pre-amps

[John Bertotti]

Why would you choses one over the other. Mounted in the instrument may be handy but how often do you change it once it is set? I see some small external ones like the Fishman and wonder like above why one over the other? thanks John
I know this may be individual preference but I'm still curious for the opinions. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[mandoJeremy]

I definitely wouldn't choose an onboard preamp because it is pretty hard to get inside a mandolin and you would have to change the battery sooner or later. Also, the endpin jack with the built in preamp is a no-no for me because it is hard enough to get the endpin jack in a mandolin the first time and I would never want to take it back out to replace the battery. Of course, when I installed the endpin jack in my mando this latest time I bought one of those little flexible things with "jaws" on the end that you buy at an autoparts store. It made installation much easier.

[mandroid]

Godin A8, is decent,owned one, its rmc bridge piezos work well, good tone, # I see a Zeta with an onboard preamp in a trad F style, built in ,while in production, but my info is nil,other than their website.
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[R_Parent]

My vote would be for an external preamp. The main reason is that electronics change every few years where as an instrument should last lifetimes.

[mandroid]

Godin, as it came, , fitted with volume & 3 band EQ, right on the top corner, is pretty decent, though the addition of feedback supressor #reverb and various other signal processor effects, on the floor, #has merit.


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