SOS Readers Ads
GRAB A BARGAIN
£515,720
of Second-User Gear for sale now — don't miss out!

Article Preview - Guitar Technology

Reviews, Tips and Techniques

Published in SOS December 2008

Reviews : Effects


Schertler DYN-G Acoustic Instrument Pickup
Schertler's DYN-G pickup is one of a range of surface-mounted dynamic pickups that plug straight into your desk's mic input, or into an acoustic instrument amplifier.
Schertler's DYN-G pickup is one of a range of surface-mounted dynamic pickups that plug straight into your desk's mic input, or into an acoustic instrument amplifier.
Swiss company Schertler make a range of instrument transducers, some of which are based on electrostatic designs, and others on dynamic principles. The DYN-G pickup that's reviewed here is dynamic, and it can be plugged directly into a balanced mic input, without any need for a separate preamp or phantom power. Although it was designed primarily for live use, it is also useful in studio recording applications when enhanced separation is necessary. The pickup is intended for guitar, but it's also suitable for most acoustic stringed instruments, including banjo and violin.
Physically, the DYN-G comprises a lightweight disc — which contains the transducer — connected by means of a thin, screened cable (around a metre in length) to a balanced XLR connector. This means that if you need to extend it, you can do so using a conventional mic cable. The DYN-G comes in a foam-lined wooden box with a tin of re-usable fixing-putty, which is something like extra sticky Blu-Tak (more about that in a moment).
This particular transducer picks up vibrations directly from the instrument's body via a small pad at the centre of the pickup. The putty is used to form a small, doughnut-like ring around the face of the pickup: this won't damage even the most fragile surface, but it sticks rather well as long as you remember to clean the instrument first, in this case by wiping the guitar surface using a rag damped with meths to remove any grease. In fact, I tried it on my friend's 1920s Gibson arch-top guitar and, try as we might, we couldn't pull any of the finish off! Any putty left behind on the surface can be removed by dabbing at it with another piece.
...

That's all folks!! To Continue reading...

Option 1:  Login to open this eSub article
  • To access the full-length version of this eSub HTML web article (with images), enter your registered Subscriber PIN (or Email) plus your registered Password into the LOGIN box at the top of this page.
  • Your eSub does not include free access to PDF articles. You should buy and download them if required (see below).
Option 2:  Buy this SOS article in Adobe PDF format
  • Buy this article now for 99p (approx US$ 1.75) and immediately download the electronic PDF version to your computer.
  • PDF pages look identical to the printed magazine layouts but exclude advertisements
  • Click the Click & Buy logo below to make your purchase
  • BT server registration will be required if you are not already a BT Click & Buy customer.
  • Tell me more...

 
What's my Sub PIN?
If you have a print subscription but have not yet activated your eSub online access, please inform us and email your name/address details to: SOS will verify your subscription status, activate your online access and notify you of our actions.
I am NOT a Subscriber
  • SOS locks most recent magazine web articles. 8 months after publication online we unlock some articles and make them publically available, others never get unlocked and require an active subscription to read them online.
  • Buy a subscription to open eSub articles (see offer below).
  • Alternatively, buy selected Acrobat PDF article files that look like the printed magazine, download them now for instant access! (see 'Option2' above)
What is the cheapest means to Subscribe?
A 3-issue eSub web subscription is great value at only £ 9.00 GBP [US$ 13.50] and it lets you instantly read the current and next 2 online magazines — PLUS it unlocks ALL past eSub issues during your sub period too.
More eSub info...

 

Published in SOS December 2008
Thursday 8th January 2009
Login or Register here
Sub PIN or Email
Password
Remember me
Stay logged in
Lost password?
Request a reminder
Not registered?
Register Now for FREE
No https access?
Login here
January 2009
On sale now at main newsagents and bookstores (or buy direct from the SOS Web Shop)
SOS current Print Magazine: click here for FULL Contents list
Click image for Contents

Other recent issues:
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
GLOSSARY: technical terms explained
WIN Great Prizes in SOS Competitions!