Pickup The World 27

Passive film pickup, connects directly to the endpin socket.

Installed in my 6-string acoustic as the only pickup. NOT an easy install: I took it to a highly experienced technician, who was not pleased to do the job: he told me he's had a lot of trouble installing these satisfactorily ion the past, though he did a great job.

Output level is TINY, though any remotely-mounted preamp will be fine with it. Do NOT believe what PUTW told me, that a preamp has to be fitted close to the pickup to receive a hot enough signal: not true.

Sound is acceptable, no more: very sensitive to any taps or knocks around the bridge area.

I play bluegrass/rock/folk: a bit of a harsh sound, but not too electric-sounding.

All in all, an OK product, but whatever you do, NEVER use one of the PUTW preamps with this though: horrible build quality, lousy sound and thoroughly inconvenient.

As long as you don't use their preamps, it's OK: however it's hard to fit properly and there are easier and nicer pickups around.

Pickup features: Piezo film transducer
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Collings slotted head OOO size
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): country blues, ragtime
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Output level is very low.
Tone: The tone is very lifelike.
Sonic evaluation: First let me say that David Enke,the manufacturer, is honest and helpful to a fault. On the negative side, I've not been able to install it in a position that provides enough output. I get my best results from daisy chaining two preamps. I'm thinking of trying something that provides more than 20 dB of gain, but I'm satisfied with my present main preamp for my other guitars.

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

Comments: It's a lovely sounding pickup, almost completely uncolored. It's "just like my guitar" only not quite loud enough. The output level is whisper like, not enough for my Fishman Pro Eq II to boost enough for an amplifier or PA. Customer service is unbelievably good.
I haven't tried running it through a mic preamp, and that might provide enough gain. If I were sure I could boost the output enough to make it useful I'd rate it much higher.

Pickup features: Soundboard Transducer Pickup
Impedence or other specs: Don't Know but very low output; needs a reasonable good preamp to drive the signal to line level

Model of guitar or bass: Larrivee L09
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: N/A
Other pickups on guitar: Nil
Artists using this pickup: Don't know much about famous players using this
You musical style(s): Fingerstyle solo guitar; strumming
Reason for pickup change: I add his pickup in order to facilitate recording and free movement

Perceived output level: It's passive system, it won't work without preamp, not particularly loud; output level depends on the gain of your preamp.
Tone: Very balanced; I installed it internally underneath the bridge plate and behind the bridge pins, found a good spot to get a clear & balanced tone
Sonic evaluation: I use Ashdown Acoustic Amp and it allows adjustment for input impedence. After hooking it to a LR Baggs Mixpro, the output level is still not sufficient to me when compared to other electric-acoustic that I own. I use a Mixpro since i need something serving as both outboard blender and preamp at the same time so it is compromising choice. So if you wanna maximize the performance, buying the PUTW preamp or Para DI (LR Baggs) might be necessary eventhough it adds to your final bill.
As a fingerpicker, I am satifised with this pickup even though the installation process takes a some time for you to experience and learn. The tone produced is very transparent and truthful to your acoustic qualities of your guitar. So this won't make a loudsy guitar sound good and is practical alternative for recording acoustic parts without a external microphone.
For installation, you can't expect to do it right the first time. Some patience is required. Both Shoreline Acoustic and PUTW have been supporting the owner installation close enough. Without this, I think this process can turn new users away since preparing for the pickups (drilling/enlarging a hole at the endtail block), sticking the strip to the body..etc requires some trial and error process and can be difficult. Working with your bare hands in such confined areas (within a guitar body) is a suffering to players.
Beware of huge feedback if you turn the volume on your amp too high. This is "negative" for using soundboard transducer type of pickup in general rather than unique to PUTW alone.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For fingerstyle players and percussive style, this is good match. I am trying hard to do this but has not been successful.

Comments: I would use PUTW on other guitars if they are for fingerstyle playing. In a live band situation, I would go for under-the-saddle for cheaper guitars and magnetic pickups (e.g. sunrise) for more expensive ones.
There is no "One-size-fits-all" pickups, so you got to experience what works best for you. But in this category, PUTW is a good choice.

