Mag Mic question

[classicalman]

I recently purchased a used Larrivee Parlor Guitar with a Mag Mic and only the mic seems to be working. When I turn down the mic gain nob all the way there is no amplified sound.

How do I check and see if the mag part of the pick up works? Any other tips or suggestions?

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Mag Mic question

I don't have a clue... I have a mag-mic in my Taylor 414...Mine's been working fine from day 1...

Other than to tell you to check all your connexions and wiring, I dunno what to tell you...

I wish I could help more... maybe someone more technically inclined will jump in...

good luck...

 

[yontz]

Re: Mag Mic question

I installed one of the first ones in a customer's guitar long ago and the labels on that one for 'volume' and 'mic' were reversed. Try using the volume as the mic blend and vice versa.. see if that works.

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: Mag Mic question

Ignore the "Volume" and "Mic" labels that are etched onto the circuit board. They're not meant for you to read. They're meant for the workers attaching components to the PCB to read. If you follow them, you'll have the two controls reversed. When oriented in the soundhole (of a right-handed guitar), the Volume control should be closest to your head and the Mic control should be closest to your feet.

The Mag should be on all the time. The Mic control blends in to 100% and out to 0% depending where the knob is. While the pickup is plugged in, you should be able to tap on the Mag pole pieces with a metal object like a screwdriver blade and hear an audible "pop" in the amp. That'll tell you that the Mag is working.

I hope that helps.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Mag Mic question

Thanks Evan, that's really useful info about the labels.... I never read which one was where, I just turned 'em until the sound was to my liking but that's really good to know...

 

[classicalman]

Re: Mag Mic question

Great advice...

When I turn down the bass side knob (right handed guitar) to off (mic gain) I get no amplification from string vibration. I haven't yet tried tapping the poles with a metal object. Shouldn't I get some signal from string vibration? I have moved the treble side knob but it doesn't seem to have any affect.

hmmmm.....

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: Mag Mic question

The bass side is your volume. You should have it turned up. Then go ahead and tap them with a screwdriver or something. It'll be more significant than what they're picking up from the strings.

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: Mag Mic question

You have the knobs reversed. The knob under the bass strings is the master volume. The knob under the treble strings is the mic blend.

The mic blend knob just dials the mic in and out between 0% and 100%. It should add "air" when you dial it in, and eliminate feedback when you dial it out.

Keep in mind that mag is always 100% in the mix.

The master volume will take whatever mag-mic blend you've got set and give you more or less volume.

 

[classicalman]

Re: Mag Mic question

Evan - thanks - when I get home this evening I'll give the ol' tap test. But shouldn't I get something amplified from the mag part when the mic is at 0%?

I must add, that when the mic portion is mixed to the appropriate leve the guitar sound really great! I am just trying to get the proper balance between mic and mag but so far I haven't heard any mag.

This is so great getting answers directly from the company. Thanks!

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: Mag Mic question

shouldn't I get something amplified from the mag part when the mic is at 0%?

Yes, exactly.

The mag portion is 100% on all the time. You don't have the option to blend it in or out. Just make sure the master volume is up and you'll hear at least the mag -- plus whatever percentage of mic you have blended in.

Best of luck.

 

[classicalman]

Re: Mag Mic question

Perfect advice - plugged her in adjusted the bass side volume knob then adjusted the treble side mic mix knob for the right tone and voila I had a real nice sounding Larrivee Parlor guitar pumping away through my amp.

Very nice sounding pup!

Thanks Evan and all for the support!

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: Mag Mic question

You're welcome! All's well that ends well. I hope you have years of great enjoyment with your Mag Mic.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Mag Mic question

The Mag Mic seriously rips once well adjusted to one's guitar....

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: Mag Mic question

I agree. I'm biased, but I honestly believe it's the best acoustic guitar pickup available at any price. Period.

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: Mag Mic question

Glad you got it working, bro. You'll fall in love with that pickup.