Pickup The World 27

Pickup features: Thin polymer film
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 1979 Guild D50
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: node
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): pickin and a strummin, (classic rock/folk/blues)
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Low output, needs a pre-amp
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: I use a baggs para DI for a pre amp.

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

Comments: This is my second purchase and second post (I tried the baggs RT and Ibeam after trying this one). I saw the recent bad review, I think he needed a pre amp so I thought I would post again.
Instead of over praising this product, I will mention its cons;
1) It may take a few attempts to find the best sounding spot on your guitar. It took me many times when I installed it in my guild jf 55 12, but I slapped the new one in my D50 in about the same spot and it sounded great first attempt.
2) It is very sensitive as far as picking up noises like your hand hitting the guitar which is due to the nature of this kind of pick-up.
3) You will most likely need a pre amp.
4) Cheap cords will produce a background hum.
5) I think it is more feedback prone than the RT.
The web site (http://www.pick-uptheworld.com) has actual sound samples, you be the judge. They also have a new under the saddle PU, but I am content with the 27 for now....

Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Selmer/Macaferri copy (Arrow)
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: None
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: ??
You musical style(s): Gypsy jazz
Reason for pickup change: New guitar

Perceived output level: Very low, unusable without a preamp
Tone: lousy, sounds like a guitar being played in a well
Sonic evaluation: Selmer/Macaferri style guitar through a full range PA system. Sometimes run thorugh a Yamaha acoustic modeler box which makes my other guityars sound great. Doesn't help with this piece of crap though

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

Comments: I would not buy another PUTW product. In fact, I'll definitely be removing this one. This pickup may sound ok in a more traditional acoustic guitar, but with thsi style of guitar whose tonal characteristics more closely resemble a dobro, it absolutely sucks. There's an enourmous amount of body noise, so if you move around at all on stage it will pick up every movement and send it through the PA. If you try to turn up the volume at all it howls and feeds back like a banshee. Again, it sucks.

Pickup features: Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Larrivee OM-02
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Fishman Rare Earth Humbucking
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Fingerpickin' and whatnot...
Reason for pickup change: Wanted something that was as natural as possible for the best value.

Perceived output level: With preamp, it's got good output.
Tone: Balanced and natural. Sounds like my guitar unplugged, but amplified.
Sonic evaluation: I bought a C-ducer acoustic guitar preamp off eBay for $10.00 after shipping. It seems to be doing the trick thus far, but perhaps when I've got some more money to sink, I'll buy a Baggs PADI or Raven Labs or something on the higher end.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Anything that my heart sings. And this is a good match so far.

Comments: As of today, yes I would buy again. Been playing about 24 years. Other gear being used is an ART SGE effects processor. I love that it sounds so natural. I hate that, like most everything else, it cost money! The pick-up that was the runner-up with this one was the K&K Pure. I chose this one because when listening to samples recorded by both companies, this one sounded more natural and balanced to me. I am quite satified with the purchase of this product. I want to say thanks to David Enke for his being so generous with his time and his constant concern with his customer's satisfaction.

Pickup features: Contact Pickup
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Taylor 714ce
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Fishman Matrix Undersaddle
Other pickups on guitar: Fishman Onboard Blender Mic
Artists using this pickup: Me!
You musical style(s): Acoustic rock, Pop
Reason for pickup change: Wanted a Natural Tone

Perceived output level: Very Very Natural. Like a Good studio Mic
Tone: Balanced, once you find the right mounting position
Sonic evaluation: Just got mine today and Installed it tonight in my Taylor 714ce with the Fishman Onboard Blender system...I disconnected the Under the Saddle Matrix and per David Enke's instructions, connected the PUTW
to the onboard Preamp. Although the Signal on the Fishman Preamp is the Weakest I have every heard from an acoustic Guitar Preamp I was able to get enough signal. However, even with the Mic turned ALL THE WAY down, It's still at least 2 times louder then the PU, so I can't Blend them really...No matter because I will not need to and neither will anyone else who does this...the PUTW Sounds perfect without the Mic!!! I
have NEVER EXPERIENCED such a Natural Tone out of an acoustic in my Life!!!! It will be no time before everyone is using this PU...I'm in Complete Awe, and will be buying several more for my other acoustics...Check this device out and i Guarantee if you are not Deaf and a pro, you will get one..Period!@