Pickup features: Passive
Impedence or other specs: 1 megohm

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

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation: As the manufacturer of the PUTW pickup in the below review, I feel a need to clarify some things. It seems the original installer did not provide the instructions, extra mounting tape or packaging to the customer, because the reviewer did not know anything about needing fresh adhesive tape for trying new positions, calling us for tech support, or taking us up on our total satisfaction guarantee. The quality of the adhesive bond is critical to the performance of the pickups, and obviously there was very poor adhesion in the case of this review. Placement-wise, there are only two places we recommend for virtually all steel string guitars, and one of them always seems to work quite well.
I wrote the reviewer and offered to supply an extra set of instructions and mounting tape, and I also mentioned our total satisfaction guarantee. I have not heard back, so I'm wondering what's up with this review.

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

Comments:

Pickup features: passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson B25
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Folk, etc.
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Extremely low - except for the body noise from the guitar
Tone: At best - like an Ovation, normally like a cheap electric
Sonic evaluation: Ran it through a Fender Passport PA and tube preamp.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I tried about 7 positions, until it wouldn't stick anymore

Comments: Run, do not walk, away from this pickup. I should have known when the guy at the repair counter paused after I said I wanted this pickup. He did say I might have to move it around. Yes, and I did, because it sounded like crap where it was installed. And then I had to take off the strings and move it around. It sounded crappy everywhere: picking up everything you don't want to hear but not picking up the tone of the instrument. Finally, it stopped sticking from being moved around too much. The better part of an afternoon and $125.00 WASTED.

Pickup features: Passive thin film transducer
Impedence or other specs: Very low output acoustic pickup

Model of guitar or bass: 1992 Taylor 810 dreadnaught
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Fishman saddle ribbon transducer
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): A variety: folk, pop, jazz, rock,...
Reason for pickup change: I didn't like the sound of my prior pickup. It wasn't natural enough sounding. It was too electric sounding.

Perceived output level: The output level is very low, but very natural
Tone: When set up properly, it's fairly balanced, maybe a little middy
Sonic evaluation: I purchased this pickup (PUTW #27) after considering a number of other prominent pickups and doing quite a bit of research. I checked numerous other user experiences on this forum as well as newsgroups.
I use this directly into a PA or monitor speaker or both. When set up properly, this pickup produces a very natural acoustic sound, like a microphone. Although my setup had a bit of mid-range boost in the output, I could easily EQ it to get rid of that effect.
It is true that the output is very low and you need a good preamp to boost the signal. Pick-Up-The-World is very up-front about that. If you call them, they help you set up and are very friendly. I also use the L.R.Baggs Para Acoustic DI, as recommended by PUTW. I have to set the levels on this box a bit high, but it works great. The box also does DI to XLR and has an effects loop.
A reviewer below really criticized the sound quality of the PUTW #27 pickup. I would submit that they did not take the time to find the "sweet spot" for the pickup in their guitar. PUTW suggests a couple of different locations, but emphasizes that you need to experiment to find the spot that works best with your guitar since each guitar's vibration characteristics are a little different. I moved the location of my pickup a couple of times before I found a spot I really liked. It is true that you need to buy a pre-amp, but this is true of any passive pickup. For the quality you can get with the PUTW pickups, the cost is comparable to other similar products when you consider the entire package.
BTW, this really is like a microphone. So if you bump your hand on the guitar body, or it sqeaks against the leather of your belt, you'll hear it! :-)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: You asked me this already. A variety: folk, pop, jazz, rock,...

Comments: I would recommend the PUTW pickups for any appropriate acoustic instrument. If I had to put in a new pickup, I'd likely get another PUTW.

Pickup features: space age film
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: goodall
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: output is fine when used with a preamp, but I have heard other piezo pickups that were hotter.
Tone: clear, transparent
Sonic evaluation: goodall traditional with aer acousticube. sounds very much like a microphone

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

Comments: I reviewed this pickup previously and replaced an older #27 with the new and improved model. The good news is that the brass tab is gone and the whole pickup is covered in a thin kevlar scrim. Installation was completely simple as opposed to the older model, taking about ten minutes. Zero problems with adhesion to the bridge plate. No issues with hyper resonance. For a completely natural acoustic sound it is hard to beat

Pickup features: "space-age film"
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Taylor 614C
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: Fishman Acoustic Matrix
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Acoustic Fingerstyle, and some Chet-influenced stuff
Reason for pickup change: Existing Fishman system sounded bad.

