Casein Picks: Style 4

Submitted by jazzrambler on 8/18/2010

Where Purchased: eBay

Overall Comments

I ordered 2 casein picks from 'hermanmonker' on eBay. They arrived yesterday. I requested 2.5mm, style 4 (triangular.) I asked Steve, the proprietor's name, not to worry about bevelling. I prefer to do it myself. I spent 1/2 an hour tweeking them and-

I HAVE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER WITH A PICK IN MY LIFE!. My history with searching for the grail took me from making my own out of everything from old piano ivory, coconut shell, bone buttons, Wegens, Red Bear, every common and uncommon retail brand. Eventually I got real tortoise while in Europe. These are every bit as good as the real thing. From what I can tell so far, they don't seem to wear as quickly as tortoise. Best part, the price was under $20 for both, including shipping from England and Paypal fees.
Here's a link to the completed auction-
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130413899634#ht_500wt_923

Overall Rating: 10

K & K Sound-FanTasTik Pickup: Western

Submitted by jazzrambler on 11/20/2009

Where Purchased: From Manufacturer, Late 2006

Overall Comments

For this I gave up the Sunrise S1/SB 1 preamp. I bought my Sunrise in 1994. During that 10 years, I did over 1000 gigs with it, solo, duo, groups. I played with guys that spent serious time effort and money into their rigs. Nothing ever sounded better and most importantly, nothing was as easy or reliable to work with. It outlived several Vintage J-45s, a Guild Jumbo, a Yairi and finally came to rest in a Lowden 10 years ago. In the mean time I got a '55 Gibson C&W. It was just unwilling to wear that 3 pound pickup. So I did an internet search, called and pestered people and took a chance on the K&K. I plugged it into my SansAmp D/I and was amazed. Long story shortened-When I sold the Lowden, I put the Sunrise on eBay, used the money to get my National's neck reset, frets dressed on the Gibson, bought another SansAmp D/I and a K&K PureReso BB for my National. I couldn't be happier unless they gave them away free. I've since moved the Western to a newer Larrivee. I will by from them again. Probably for the upright or my mandolin.
http://www.kksound.com/fantawestern.html

Overall Rating: 10

Larrivee: D03R

Submitted by jazzrambler on 11/11/2009

Where Purchased: Owner

Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: 600 ($US)

Sound

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Customer Service: 9

Components

Components Rating: not rated

Overall Comments

The previous reviewer hit all the details in his post. Refer to his for that info. I am simply giving a review of the "hands on" value I feel is available in this model. I have only been more pleased with an acoustic guitar once, that was a brand new Lowden for more than twice the price. When I bought the Larrivee I was in the market for a replacement for the Lowden (sadly, I had to sell it a few years ago), and expected to pay over $1000 for a new guitar. I was sorely disappointed in what I found available in the local "big box stores" and the boutique shops I visited. I shopped for several months. When this guitar showed up on Craig's List, I was skeptical, but spent a few minutes playing it, running it through everything I could throw at it. It had me at G Major in 1st position. I believe this is a better guitar for the money than any new Martin or Taylor I have played. My wife was sitting patiently as I tried it out and to my surprize, offered the opinion that it sounded better than anything she'd heard me try out, then floored me by suggesting I not let it get away. I highly reccomend it as a player's guitar. Whether or not any collector's market develops arounf these guitar's is a moot point for me because I plan to keep it till I wear it out.

Overall Rating: 10

Tech 21 Acoustic D/I: Tech 21 Acoustic D/I

Submitted by jazzrambler on 11/5/2009

Where Purchased: eBay

Overall Comments

I own two of these units. I would gladly buy another if I needed it. Of all the preamps and D/Is I have tried, there is no comparison to the versatility of this device. I currently use it with K&K under the saddle piezo (Larrivee D03R), K&K biscuit bridge peizo (1936 National Triolian), BigTone peizo (Dell Arte Dark Eyes). I used it for years with a Sunrise magnetic pickup and found I liked it better than the Sunrise solid state buffer box. I use them for live performance and recording. I have even used it with electric bass, straight to the PA. The model I have is discontinued and replaced by the Acoustic Paradriver. The older model shows up used on eBay for less than $100. Features-Active and Passive mode, 3 band EQ (parametric mid shift), Phantom power and ground lift, 2 1/4 inputs, 2 outs (1/4 and XLR). I highly recommend adding one of these to any acoustic rig. I call it the "turd polisher" because it can make almost any pickup sound great.

Overall Rating: 10