I'm looking into amplification for my sitar. I am currently looking at a trancducer pickup, K&K's twin big shot. I have not tried these before, so i was wondering if anyone else has had some experience with amplifying their sitar. I want to get the most acoustic sound possible, not electric.
I occasionally use twin lead piezio transducers on one sitar, and because they are made for acoutic instruments, the sound is accurate. But I have to warn you that it is "raw" sound and can be overpowering, especially if you pick the strings fairly hard. Most people recommend that you route it through a pre-amp with equalizers of some kind first so you have control of the sound.
Russ (Feb 07, 2003 10:58 a.m.):
I occasionally use twin lead piezio transducers on one sitar, and because they are made for acoutic instruments, the sound is accurate. But I have to warn you that it is "raw" sound and can be overpowering, especially if you pick the strings fairly hard. Most people recommend that you route it through a pre-amp with equalizers of some kind first so you have control of the sound.
Russ makes a very important and valid point, in order to preserve the true acoustic sound you want, a pre-amp is definately part of the picture. . . . .I play an ovation guitar as well, and they have been known for the way they have managed to take an acoustic instrument, put 'er through an amp, and have it still sound real. . .!
Russ is 100% here, get a really good pre-amp!
Makes an enormous difference!
Hi,
I have the K&K transducers and they're OK but don't produce the sound I want. There is too much strike noise from the mizrab. Now I use an Oktava microphone which sounds much better. . . . .
Hey guys,
I've been using the K and K transducers on both my sitar and tanpura with much success. Like others have pointed out, the secret is in the mix. I'm not performing, so can't vouch for how the transducers sound when heavily amplified. I had the problem of outside sound leaking into my recording (trucks with the jake brake on, Harleys, hip hop car thumpers,etc.) when I miked using two Audio Technica AT-3035s. With the transducers, all outside noise has been eleminated. I do use a wee bit of EQ, removing some of the low and low mid range and just a touch of compressor. A small amount of reverb and it all comes to life. I'm doing all of this with the onboard stuff that is part of the Yamaha AW2816 recording package. A lot of folks have complained that the AW2816's preamps are weak, in my case this is not true. But, like many things in music, it is personal preferrence. I like the K and K transducers.
Big L. . .
I have the MC012-01 and run it thorough a Mackie mixer. Works great! Guitar Center had them on sale for $99. . . . .I wanted a RODE mic but the model I liked was discontinued but I'm quite satisfied with this one. . .
Http://www.sawf.org/music/interviews/veena/veena5.asp?pn=Music
Nice article and concert pics by Amitava and company. This reference cites best way of miking a soft veena. So, the consensus is omnidirectional mics for best sound? And maybe transducers routed thru preamp as reasonable alternative?
One thing to point out in what the veena article was saying is that the omni directional mic could be the best choice. . . . in the isolation of a studio environment. But even with that in mind, a nice cardoid pattern condensor mic will pick up just the areas that you want to mic, ambience can be added later in the mix. I would think this type of mic (the condensor) would be way better in a live setting so as not to pick up the guy in the last row of the audience with the flu. Many good books to refer to on miking solutions, but it all comes down to what works the best for YOU.
The pickups I use on my sitar are from Buckingham music in Austin, TX. They are great. Full info can be found at: http://www.buckinghammusic.com/elect/elect.html
