hear they are very good as well). I have been much more satisfied with my Rare Earth system (much more authentic acoustic guitar sound). If destroyed (which I did), I would save up and get a better pickup system, like a Rare Earth Blend (which I did).

Pickup features: single coil (passive)
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Tacoma DM-9
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: the invisible one that came with my guitar
Other pickups on guitar: an SM57
Artists using this pickup: don't know of any...!?
You musical style(s): Emo
Reason for pickup change: i just wanted something that i wouldn't have to worry about feedbacking at all.

Perceived output level: well it's passive, need i say more?
Tone: pretty balanced, maybe a little too high on the unwound strings (B,E) but can be fixed with the EQ on your amp or PA
Sonic evaluation: I have a Peavey bandit 112 (electric guitar amp) and run the signal through a dan electro cool cat chorus and a dan echo... reall cool setup for me.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Emo, sounds good.

Comments: Now the pickup works out great for me... i still use a mic for recording, but live the pro mag does the job... still might want the mic there for some wood. If it was stolen, I would be pissed because that means that someone stole my tacoma! But i love the ease of taking it in and out and it can't really do any harm to your guitar, it itself is wood, and the part that comes in contact with your guitar is a nice foam... im pretty optimistic about the pickup for the price...you get what you pay for, and i didn't go into it expecting to get my guitar to sound exactly like it does unplugged(wonderful i may add) so i am satisfied with my purchase.

Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez Performance
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: rythm guitarist
You musical style(s): rock, blues
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: decent output
Tone: muddy, very muddy
Sonic evaluation: Guitar= Ibanez Performance
DOD FX-10 Preamp
Behringer Eurorack MX 602A
SEK'D sound card

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: We play straight up rock, some a little heavy but mostly more melodic stuff with a good dose of blues.

Comments: Hmmm...how to say something about this pickup without offending someone... Basically I rue the day I bought the thing. It has seriouse sheilding problems resulting in a bad buzz during recording and playing. It has a very muddy bass end and only semi-clear highs, and despite my best EQing it just wouldn't get to the sound I wanted. I'm really holding back on my opinion of this thing here, but let's just say that it didn't produce a sound anything like an acoustic guitar and that if I lost it (or intentionally burned it) I would probably dance for joy. I ended up replacing it with a Seymour Duncan SA-1 which is proving to be a much much nicer pickup.

Pickup features: Single Coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Takamine EG 334-C
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced: None
Other pickups on guitar: Takamine Under Saddle Piezo
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Fingerpicking
Reason for pickup change: Tak's on-board electronics too bright.

Perceived output level: I need to drive this pickup at around 9 on a scale of 10 on my Fender AcoustiSonic amp without preamping.
Tone: Pretty good but leaning to the bass end. By adjusting at the amp I can get pretty much the sound I'm looking for. Using it together with the on-board Tak electronics gives me a wide range of tone without investing a huge amount of money as in the Rare Earth Blender system. I'm sure the sound doesn't compare but if you're on a budget, not a bad compromise. Also, swiveling the pickup in the soundhole dramatically alters high and low tones so you can find your best position.
Sonic evaluation: I'm pretty happy with the combined sound of this pickup blended with the Tak on-board under the saddle piezo and powered thru a Fender AcoustiSonic amp. I generally mike the amp to the board and have had no major feedback trouble. However, this pickup, when not used with a preamp, is amazingly noisy and it has a nasty tendency to pick up a lot of ambient crap from dimmer lights and so on. It even picks up a mysterious tone from my Alesis QS7.0 synth when on stage....weird. I also notice a random crackling sound sometimes which seems to be related to the wire that runs from the pickup to the amp. This may be a fault in my unit and not characteristic of this pickup in general.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I run the Markley a little bassy since it brings out the deep lows I like when playing fingerstyle. The soundhole mounting doesn't lend itself to thrash strumming since you'll get a lot of clunking. A couple of times I've gotten some undesirable buzzing when the edge of the wood that houses the pickup was in contact with the guitar's top. And the external wire is just a plain hassle. If I were happy enough with the sound, I'd wire it to an end pin jack internally.

Comments: I would buy this pickup again only if on a tight budget. The lack of EQ at the guitar is a nuisance so I'm thinking of trying it thru an LR Baggs GigPro preamp but will likely upgrade to a Fishman Rare Earth when I can bare to spend the bucks. The Markley is worth its relatively low price but don't expect stellar results. A good backup solution.

Pickup features: single coil
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Epiphone AJ 18S
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): popular, folk,
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: varies with amp
Tone: fairly balanced - can usually be equalized with amp controls
Sonic evaluation: So far, I've only used this with a Crate GFX 15 and a Rogue CG 20. The ouput on the Rogue is a little low, and the overall sound is better on the Crate, which is just a better amp. For the amature, the sound seems to be fine, but I have no experience with pickups and acoustical guitars.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: pop, folk, some classical - this pickup seems fine for the non-professional

Comments: After reading many postings about the Dean Markley ProMag, I really wasn't sure if I would be happy with one. But, when Musicians Friend was offering it for $35 with two sets of strings included, I figured I didn't have anything to lose. Honestly, I think it is a pretty good product for the money. I played guitar when I was a kid, then pretty much stopped playing til about a year ago (and I'm 50!).
The ProMag Plus was a snap to install, as it just slips into the sound hole. You can adjust some of the response by the height of the pickup in the hole, and amp controls do the rest. The cord is rather light weight and probably wouldn't hold up to professional use, but at $35, the pickup is cheap to replace. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. A volume control on the pickup would be handy - does Dean Markley make such a product??
As I am new to using pickups with acoustic guitars, I don't know how this pickup would compare to others - I am curious to try a transducer.
Again, for the younger/amature player, this seems to be a usable pickup.