WHERE’S MY TONE?

Greetings from Bavaria! I have a Martin HD-28 from 2014. It’s a lovely guitar and had a great vibe – I was able to feel plenty of rings in my stomach, when playing it… Until a guitar builder installed a pickup system! It is an LR Baggs Anthem and I think the guitar resonates differently now. Does a pickup system alter the guitar’s tone and vibe? Will taking the pickup out help? Peter Funke, Germany As you’re doubtless aware, the Anthem is an extremely well regarded, award-winning dual-source system comprising an under-saddle pickup, condenser mic, plus a control section/preamp, battery pack and endpin jack socket.

By installing it, you’re changing the guitar physically in some very sensitive areas. The under-saddle pickup sits between the bridge and saddle; the condenser mic is attached to the bridge plate inside the guitar and the preamp/controls to the soundhole. Then there’s the added weight to consider. All these things will have an effect on the guitar’s resonant and vibrational characteristics compared with not being there at all. The effect could be anywhere between negligible and significant – it stands to reason that it will be different. Once that’s in your head, it can be very hard to remove. Before you consider taking it out,