pickup and amplification

[skinnywebb]

Hi,
I've been planning on getting a higher end mandolin in the 1500 to 2000 dollar range and am wondering about amplification and pickups. If I go with an A style I'm thinking of getting a Rigel A+ Deluxe which has a pickup in it, but if I decide to go with an F style I've noticed that not many that I've seen have a pickup. What do some of ya'll do for pickups and amplification on a Gibson or collings etc. that don't have a pickup or means of amplification?
Thanks for any information.

[patsites]

I use the Schertler Dyn-M, it's about $400, but worth every penny. It is the truest, best amplified mandolin sound I've heard. It's the same pick-up that Chris Thile uses when playing with Nickel Creek. It's a stick-on pickup that won't damage your finish, which means you can put it on any mandolin you own and take it off when you're done. No messy wires when you're just pickin' at a festival or jam session and you don't have to alter your mandolin. Also, No pre-amp is required, although I play through a Roland AC-60 for some nice acoustic effects and reverb.

Highly Recommended, especially if you're spending big money on your mando. It's a crying shame for your $4000 mando to sound like a $300 mando when it's amplified!

[ChrisWallace]

Hello,
If you're planning on spending between 1500-2000 and you're concerned with amplifying your mando w/ a pickup, my advice would be to go w/ the Rigel. That way, your pickup problems are solved and you know you'll be getting a quality instrument. There's been endless debates over the whole "scroll envy" issue but I think the general consensus is that, unless your planning on spending at least 3 grand for your mando, the scroll is just going to help you in the looks department. Or if you want to go radical, you could spend that $$$ on a top of the line electric mando and really turn a few heads at your next pickin' party!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Just my .02...good luck!!!

[skinnywebb]

Thanks for the info. I have been researching mandos for about 6 months or longer to figure out what to get for a higher end mandolin and it keeps coming back to the Rigel A+ Deluxe. If I spend that kind of money I want to get something that will last me a long while so I'm trying to think of every aspect.

[Karl]

I've had a Rigel A+ Deluxe for a little over a year now, and was an upgrade from an Ovation. I was also in the market for a great sounding amplified mando that I could actually afford and be happy with, and I love it. I use it for everything from a rock band to contemporary worship. For around $1500, I really don't think you can get a better/better sounding acoustic-electric mando anywhere. Good luck in your search!