Video Reviews

In our tabletop video reviews of each individual pickup, The Pickup Test Guys discuss the ease of use, manual, build quality, mounting issues, and overall user experience behind every pickup and mic in our test.  This is a must listen when considering which pickup or mic you may want to purchase.

Violin/Viola Pickups

NEW:  Gage Soundclip For Violin   The latest from David Gage is a completely fresh take on the Soundclip concept (The cello and Bass version are reviewed on the site as well)

The Realist The Pickupt Test Guys review this extremely popular pickup series from David Gage.

Pick Up The World We are so excited to introduce our full review for Pick Up The World!  PUTW has been around for a long time now, and we can't wait to share these awesome pickups with you!  If you are looking for an inexpensive well made pickup that is easy to use and remove, you need to check out our review and have a listen and be sure to shoot it out against your current pickup on the media player!

RM Acoustics The Pickup Test Guys review the first ever REMOVEABLE magnetic system and the first ever microphone-magnet combination system for strings.

RM Acoustics Update:  RM just massively updated their hardware.  Here is a video of the new model which is much simpler, cleaner and easier to remove.  Thanks to Riga at RM for this video.

The Band The British Invasion continues with this body wrap pickup from the UK.

String Amp This unique system from Denmark is on of the only magnetic pickup systems available for bowed strings....  what does that mean to you??? have a listen as The Pickup Test Guys explain.   From Michael (Founder and Inventor)

I do try to explain it in my website, but few seem to get it, as simple as it really is.  
it is the simplest of all electric generator principles, as used in any utility service.
So, once again : any  conducting string moving around in a magnetic field will generate electric current.
the alternating current produced is an accurate ´electric depiction´ of the string movement in the magnetic field
and so is the ideal electric transducer with nothing imposed  in between the string movement and the electric amplification.
the only condition : the string used must be conductive, either through the (metal) core or the metal wrapping,  or both!
Steel core naturally often works well,  but is NOT necessary fro StringAmp to work
so, out of luck ?
but several VERY common brands of synth core ( Dom´s) strings also work extremely well -
I do not recommend Gut core strings- I don´t think this is very likely.
One caveat - that I also mention in my website : not all strings  are useful with StringAmp ,
 and unfortunately this also means the Helicore D string used on Jesus´s 5 string .
My string survey gives a great selection of common brands string alternatives , that would replace this string.  
There is one wire conducting under the fingerboard, via the brass insert in the nut .
 All the strings are connected to this common point.

Shadow SH 940 Shadow's entry into the Piezzo bridge market.  This model sports a unique preamp jack design.

Schertler DYN- This unique series from the Swiss manufacturer uses a unique contact mic system which is applied with putty to the body of the instrument.  What do The Pickup Guys think of it?

Schatten V 02 Pro Canada's favorite pickup manufacturer's entry into the Piezzo Bridge market.  The Pickup Guys weigh in on the make, overall quality and jack design.

L.R Baggs This bridge has been a favorite of country fiddlers for years, but does it pass the Pickup Guys' test?  Click here to find out!

Fishman C 200 (cello) V 300 (violin) After years of offering their removable wingslit based designs, the pickup giant has recently moved into the Piezo bridge market for violin and cello.  The Pickup Guys will discuss this new entry into the market and if it's right for you!

Mighty Mini This pickup has become a favorite for gigging musicians and students due to it's versatility, removability, and incredibly simple design.  The Pickup Test Guys will help you decide if it's a good investment for you!

Aceto Bridge Violin/Viola/Cello The bridge based piezo system from famed violin maker Eric Aceto at Ithaca Stringed Instruments (ISI).  This bridge is only available by direct order but is a favorite of Jazz and Bluegrass players so we decided to check it out!

Barcus Berry 3300 The venerable old standard has been around as long as any of the pickups on the market.  Check it out!

Kremona Violin Pickups: These are the newest versions that Kremona released early this year.  We tested all three models so check it out!

Cello Pickups

Pick Up The World We are so excited to introduce our full review for Pick Up The World!  PUTW has been around for a long time now, and we can't wait to share these awesome pickups with you!  If you are looking for an inexpensive well made pickup that is easy to use and remove, you need to check out our review and have a listen and be sure to shoot it out against your current pickup on the media player!

Schertler DYN- This unique series from the Swiss manufacturer uses a unique contact mic system which is applied with putty to the body of the instrument.  What do The Pickup Guys think of it?

Kremona VC1- During the first pickup test Kremona was in the middle of a major redesign so we decided to wait until now to test their new line.  The cello pickup now fists in the wingslit of the bridge and is even easier to remove while coming in at a very attractive price point.   Check it out!

Realist Soundclip NS Design and David Gage have released a new entry into their line of cello (and bass pickups) and it's removable!  This unique design features a volume know and mini weights that can be added or removed.  The Pickup Guys Dive into the pros and cons of this cool new entry into the cello market.

Aceto Bridge Violin/Viola/Cello The bridge based piezo system from famed violin maker Eric Aceto at Ithaca Stringed Instruments (ISI).  This bridge is only available by direct order but is a favorite of Jazz and Bluegrass players so we decided to check it out!

The Band The British Invasion continues with this body wrap pickup from the UK.

The Realist The Pickupt Test Guys review this extremely popular pickup series from David Gage.

Mighty Mini This pickup has become a favorite for gigging musicians and students due to it's versatility, removability, and incredibly simple design.  The Pickup Test Guys will help you decide if it's a good investment for you!

Fishman C 200 (cello) V 300 (violin) After years of offering their removable wingslit based designs, the pickup giant has recently moved into the Piezo bridge market for violin and cello.  The Pickup Guys will discuss this new entry into the market and if it's right for you!

