Possibly buying this Guild D-30

Buzzy

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So without saying it, seems like I’m getting talked out of staying with the piezo/under saddle? Not just here, but in my YouTube research as well.

I greatly appreciate everyone’s reply’s and recommendations!
 

davismanLV

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So without saying it, seems like I’m getting talked out of staying with the piezo/under saddle? Not just here, but in my YouTube research as well.

I greatly appreciate everyone’s reply’s and recommendations!
Ability to switch from one to the other or blend them is a very nice option. Even my old Washburn has both and you can pick one or the other or blend them. It's a good thing.
 

Charlie Bernstein

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West, thank you for the explanation. This sounds perfect. A little pricey, but it’s definitely in the running!!

charlie, I’ve looked into both k&k and JJB. What I am seeing, the only downfall is you have no control if plugging in to a house system.. ala open mic. That’s really where I am at in my journey. Open mics here and there and hopefully some bar gigs… only reason I haven’t pulled the trigger here
I plug into a preamp. More control than onboard electronics, and its a great excuse to delve into the many-splendored world of preamps.
 

Charlie Bernstein

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So without saying it, seems like I’m getting talked out of staying with the piezo/under saddle? Not just here, but in my YouTube research as well.

I greatly appreciate everyone’s reply’s and recommendations!
Most folks I've know with under-saddle pickups have had trouble with them. Other types of piezos don't get as many complaints. That's why I got my first K&K.
 

fronobulax

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charlie, I’ve looked into both k&k and JJB. What I am seeing, the only downfall is you have no control if plugging in to a house system.. ala open mic. That’s really where I am at in my journey. Open mics here and there and hopefully some bar gigs… only reason I haven’t pulled the trigger here

As noted the solution is to have a pre-amp or direct box. There are some that will clip on your belt and others that are just a box you need to place where you can reach it.
 

Buzzy

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I plug into a preamp. More control than onboard electronics, and its a great excuse to delve into the many-splendored world of preamps.
Oh man… another rabbit hole?? I’m not sure if my brain is ready for another one lol.
Not gonna lie, I’m pretty upset it’s taken me 20 years to become interested in anything else than playing guitar. This is all so fascinating. Very grateful I found LTG. You guys are great!

So there is a preamp in my guitar.. any chance the k&k can be ran to that and we call it a day? Or does it not work like that?

Also, if I am asking too many questions, go ahead and tell me. I’ve been googling on the side and it’s hard to get any real answers.
 

fronobulax

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So there is a preamp in my guitar.. any chance the k&k can be ran to that and we call it a day? Or does it not work like that?

Speaking from a position of informed ignorance if the system is active and thus already has a pre-amp the reasons to add a second pre-amp are for control. If the installed pre-amp doesn't have a volume control you can reach while playing then you may want a second pre-amp with accessible controls to deal with feedback. If you need to shape the tone to be different from what the installed pre-amp does then you need a second pre-amp with tone controls or an equalizer. And so on. But if the "house system" comes with a friendly and cooperative engineer then you don't need a second pre-amp because you can work with the sound engineer.
 

Charlie Bernstein

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. . . there is a preamp in my guitar.. any chance the k&k can be ran to that and we call it a day? Or does it not work like that?
You could either disconnect the onboard preamp or drill a new hole to add the K&K. Neither is appealing. But I'd just plug what you have into a preamp. You can call the preamp maker to verify that theirs is compatible.

I've had plenty of flattops, but I've never had a guitar that took batteries. Speaking of rabbit holes, that would be a deal-breaker for me.

Plugging straight into a PA is no problem as long as you're on speaking terms with the sound person. But I have a very simple, brilliantly-made preamp, a Fire-Eye Red-Eye. Its only controls are a boost switch, a treble knob, and a volume knob — all I'd ever want. And it sounds great: clean, clear, uncolored, organic. You can still find pristine used Red-Eyes for under $200.

But there's also the mic option. If you're not in a loud band, that's easiest and sounds best. Even a Shure SM-57 will do.
Also, if I am asking too many questions, go ahead and tell me. I’ve been googling on the side and it’s hard to get any real answers.
Ask away! Usually there aren't any real answers to get got, just opinions.

