Highlander Magnophonic

Magnetic non-contact pickup for tricone national style guitars.

National Baritone Tricone

Great output! I am using this pickup with either an Ultrasound preamp, an LR Baggs paracoustic DI, or sometimes a Peavey Ecoustic 112. I am actually adding this as an addendum to my previous review. The pickup sounded good before but I would get this annoying "chirp". People would comment on it most times I play. I finally figured out what it was after checking and rechecking the gap. I initially had to both remove some shims under the pickup and file on the t-bar slightly. I found that even though the t-clip seemed tight to get on it was moving microscopically causing some tonal problems. I have found a way to stabilize it with amazing results. Much more feedback resistant, much more natural tone, etc! It sounds amazing now! I'll leave my contact info if anyone has questions.

A very good product from a very good company. I've been playing for 27 years and own many guitars. This pickup is a godsend as it's very difficult to amplify a tri-cone. I can't imagine anything else in it's place. I've tried others and none measure up.

Active, external battery box. No volume or tone controls.
I thought I would not like the little battery box thing. But do not give it a second thought now that I have it. Forgot it one time however at a gig. Youre screwed without it. But used a mic.

2006 National National Polychrome Tricone.
I have tried a Lace/National pickup some time ago in another tri-cone.
Sent it back.

Output: Is strong.
Amps: Fender 65 reissue, Roland acoustic 60.
Tone: Very, very good. Hard to tell the guitar from pickup when the volumes are at the same levels.
Style: Rough blues bottleneck

I have three Nationals with Highlanders. (Like the other poor soul here, I'm a National/guitar junkie) Do not waste time or money anymore with anything else. Its expensive but so are my Nationals. You would'nt put Ford hubcaps on a Cadillac. (Well depending on where you live you might:) Highlandrs came in a Model D and Estralita I got and that was cinched it. I put it in myself. Did have to file the bottom of the T-bar about the thickness of the clip that goes on it. Was'nt sure about removing the wood spacers as they are there for support kinda, and did'nt want to bother National folks asking if it was OK. Hope this helps others with the endless search for reso pickups, espically tri-cones. The search for reso pickups can make you crazy. You will be happy with the investment. Biscuit or tri-cones.

Active Magnetic transduscer, outboard battery box.

I installed it in a National Baritone Polychrome Tricone.

It required some modification. Aside from the output jack hole, it required slight filing of the T-bar underside for the ferrous clip and removing a shim from the topside of the neck stick directly under the center of the cone pan.

I replaced a McIntyre gt-001.

Bob Brozman and Catfish Keith both use this pickup.

The old pickup was good but it contacted the t-bar and I felt it hurt the acoustic sound.

With the gap between the coil and the clip on the underside of the t-bar set properly (this is crucial) It has ample output level without feedback (a feat for a tricone)

I am using it with a Peavey Ecoustic 112 (older version w/ spring reverb).

The tone is extremely balanced. It requires barely any EQ.

I play Blues, jazz, world music, etc. It works very well.

Only one position possible

I would definitely get another were it stolen.

I have been playing for 26 years. I am a guitar junky. I have owned many guitars.

With very few options for tricone pickups, it is nice that this one exceeded my expectations. There is not another tricone pickup that works this well, aside from a really nice condenser mic.

I am very pleased with its performance!

Pickup features: Magnetic pickup designed for National Tricone Resonator
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: National Polychrome
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup: Catfish Keith, Bob Brozman
You musical style(s): Blues
Reason for pickup change: Needed to amplify my National for stage work. Very few choices for Tricone resonators.

Perceived output level: Fairly transparent. Sounds very close to guitar.
Tone: A little on the bassy side but very close to balanced
Sonic evaluation: Goes directly to PA or guitar amp. Frequently I will use a Tech 21 Trademark 60 and try and tweak it as clean as possible.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Delta, country blues and folk rock

Comments: There is very little out there that is designed for a National tricone. Other than using a condenser mike, this is the only choice. The combination of mike and Magnophonic is the best bet for stage work. Tricones feedback like crazy even with this pickup. A parametic EQ would be a nice addition.
Installation is not too dificult, but I would recommend taking it to somebody who knows Nationals. Installation takes about 45 minutes.
It's expensive, but well designed. Nice preamp located inside guitar. Power for preamp is a separate battery box located between the guitar and amp. That way you don't have to open up the guitar to change batteries. A volume pedal is not a bad idea, especially if the guitar starts to feedback.