Schatten's Cello Pickup is a thin piezo element strip which mounts to the bridge with putty and comes with a well thought out jack mounting system reminiscent of some that we've sen with upright bass.  The Pickup Guys dig in!!!

Schertler Stat C Schertler's stat line for cello/viola/and violin are encased in cork and come with a unique mounting system as well as class A preamp.  The Pickup Test Guys Discuss...

Shadow 955 NFX Shadow's flagship cello pickup has an extremely unique look, mounting system and built in preamp design.  The Pickup Test Guys will help you break down some of it's features.

Mini Mics

NEW:

Neumann MCM 114: In this review, we go in-depth with the new Neumann MCM 114 Mini Condenser Microphone for violin, viola cello, and bass players including a shootout with it's competion, the venerable DPA 4099. If you are a bowed string player and you work with bands or in loud situations, you have to check out this detailed review including:

 

  • Sound examples for violin and cello using: arco, double stops and pizzicato
  • Tabletop review on build, ease of use and sound from players and engineers perspective
  • Sound isolation shootout with DPA 4099 for both cello and violin

 

Myers Feather and Grip Microphones:  These  microphones for violin, cello, and bass pack some very useful features, and we are so excited to finally have these popular removable and very practical microphones in our library.

DPA 4099 Dubbed by DPA as the "Worlds first miniature shotgun condenser mic."  Check out this video to hear what that means to you

DPA 4063 The smallest capsuled mic in our test.  Jacob and Luis both have allot of experience with this mic and dish on it's strengths and weaknesses.

Countryman Isomax 2 (omni) A favorite of Scott Fraser (engineer for the Kronos Quartet).  Countryman markets this as somewhat of a swiss army knife for all instruments and even voice.

Bartlett Audio This new comer from North Carolina, offers separate capsules for violin/viola and cello and have been adopted by The Turtle Island Quartet.  The mics are quite reasonably priced and made a great impression... check it out!

Audio Technica Pro 35 This reasonably priced, multi purpose mic is a "War Horse" for bowed string players for years.  What do the Pickup Test Guys think?

REMIC V5200 LB (Violin)   Note:  This is the "Live version" of the Remics which also offer a studio microphone.

REMIC C5300 LB (Cello) Note:  This is the "Live version of the Remics which also offer a studio microphone. Retraction:  The Portland Cello Project uses the Studio version of these mics and NOT the live version we tested!

REMIC Noise Reduction Test-  We tested Remic's noise reduction claims in a special test designed by our engineer Scott Fraser, and to go a step further we also tested the DPA 4099 and compared.   Click here to go to the test page and hear the results for yourself!   Note:  The Portland Cello Project uses the Studio version of these mics and NOT the live version we tested! Retraction:  Despite the Remic's extreme noise rejection, the microphones we tested are angled bi directional (similar to a figure 8) pattern and not HyperCardiod (as we incorrectly stated in the video).  

REMIC "MK.2" Live and studio capsules-  The new Remic microphones have several significant upgrades, and this interview also covers the studio capsules which represent a real breakthrough concept in string specific studio mics.  If you are a serious live player or home recordist, you'll want to check out this review!

YourHeaven Audio Microphones: YourHeaven Audio mics are a truly revolutionary new concept in microphone design!  If you haven't heard of YourHeaven microphone systems before,  Check out our video review and shootout/compare the sound results in our library to find out if this new mic system is right for you!

Special Product Reviews

Cloudvocal Mk, 2:  A Buskers Dream? 

Excited to bring you our newest review and a quick Playthrough of Cloudvocal’s second-generation dual microphone pick-up wireless system for violin!

We tested the first version when it came out 3 years ago, and were really impressed with the functionality and all of the unique features which at that time filled a pretty unique niche, especially for busking violinists.  

The new version includes a host of improvements from the EQ section, 4 more built-in effects, improved Bluetooth range and performance, and the new pick-up co- designed with K&K.  

Also as a quick note, because Luis (our pick-up tester) is away on an extended European tour and we wanted to get you the sounds as soon as possible, we had Megan play through both the pickup and microphone system and will be adding this unit to our official library very soon.

Cloudvocal Mk, 2:  Violin Playthrough

E

NEW:  The Great DPA Shootout The Pickup Guys Review the new CORE versions of the popular 4099 and 4063.  How much better are they and should you consider upgrading?  

Violin Comparison

by Pan right for new/Left for legacy

Cello Comparison

by Pan right for new/Left for legacy

NEW:  ISI Blended System   The guys deep dive into the amazing dual source mic/bridge pickup system by master luthier Eric Aceto.  A SERIOUS piece of gear for acoustic tone junkies!

Line 6 Helix Overview Part 1   This is the first ever review of the Helix for bowed strings.  In this in depth review, Jacob explains what makes Helix such a game changer for electric string players!

Line 6 Helix Overview Part 2

Line 6 Helix Overview Part 3

Those of you who have been part of our community for a while know that we don't review effects processors or pedal as they don't have string specific features and because there are so many thousands of guitar, bass, and keyboard players who are already doing a great job reviewing this gear. Last year at NAMM however we came upon Zoom's A1X Four with presets and effects specifically for acoustic and electric violins.
In this video, well not only review the unit from a string player's perspective, but we'll also discuss the entire concept of bowed string effects: is this snake oil and (if not), how well does this unit pull these off?
And of course, we'll deep-dive into each effect letting you hear every preset and patch for yourself.

Bonus Content:  Tonebone Preamp Shootout

As we mentioned in the review, Zoom has cloned most of the popular acoustic preamps in it's EQ section... but how well?  Check out our direct comparison of The Radial Tonebone PZ Pre with the Zoom clone.