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This would be good for all styles

Comments: IF it were stolen it would mean My Taylor was stolen and I'd cry..then Kill someone! I would buy it again and I'll be buying several more very soon for other guitars. I own too much gear to list and i've been playing guitar for 20 years. I'm a full time pro, 5 nights a week. I am completely satisfied wtih this insanely natural sounding pickup..anyone who is worth a dam that hears this, will get it. PERIOD!!

Pickup features: Thin polymer film
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Guild JF 55 Jumbo rosewood 12 string
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Baggs RT and Ibeam
Other pickups on guitar: Baggs RT
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Most everything you can on an acoustic
Reason for pickup change: Was looking for that perfect sound

Perceived output level: average
Tone: balanced
Sonic evaluation: Here's my story....
I had bought this guitar a few months back without a pick-up as I thought I could do better than what guild offers (fishman ribbon). So, I read the reviews and one said that it has the same sound as a shure57 microphone. So I ordered the pick-up, tried it in all sorts of locations, bothered the hell ot of Dave the owner of PUTW as I just couldn't get the sound to be just like the microphone. I send him samples to compare the two and then he never responded back. I then talked to Baggs who said that they didn't even need to hear the samples, their RT was better and the Ibeam coming out would be even better than the RT. So I had the RT installed, sounded good but didn't have the warmth of the PUTW pick-up I sent back. So, I also ordered the new baggs IBEAM as soon as it was available. Tried it in different spots, but it still didn't come close to the PUTWn p/u. So I accepted the fact that I am an idiot, got another PUTW p/u and now have that along with the RT. The Ibeam had a nice sound, but it didn't seem to be as real to the tone as the PUTW p/u.

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

Comments: Although it still does not compare to a good external microphone, I'm not sure anything does. But this produces the best sound that I have heard.

Pickup features: Thin polymer film
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass:
Position: middle
Pickup being replaced: Sunrise and Jow Mills microphone
Other pickups on guitar: None now
Artists using this pickup: David Linley and others
You musical style(s): Folk, folkrock, rock
Reason for pickup change: Always looking for something better

Perceived output level: With proper preamp, as soft or loud as you want with no noise
Tone: The tone of your guitar
Sonic evaluation: I can't say that I have tried everything, but I have owned all the different types: a Frap transducer in the old days, under-saddle peizos, Trance transducer, Sunrise magnetic, Rane internal mic, Joe Mills internal mic, etc. This pickup beats them all. The common denominator of all of the forgoing (except the mics) is that they pick up the first generation wave form, but largely miss all of the subsequent wave form vibrations that create those gorgeous overtones and harmonics that make the acoustic guitar so special (especially a really good guitar). "PUTH" pickups are made of a, dare I say "space age" thin film of polymer. It literally is the thickness of a piece of paper. While this is not a technical description, it's my laymen's understanding of what is happening: The film is so thin, it is actually vibrating with the instrument. While the internal mics do "hear" and reproduce the second generation wave forms that are the overtones and harmonics, they (1) feedback at low levels and (2) produce the sound one would hear if one were inside the guitar and that is NOT the "natural" sound one hears outside the guitar. When I first installed this pickup, I left my stereo endpin in the guitar as I expected to replace the Sunrise magnetic pickup with the PUTW Model 27, and augment its signal with the Joe Mills mic. After the installation, it was clear that the PUTH unit's sound was not only more natural than the Sunrise, it was superior to the mic and way more feedback resistant. Accordingly, I removed the mic and now am using the PUTH unit exclusively. In short, this pickup is the Holy Grail as far as I am concerned.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play folk and folk rock. I play all over the neck, fingerpick and flatpick and use several different tunings and sawed off capos that create different tunings.

