Electronic Pickups
Pickups and pickup systems can be as complex and individualized as the instrument itself. And, the ukulele (versus a larger, heavier instrument such as a guitar) puts even greater demands on the pickup.
We have sought out and selected pickups that have the following characteristics, in priority order:
* accurately represent the acoustics of the instrument
* simple and trouble-free
* minimal added weight
If you have ever seen a YouTube of James Hill doing Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, you are witnessing a performance that requires a very specialized pickup--it has two on-board pickups (under-saddle and microphone), an on-board battery, and an on-board mixer and equalizer. While we can provide this type of pickup if required, we usually recommend something far less complex.
If you have any questions about pickups, please contact us.
For Our Non-Resonator Instruments
We offer two pickup choices, one which is active, the other is passive. Active pickups require an on-board power source while passive pickups don't require any on-board power.
There is a somewhat common belief that active pickups are better because they can plug directly into a remote mixing board (through a snake) without going through a DI box. While this is technically true, it is irrelevant, as any large stage & sound system is setup with DI boxes for all the instruments.
For most people, we recommend the simpler and lighter weight passive pickup. For those that demand on-board volume and/or EQ controls, they will require an active pickup.
K&K Twin Spot (passive)
This pickup does an excellent job of representing the acoustics of the instrument. In addition, is has no on-board electronics so it is lightweight and very durable. The transducers are two discs that mount inside the body under the bridge plate.
For those who would like to have pre-amp with volume control and EQ, we offer the belt-mounted K&K Pure Preamp for $100.
MiSi (with or without on-board volume control)
The MiSi is an active pickup that utilizes a propriety charging technology that obviates the need for an on-board battery. They come with a small wall-charger which provides for 8-hours of playing time with a 60-second recharge time. The transducer is an L.R. Baggs under-saddle piezo-electric picup.
For Our Resonators
Schatten Designs Biscuit Bridge Resonator Pickup
This pickup, made in Canada, is warm and balanced. It is specifically designed for a biscuit bridge resonator instrument. It is a passive pickup, which is lightweight with no on-board electronics.
Floor Tuner, DI & Equalizer
A group of local musicians, the Hapa Hillbillies, recently came across the L.R. Baggs Venue. Wow! It is absolutely the best combination DI, EQ and tuner that we've ever seen. It pairs perfectly with a passive pickup and is a particularly great answer for the ukulele. It retails for about $300, but is well worth it for those mixing their own sound.