Graphtech Piezzo Saddles?

[Red_Label]

I just ordered a set of six GraphTech piezzo saddles from Stewart MacDonald guitar shop supply. I've been wanting a set of these for years as I'm tired of lugging an acoustic/electric around to every gig for just two songs, and I put the GraphTech saddles on all of my guitars.

So I finally bit the bullet and ordred one. I also ordered the "Quick Switch" where you can switch a mono signal from magnetic pickups, to both, to just the piezzo. Didn't order the preamp assembly with stereo jack for splitting the signal out. I intend to use just one tube amp to amplify the both signals. I hope I don't need to order that preamp to make it work. The website says nothing about needing to have that installed. Anyone every done this mod? ***UPDATE*** Just called StewMac and they said I DO need this preamp. Which sucks because that's a lot of extra crap to shove into the electronics cavity (not to mention $80 more). Oh well... I told him to add it to the order. Might as well go for it.

Also, I'm trying to decide wich guitar to put them on. I'm leaning towards my Godin SD because I've had it forever and will likely never sell it (it's a great-playing guitar that just doesn't command a decent resale value). Other options are the G&L Legacy strat or one of my two ESP Hybrids. The Hybrids have a mahogany body and neck. Whereas the Godin has a maple body and neck and the G&L is swamp ash with a maple neck. Dunno if one of those guitars is better suited than another for the piezzo acoustic sound.

 

[El Dorado]

Re: Graphtech Piezzo Saddles?

I can't answer your question about the preamp, but I can tell you I have that setup on my Schecter E/A and I love the Graphtech Piezo. After hearing the clean tone of the Piezo/Magnetic mix you'll never want to hear a magnetic only clean tone again.

 

[scottish]

Re: Graphtech Piezzo Saddles?

ive been looking at them for a while now. please let us know how they sound. thanks man

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Graphtech Piezzo Saddles?

I can't answer your question about the preamp, but I can tell you I have that setup on my Schecter E/A and I love the Graphtech Piezo. After hearing the clean tone of the Piezo/Magnetic mix you'll never want to hear a magnetic only clean tone again.

Very cool! I'll bet that it just adds so much "spank" and sparkle to the mix. And since I play in a country/classic rock band that will work perfectly. I should have the saddles by the middle of next week and then spend a few days getting the guitar all set-up. Will give update after next weekend's gig.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Graphtech Piezzo Saddles?

*UPDATE*

I haven't got my piezzo saddles yet, so the final review will have to wait for that.

But I played a friend's Ernie Ball Music Man with piezzo system the other day and it's AWESOME! The acoustic tones on it were as good as any plugged-in acoustic guitar I've ever heard. No... it won't sound like an unplugged pre-war Martin. But it'd sound as good if someone was dumb enough to put a pickup in a pre-war Martin. I was VERY impressed with the total peizzo sound and the blended sound. I can see that once one uses a piezzo system, going back to magnetic pickups only on clean tones would be distasteful. Will give update after I've installed the system on my Godin. Should have it done by next weekend as I want to try it out at next Saturday night's gig.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Graphtech Piezzo Saddles?

good luck with the install

i love the piezo on my brian moore .. i send it thru a carvin ag100D amp all by itself for total clean and some EQ and effects ... i didnt dig the piezo thru the regular electric amp

now start saving your pennies for a separate amp for the piezo out and a mamabear from d-tar) ... then you 'll REALLY dig the piezo

cheers
t4d

 

[shaka]

Re: Graphtech Piezzo Saddles?

Sending your acoustic signal through a a tube amp will not be good. You need something that will do justice to the signal. Go to the PA or get a dedicated amp meant for amplifying acoustics.