Matrix Natural II or Ellipse Matrix Blend Pickup

[sozomenos]

I'm trying to decide which pickup to put on my Martin HD-28V. Either the Acoustic Matrix Natural II or the Ellipse Matrix Blend. Anybody used either of these Fishman/Martin products? I'm thinking the added mic and preamp might give it an edvantage over the under-the-sadle pickup?

Thanks,
Jack

[RunsWithBuffalo]

the mic/pickup combination can yield more natural sounds from an acoustic guitar HOWEVER, if you plan to play in a live setting where volumes are loud, forget about the mic, it will cause you nothing but problems with feedback. You will end up using the pickup exclusively.

While i think both of those pickups you have mentioned are decent, you should give a hard look at the LR Baggs M1. It is a soundhole pickup that sounds really really decent and its is pretty resistant to feedback.

Good luck and if you have other questions let us know.

[sozomenos]

Thanks for the input. To which LR Baggs M1 pickup were you referring, the passive or active unit?

Sounds like a great pickup -- without any modifications to the guitar. I like that.

Thanks,
Jack

[RunsWithBuffalo]

Which ever one you like, the only difference is 40 dollars and a volume control. Personally I have a volume pedal already so the M1 passive worked fine. Really no difference in sound though.

[Kahn]

M1 Active. I have one, best pickup on the market by far