Pickup comparison

[Michael Wolf]

Hello,
I want to ask, if anyone of you have used the Schertler and compared it to other pickups.

I now have one, as I have a AKG C411 and a Barcus Berry Mando-Humbucker. I run it through a AER compact60, which I think is a really good amp.

I was expecting a lot from the Schertler and really wanted to like it, because I've payed so much. But the result was, that it is sounding surprisingly poor in my ears. The AKG is better and if you put it in relation to the price, it's several times better, because the AKG is really cheap and the Schertler is extrem overpriced in my opinion.

I tried several positions and let people, who know nothing about pickups, hear the sound of all three pickups.
They voted for the AKG and for the Humbucker for it's warm sound, the Schertler was always to "boxy" and harsh and the base-transmission is poor. The best thing about it is its dynamic, which is near to the natural behaviour of a mando.

I have a ovalhole archtop-mando, so it is more a warm sounding instrument with a lot of base.

Any other experiences or comments would be appreciated.

All the Best
Michael

[mandroid]

I suppose with both the C411 AKG and the schertler (I paid full boat $395 for mine)A lot depends on where you stick it!

I do wonder about tone comparison: the BB magnetic pickup and the P90 setup on EM150's.

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[Michael Wolf]

mandroid,
I used many positions and found that the best one is right behind the bridge, maybe a bit more on the basesite. I found this works best for both mics. Did you hear both mics side by side? Are you satisfied with the Schertler? Btw, here in Germany the Schertler is more expensive than in the USA (500,-Euro).

I never heared a P90 on a mando, but I suspect the BB is a more acoustic pickup. You sound a bit like a little jazzguitar with chorus, but in my ears it's a nice tone. I prefer a good electric tone over a harsh acoustic sound.
The combination BB with AKG C411 is very successfull, especially with AER which provides one channel for electric pickups and one with XLR and phantompower.

Regards
Michael

[dr.jazz]

I'm a sound-tech and system designer in my day job, and also have a small music store part-time. #I've been disappointed with the Schertlers (tried several) but for the first time I actually installed pick-ups (K&K's) in 2 of my personal instruments (Laskin Guitar & '36 Epiphone Emperor) and plan a 3rd in my Heiden mandolin. #The best sound I've heard from a pick-up - no kidding! I'm very impressed by this company.