Trance Audio Amulet System

flat response acoustic pickup - active
trance audio preamp - onboard interface

1986 martin HD28
no modification
martin thinline
no
michael hedges, ben harper, neil young, etc
searching for "the real acoustic tone"

the preamp has already a very good output level, but it depends on the user... how loud do you want to play?
At present I'm using it just with the effects of the board (a little reverb), but I'd like to add a chorus on the bass section.
The pickup sounds as good as your guitar sounds: if you have a good instrument, you will finally listen to it on the PA (or any other system you will use). Yes, it exactly reproduces the voice of your guitar, and, in my case, the result is AMAZING!!! balanced? it's up to you! you can mix the 2 p-ups as bassy or trebly you want: you have two independent adjustments for both p-ups, so that you can mix them as you like. This combination gives you a definitely beautiful stereo image, and you can combine as many effects as you want either on the bass or on the treble pickup: e.g. a chorus on the bass part and a reverb on the treble part gives you a great dimension and a huge sound spectrum. The only thing you need is to eq.
Moreover, it really takes all the nuances of the body and all the colours of your way of playing: I have a percussive style on certain things and this system reproduces all the shots, bumps, nails, gliss and all you do to your instrument.
I play all styles, from country to fingerstyle, from hard strumming to slow arpeggios, from pop to rock, jazz, etc. I've tried many instruments and many systems for acoustic guitar, but believe me, nothing compares to this system: when I've first plugged in, I was really amazed and incredulous, I really couldn't believe myself...

If it was destroyed or stolen (hope not!!!), I would definitely buy another one
I play guitar since 20 years now, with 15 years stage and studio experience. I own a recording studio myself.
I really love the true sound of my guitar coming out from the speakers (without a mic!!!) for the very first time. I compared with many preamps, undersaddle p-ups, modeling preamps, and nothing compares to this unit. The think I like most is that it is TRUE!!! neither digital, nor virtual, just your guitar.

Pickup features: Acoustic Lens pickup(s) with preamp and splitter Transducer
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Martin D-28
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Martin Thinline
Other pickups on guitar: Sunrise Magentic Pickup
Artists using this pickup: (discontinued varient called the FRAP) Michael Hedges, Neil Young
You musical style(s): Pholk
Reason for pickup change: Martin Thinline didn't cut it for solo acoustic performances.

Perceived output level: The preamp and splitter provide plenty of gain. Plus it is VERY quiet.
Tone: Very well balanced tone, though the position of the Acoustic Lens pickup is critical.
Sonic evaluation: I'm using the Acoustic Lens pickup (affixed under the treble side of the strings near the bridge) in conjuction with the Sunrise magnetic pickup in the soundhole (tailored for bass). Panning the two creates a pseudo stereo type of sound that sounds phenominal. The Lens picks up the wood tone of the guitar which balances the magnetic sound of the Sunrise. Also, the Lens rarely feeds back.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Any style that demands you have a rich, realistic sounding acoustic guitar

Comments: This setup can come with 2 Acoustic Lens pickups, but opting for one Lens and the Sunrise can give you more sonic options. I'm running the Sunrise through an LR Baggs Para Acoustic DI and the Lens uneffected (apart from reverb), each panned opposite of the other. This gives my guitar incredible highs and lows plus its natural tone that otherwise only an external microphone could provide. It sounds great live and in the studio. The only problem is the setup: don't do it yourself! It really requires a professional to install the Lens in your guitar ... preferably someone who's done it before! But if you get one installed, you won't be disappointed. This is no doubt an expensive system, but if you're serious about your sound, this is a great setup.