L R Baggs Dual Source Pick-ups.
Pick-ups are a necessary evil. I don’t like the sound of any of them really - there’s a certain mid-range quack that I just hate hearing, and they all have it to some degree. However, to my ears, the LR Baggs Dual Source Pick-up (~ $250 + installation) is the best, most natural pick-up system on the market. The system itself comes with a ribbon transducer (under saddle) pick-up and a mini - microphone (mounted inside the guitar) blended through an onboard pre-amp which allows you to select a mono or stereo output, high or low gain, phase and,most importantly, a bass roll-off pot. I run my system in mono, high gain, with the bass rolled off quite drastically (about 8 o’clock on the dial). The bass roll-off reduces monitor feedback - but the sound is still plenty warm. There is a controller mounted on the sound hole with two mini-volume rollers to control the volume of the transducer and mic separately. I run both at full volume.
LR Baggs tries to sell an expensive integrated active direct box to go with the pick-up. It’s fairly sophisticated with sophisticated eqs and what-not. I bought it and don’t use it - too many variables. I find that a cheap, passive, booger-head direct box works best.
I have a second pick-up installed in my Ryan Guitar as well. On the recommendation of several folks, I put in the Baggs I-Beam system. Basically, it cost me a pile of money and I never use it. It comes with a lot of hype but it sounds quite average to my ears and again, the mid-range quack is perhaps not as bad as some, but still quite noticeable.
D’Addario Guitar Strings
It’s funny how often I get asked what kind of strings I use. I think people think there is some magic in the strings that make a guitar. Although there are some perceptible differences between some brands, it is my understanding that there are only a few string manufacturers in the world and everybody buys from the same places and puts their own stamp on them.
So I’m not as loyal to one brand as I am to the particular alloy of Phosphor/Bronze. Straight bronze strings are too bright for my liking. Phosphor/Bronze seem to be a bit warmer and spicier (if that means anything to anyone.)
| For years now I’ve been using D’Addario/ Phosphor Bronze light gauge strings (EJ16) - not because done extensive research, I just like them. And considering how often I change strings they are a reasonable price. I use to play medium gauge but after suffering some soft tissue stress in my arms, I was advised to lower the action on my guitar and switch to light gauge. |
 |
 |
Recently however, I’ve switched to EXP coated Phosphor/Bronze strings. I have no idea what EXP means but the strings are a bit warmer yet, and they last significantly longer (which helps compensate for the higher price). I change strings before every concert and twice a concert if there happens to be an intermission. |
For some reason, chemical make-up perhaps, I kill strings very fast. Often I’m already quite frustrated with them by the middle of a concert. The EXPs last the evening for me and that’s worth the extra expense.
 |
Calton Cases
I‘ve had this case for about 8 years now and it’s literally been on hundreds of flights. They’re kind of pricey (~$700) but if you do any traveling at all, especially flying, you know how beaten-up a case can get. I used to replace my travel cases every year or two but the integrity of my Calton case is the same as the first day I bought it.
The years have taken their toll though. Last fall I took the case back to the factory for a retrofit (replace hinges, bumpers, handle, clasps and stripping) and it is now ready for another decade of abuse.
My case is a one-of-a-kind. Kevin Ryan had the case made in this particular teal colour as a prototype unique for Ryan Guitars, but when he actually saw the case in teal he wisely decided he hated the colour - so he gave it to me. I’m not proud!
|
Kyser Capo
| You can get this capo at any music store. There are all kinds of capos out there but this is the easiest and fastest to place on the neck - only one hand in needed. When not in use, I just leave it on the headstock of the guitar. That way, I’m not always fishing in my pocket for it during performances. It doesn’t bend the strings at all, so the integrity of the tuning remains intact. |
|
Intelitouch Tuner
The Intellitouch PT-1 is a well-conceived tuner that uses vibration to help you tune your instrument. The tuner simply clamps to the headstock of your guitar, and swivels easily out of the way when not in use. Tuning in a loud environment proved easy with the PT-1 - since it doesn’t rely on pitch to tune your instrument, the PT-1 wasn’t confused by background noise. This makes it a terrific tuner for guitarists who have to tune on stage, or in an environment in which other instruments are playing.
 |
The fact that you never have to plug it in means it just stays with your guitar at all times. In the middle of a set you don’t have to look down on the ground to tune your guitar - it’s right there. For a tuner it is a bit expensive (~ $70.) but it is the handiest and practical new gadget I’ve come across in awhile.
|
Fingerstyle
Guitar Magazine
|
|
I think this is the best resource out there for fingerstyle guitarists. Each issue comes with a CD of ten or so tracks of some of the best fingerstyle playing out there - artists both well known and obscure. The magazine itself has great articles introducing artists and artisans of the fingerstyle world as well as tablature for the songs on the accompanying CD.
Most of the songs on the CD are fairly advanced artistry - but it’s very inspiring to hear the virtuosity that is out there, and there is usually one or two things I can pick up to add to my tool bag. Plus it’s just good listening.
