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I've been enjoying my AC422CE. I've played it back-to-back with my Blueridge BG-160 several times acoustically (both have rosewood back & sides) and I like the tone from the guitar. It's very different than a dreadnought (not as much low-end) with a very unique voice.
For the last 10 years the BG-160 with an aftermarket LR Baggs iMix (Element USP and M1 Soundhole pickups) has been my gig guitar. I know it very well. I know exactly where the setting need to be for both the rehearsal and gig PA's. Last night was the first time I used the AC422CE at band rehearsal. I plugged it in and immediately noticed it had a very low output. I increased the gain (from 4 to 8) and it seemed to have the right output. Playing through our first song I transitioned from strumming to flat picking and my guitar disappeared from the mix. I started strumming again and I could again hear the guitar. I upped the gain for the next song - same result, except this time my band members are looking at me like "did you bring your Blueridge".
My AC422 sounds terrible through the PA. Is the Fishman Matrix known to be a thin pickup? Am I just spoiled by my iMix? This guitar isn't usable as an acoustic-electric guitar. I'm wondering if I have a bad transducer or something else? Before I start pulling things apart, is there a way I can simply trouble shoot this?
For the sake of good order, I did check the voltage at the battery. It was showing 8.75 volts, so I changed it with a fresh battery that showed about 9.5vdc. It made zero impact. I know many of you are going to suggest "just install a K&K". I have a few thoughts on that. First, for the type of playing I do, I wont benefit from a K&K. I'm a strummer and flat picker in a band environment. Secondly, I am concerned with feedback.
I'm not a big fan of USP's, that's why I used a blended system in my BG-160. BTW, when comparing my AC422 to my BG, I was only using the Element USP in the BG.
If there isn't anything wrong with my Matrix, then I will have to upgrade it. I like the factory installed volume and mid-sweep controls in the soundhole and wouldn't be happy about pulling them out. The Matrix appears to use a ceramic transducer in a metal housing. The Element is a ribbon. I wonder if I could simply swap-out the transducer.
Oh BTW, I do play through a pedal board that has compression, reverb, chorus and a DI, so going to a Fishman DI board wont do anything for me. My comparison today was from the guitar straight to an amp. This PUP is defective or it sucks.
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