Mandolin Mini-Mic

[frets1]

I want to purchase a good mini-mic for my Gibson Sam Bush to use with my Fender Acoustrasonic amp. I want a mic that I can insert into the F hole and remove when I don't need it.I need to stay in the $100 to $200 range. I found this mic on musicians friend. Can anyone tell me about it?
Audio-Technica (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040512171912012219158213744946/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/270433)
Give me some suggestions.

Thanks for the help! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Fuzzyway]

frets1,

I have no direct experience with this particular mic, but you will need "phantom power" or some sort to use it due to it being a condenser mic. Does the Fender amp have phantom power?

Best, Fuzzy

[mandoJeremy]

I would recommend the Countryman Isomax IIC but it is over the $200 limit you set. #The Crown Glm-100 is almost the same thing and about half the cost. #The Glm-200 would be a better choice but it is more expensive. Mike Marshall used to use the Crown so I would say that is a good recommendation. #Just about all mini mics are going to need phantom power so you will need a good preamp that takes an XLR input and 1/4" output to the Fender. #Good luck.

[WJF]

I've used the Countryman IsomaxII for years and have been very happy with it. Mike Marshall also used the Countryman early on (that's how I learned about it) so you'd probably do well with either the Crown or the Countryman.

I cut a piece of double sided tape (really sticky stuff I picked up on a job) sized to fit neatly on the foot of the bridge (treble or 'e' string side) and put a piece of velcro cut to the same size on it. Then, I taped the mating piece of velcro just behind the mic capsule. This lets me simply velcro the mic into position when I want to use it (the mic capsule stays in position neatly over the treble side F-hole) and easily remove it when I don't need it. Works very well ... no permanent alterations to my prized mandolins.

And ... just to echo what's already been said here, I can attest from personal experience in using the Countryman that you **will** need phantom power. Countryman sells (or at least used to sell) a battery module powered by 2 9-Volt batteries that would power the mic. If your amp dosen't provide phantom power you might want to look into something like it.

Hope this helps ...

[mandoJeremy]

Interesting, I didn't know that Marshall had ever used a Countryman. I know that Bush has for quite a while. I have the live recording of Bush, Marshall, Thile, and Grisman and someone asks what kind of pickup they are using. Bush said Countryman and Marshall said he was using a Crown. I wonder why he would have switched from the Countryman? Oh well, I guess I will keep wondering!

[mandroid]

Clip on is (of course ) for big round soundholes on guitars, So alternative mounting is needed.
Condenser is needing phantom power.

Now, I see how much trouble I saved by buying a Schertler: a contact /stick on, dynamic mic.

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

[mandoJeremy]

Actually, the clip that came with my Countryman works just fine for clipping on to the f-hole. I glued soft felt on to both sides of clip so it wouldn't scar my mando. Bush uses a mic clip with his also and has no problems. Of course if he scratched Hoss with it I don't think you would notice. Glad you enjoy the Schertler.