But if you have questions about specific products, calls and email to manufacturers' sales departments are always welcome.
 

crank

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Guy I play with is a real purist and he has a nice clip on mic that sounds great and very acoustic and cost around $300. I don't know the brand. He used to use a mic on a stand but he stands and moves around so much when he plays that half the time you couldn't hear him.

Me, I prefer having an outboard preamp with which I can control volume and tone. I used to play it in a band and plugged straight into the PA but I wanted volume control at my position.

There is no right and wrong here, but if you do go piezo go K&K...just sayin'.
 

Bill Ashton

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I am a singularity here, in that I had a K & K in a previous D55 and disliked it a great deal, thought even my sound hole mag sounded better, though more electric than acoustic.

However, as I said, I am a singularity, and point of my post is that K & K offered two preamps, a "desktop/amptop" model and also a belt clip style. The latter could offer the utility you are looking for.

Also, I may have understood it wrong, but were you trying to use the existing preamp in the guitar? You may be limited to replacement of the previous p/u element if thats the case, though maybe a member here has a work-around?
 

Buzzy

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I am a singularity here, in that I had a K & K in a previous D55 and disliked it a great deal, thought even my sound hole mag sounded better, though more electric than acoustic.

However, as I said, I am a singularity, and point of my post is that K & K offered two preamps, a "desktop/amptop" model and also a belt clip style. The latter could offer the utility you are looking for.

Also, I may have understood it wrong, but were you trying to use the existing preamp in the guitar? You may be limited to replacement of the previous p/u element if thats the case, though maybe a member here has a work-around?
There is an existing preamp in the guitar. I’m trying to figure out what brand/model it is. I’d ideally like to find a pickup that works with it for the time being. But, if not I am going over all other options. The LR Baggs anthem seems amazing but probably a little more than I need. The K&k/JJB and adding an external preamp/eq pedal was another I’ve been tossing around. And lastly finding an under the saddle to go with my existing preamp is an option. I think I’ve wore out the K&KJJB buttons on my phone I’ve typed it into so many searches lol.
 

Buzzy

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You could either disconnect the onboard preamp or drill a new hole to add the K&K. Neither is appealing. But I'd just plug what you have into a preamp. You can call the preamp maker to verify that theirs is compatible.

I've had plenty of flattops, but I've never had a guitar that took batteries. Speaking of rabbit holes, that would be a deal-breaker for me.

Plugging straight into a PA is no problem as long as you're on speaking terms with the sound person. But I have a very simple, brilliantly-made preamp, a Fire-Eye Red-Eye. Its only controls are a boost switch, a treble knob, and a volume knob — all I'd ever want. And it sounds great: clean, clear, uncolored, organic. You can still find pristine used Red-Eyes for under $200.

But there's also the mic option. If you're not in a loud band, that's easiest and sounds best. Even a Shure SM-57 will do.

Ask away! Usually there aren't any real answers to get got, just opinions.

But if you have questions about specific products, calls and email to manufacturers' sales departments are always welcome.
The fire eye red eye is now in my searches. Thanks
 

Buzzy

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Alrighty, so I ordered the JJB prestige. I am going to try and connect that to the existing preamp and see what I get? Hopefully that does the job, if not I’ll run it passive and dive back in to the DI and preamp stuff. Jessie from JJB was very helpful and patient with my lack of knowledge!
 

Buzzy

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Hello again. Is anyone here able to identify this preamp? There are no markings on it. Added a picture of the pickup ribbon just in case that helps.
 

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Buzzy

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Hello again. Is anyone here able to identify this preamp? There are no markings on it. Added a picture of the pickup ribbon just in case that helps.
So, I just took a picture with google and it came up with an answer🤯. Fishman AG2
 

GuildFS4612CE

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Fishman AGP-2 Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp​

1670993128901.png


Fishman AGP-2 Manuals - ManualsLib​

https://www.manualslib.com › Fishman-Agp-2-211485


Manuals and User Guides for Fishman AGP-2. We have 3 Fishman AGP-2 manuals available for free PDF download: Installation Manual, Owner's Manual, Template ...


Fishman AGP-2 manuals - manualsdir.com​

https://www.manualsdir.com › ... › Accessories for music




Fishman AGP-2 manuals and user guides for free. Read online or download in PDF without registration.
 

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