Comments: The name "Pickup the World" is appropriate for this product because eventually, everyone will gravitate to this type of pickup. I don?t say that lightly. I have seen many reviews on this site and I know it is human nature when you shell out a lot of money to be enthusiastic about what you have bought. Also, people who post here, usually want to share their positive experiences. With that said, the thin film polymer approach to acoustic instrument sound reinforcement is simply superior from a scientific standpoint. You do not get the quack of a piezo. You do not get the artificial "electric" tonality of a magnetic pickup, and you do not get the echo chamber artifacts that are associated with internally mounted microphones. What you hear is your guitar--just louder. Now, some caveats and considerations. First, the considerations: I like the sound of Sunrise magnetic pickups. They may not reproduce the exact sound of your guitar, but they have their own tonality, which for certain things, I like. Therefore, I plan to keep my Sunrise in my Martin D-28. It just seems to really bring out great stuff from that guitar. But, I will be adding a PUTH Model 27 too. I have not tried the #27 in a really big venue yet, so I do not know how it is going to perform on a big stage with big monitors pointed at the guitar. For such a venue, the Sunrise is bullet proof from a feedback standpoint and the Trance is a pretty close second, though to my ears, the Trance just doesn't get all those overtones I mentioned above. Now for the caveats: There are two things you must do right to get the best out of the PUTH models?position and preamp. Position in the instrument is critical. My '52 Gibson J-45 has a very small bridgeplate and therefore, I was unable install the pickup in accordance with the manufacturer's suggestion which is to adhere it to the bridgeplate inside the guitar running along the bass-side x-brace with the tail-end of the thin film hanging over the bridgeplate and adhering to the face of the guitar. I called David Enky, the owner of PUTH and he was very gracious, generous with his time, and helpful. We discussed different options and he suggested I try to mount the pickup on top of the bass-side x-brace (which in my guitar is scalloped so it creates a nice flat surface that is just a bit narrower than the pickup). I tried that and got a very unbalanced sound that was prone to feedback in various registers. Then I tried on the side of the x-brace--same problems. I next tried adhering the pickup completely onto the bridgeplate with the top end at about the g-string--in other words, on the treble side of the bridgeplate. This gave me a much better sound with no feedback or resonating frequencies that seemed to be clashing with each other. However, bass was lacking. So next, I moved the pickup to the bass side with the tail end of the thin film at about the middle of the bridgeplate and the other (top or bass-side) terminating about 1/2" above the bass e-string. This was pretty perfect, but just to make sure, I then tried the pickup all the way on the bass side of the bridgeplate, i.e., with the top of the thin film right up against the bass-side x-brace. Again, in this position, I got "boominess" and resonant frequencies that seemed to be fighting each other. This discussion illustrates two points: (a) Location is critical. You have to get this pickup in the right place and when you do it will sound great. When you don?t, it will sound like crap. (b) Because the thin film element is designed to adhere with the two side tape that PUTW provides, and because that tape is sticky enough to be peeled up and "re-stuck," you can reposition the pickup numerous times until you find the exact right location?and all in a non-invasion manner. You don?t have to drill holes in your guitar to reposition the pickup. Once you have found that exact right location, I recommend you remove the old piece of tape and clean the adhesive residue off t

Pickup features: Passive, Stick-on, Internal Mount
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Taylor 514
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Fingerstyle
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: On a par with other passives
Tone: Balanced
Sonic evaluation: Taylor 514/Marshall AR 80

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Fingerstyle-folk/solo arrangements/ tribal/some jazz