Perceived output level: Almost non-existent. High-quality pre-amp and cable are REQUIRED.
Tone: Like my guitar was wrapped in a blanket, being played inside a cardboard box
Sonic evaluation: Carvin AG-100, Baggs Para-Acoustic DI.

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

Comments: This pickup sounded like crap in my guitar. It was awful. It sounded like I was inside a refrigerator box, playing my guitar (which was wrapped in a blanket) into the built-in mic on a $15 cassette recorder.
To the company's credit, they bought back the pickup, so I didn't lose any money; but I wasted *countless* hours futzing with placement and installation issues; on the phone with David Enke; etc. They really tried hard, and did their best to make it right in the end; but if I had just bought a B-Band in the first place, I could have spent that time playing my guitar instead of messing with it.
For those who are considering a PUTW, please read the following. Even if the PUTW is tonally well-suited to your guitar, you need to be aware that it is a bear to install, for two reasons:
1. Placement. Being a soundboard transducer, the placement is critical. The only way to test a placement is to detune, reach inside the guitar, get the sensor properly installed in a new spot (see #2), retune, and test. After a few cycles of this, the strings are trashed, changing the tone. Replace strings, go back to step 1.
2. Installation. The big fat brass thing (BFBT) where the wire comes out of the pickup must be stuck down tighter than Britney's hot pants; even the slightest gap will result in horribly low output & feedback. This is complicated by the facts that (a) the BFBT is not flat on the side that meets the guitar; (b) the wire exerts weight and tension which pulls on the BFBT; and (c) the supplied machinists' tape IMHO doesn't stick to raw wood for crap. I had very low confidence that the pickup would remain in place over time.
Even properly installed, a PUTW is completely useless without a high quality external pre-amp such as a Baggs PADI. This will add at least $100-150 to the price of the pickup. The pre-amp quality is critical, though, because it's hard to get a good Signal to Noise ratio when there's almost no Signal, and YOU NEED TO ADD AT LEAST 50dB OF GAIN to get a useable output level. A cheap, noisy pre-amp will just make things worse.
As other reviewers mentioned, the PUTW picks up a LOT of body and handling noise -- which sounds even harsher due to the high amount of amplification needed.
I think that this product is just not ready for prime time. It's a good idea, and it obviously works for some people. But the installation and placement issues make it much harder to deal with than, say, a B-Band or Baggs system. It's a crap shoot, really. I think there are better pickups out there for the same money.

Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: goodall: traditional rosewood D&mahoganyGC
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): flatpick/jazz
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: normal output when installed properly
Tone: balanced&clear;similar to a microphone
Sonic evaluation: aer acousticube. The combination of this amp with this pickup sounds like I'm playing through a nice PA with a condenser mic. The tone is very close to the natural tone of the guitars I use. The amp actually has a mic input so it has been easy to compare tonal quality between the pickup and an AKG condenser mic. The pickup can provide much higher volume without feeding back, although the pickup lacks a little in true acoustic tonality when compared directly with the mic. Also, although PUTW recommends a preamp, the output is actually adequate without one (and this is using the NON-preamped channel on the aer).

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pickup works very nicely if one is looking for true acoustic tone. I am not sure how well it would work in a loud electric band doing club dates.

Comments: There are a few caveats. Correct installation is essential. If the brass part of the pickup is at all loose, there will be feedback, decreased output and/or heavy emphasis on midrange.Also, these pickups are delicate. They can be moved and re-installed, but care must be observed to avoid fracturing the copper tape or seperation of the brass tab from the tape filament(this can cause a ground hum). Fortunately for me, PUTW has,without question, the BEST customer service of any company I have ever dealt with, period. I am convinced that David Enke and his crew are primarily interested in making sure their customers get the best and most relable sound possible. They have been painstakingly patient with problem solving and answering questions.

Pickup features:
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Selmer style guitar
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation: Earlier I posted a review of this pick up where I pretty much dumped on it. To my surprise, David, with Pick-Up-the World, wrote to me offering to help me make it sound better. In all fairness to the company, this pickup might sound great on a different gutar. This is a Selmer style guitar, which for those of you who might not know, is a copy of the oval hole model that Django Rheinhardt played. These guitars are notoriously difficult to amplify. I've worked with and have it sounding better, but still not great. However, I'm very impressed with David's follow up and sincerity on trying to help me. Don't not buy one because of my review. Unless, of course, you have a Selmer style guitar.

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

Comments:

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.