Comments: This is it! There may be better systems; but they are 5 to 10 times the price. The typical acoustic amplification system which has become the (commercial) musical and industry standard yields a bright "plink" with almost no overtones or sustain. The "Pick-Up the World" is attached to the guitar bridgplate. It has almost no mass. It recieves and transmits the vibrations from the entire note. With a typical undersaddle or combo system, you eq and phase adjust your "dry" signal (taking out the "quack") and then adding "air" and sustain with reverb and compression. Now, I've turned that stuff off.
The signal is already wet, thick, and woody!
It's almost boring. I'm not spending hours twisting knobs, changing amp channels, experimenting with the sound.
Just practice. Plug in at the coffee house.
Yes you NEED a pre-amp. And, there are probably high end volume limitations. But for the money; for the hassle freeness, for the simplicity, for the typical acoustic player; this is it.

Pickup features: stick on, passive, bad ass tone quality
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: '66 Guild D-40
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Fishman
Other pickups on guitar: Fishman
Artists using this pickup: various-famous
You musical style(s): acoustic sound exploration
Reason for pickup change: Ive used everything else(name a brand, ive used it)and had decided that I would have to use a mic instead of a pickup, which really stunk because I make my living with my guitar.

Perceived output level: Must use a preamp. You have one if your serious anyway.
Tone: The tone is remarkable. It sounds EXACTLY like my Guild(with amp at max out)
Sonic evaluation: I found out about this amp co. called ultrasound on the pick up the world site.The pickup was so good that I bought a 50 watt to go with it( recommended by PUTW).Ive used the pickup#27 through P.A.s , other amps and now through an ultrasound 50. Its amazing to say the least. I just tell sound guys to just adjust my volume and to leave everything else flat across the board. Thank GOD it REALLY WORKS!!!!

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Very dynamic acoustic(not for the weak) I have put the pickup everywhere(another BIG plus)

Comments: I can say that I will never buy another brand. This one is way ahead of its time(like the microchip was). Ihave been playing for over 20 years and have zero complaints so far.In fact I have one on my dobro as well as my mandola and dulcimer. they all sound real when amplified.I cant say enough about the amp I purchased also.

Pickup features: Passive stick-on acoustic guitar pickup
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Guild D25-12 12-string and Guild D16-M 6-string acoustic guitars
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Fishman Acoustic Matrix HOT (on the 6-string; the 12-string had no pickup)
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Nick Forster, Steve Klein
You musical style(s): Folk, folk/rock, blues, acoustic rock
Reason for pickup change: Needed pickup for 12-string; once I heard it on the 12-string, I knew I wanted one on the 6-string.

Perceived output level: Must use a pre-amp--output of pickup alone is very low.
Tone: Crystal clear. Pure acoustic tone with no coloration at all.
Sonic evaluation: Guild 12 & 6 string dreadnought acoustic guitars with L. R. Baggs PADI and Fender Acoustasonic Jr. amplifier, and Crate PA.
The pickup gives you nothing but the pure sound of your acoustic guitar. Mounting was a breeze, and placement was no problem (although you may need to experiment to find the sweet spot for your specific instrument).

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Folk, folk/rock, blues, acoustic rock. The pickup can be installed internally or externally.

Comments: I would buy this pickup again without doubt or hesitation. I've been playing guitar for 28 years, bass for 25. I also own a Fender Precision Bass, and a Martin Backpacker travel guitar.
I just love the sound. It's so clear and pure--you don't hear the pickup, you just hear the guitar.
The customer service and guarantee is also top-notch. Bullet-proof 30-day satisfaction guarantee, 5-year warranty, and the man who makes them personally stands behind them. This is a level of customer service that is rarely seen these days.
I have compared the Pick-up The World #27 head-to-head with a Fishman Acoustic Matrix Hot, and there just isn't any comparison. The PUTW wins hands-down. There is no quack, no edge to the sound--you just hear the pure sound of the guitar.
I'm totally satisfied. Note--I'm not an employee of PUTW--just a very happy customer.