What is the “Best” Pickup for violin, viola or cello?

What is the best pickup for violin, viola, or cello is the most common question beginners ask. This is a really terrible question! In this video,  Jacob explains why and helps you understand why it’s better to hear for yourself!

Violin, viola, and cello players face a lot of unique challenges when monitoring because of how we hear, blend and intonate! In this video, I break down some of the different options available and what settings they work best in.

Interested in exploring MIDI violin, viola, or cello? I’ve spent years working with MIDI instruments, and in this video I break down what MIDI violin actually is, where its limitations lie, and how to know whether it’s the right fit for you.

In this video, I break down which effects-pedal review sites and YouTube creators are actually worth your time — and what each of them does well (and not so well). We don’t often review effects ourselves because there are already fantastic guitarists covering that space, but with the sheer volume of content on YouTube, it’s easy to get lost in the noise.

I’ll help you spot the reviewers who genuinely know their stuff — and here’s a hint: it’s not always the channels with the biggest view counts.

During a recent L.A. studio session, a Neumann KM84 — a small-diaphragm condenser — delivered shockingly good results on solo cello, outperforming what I typically expect from large-diaphragm and ribbon mics. That inspired me to run a focused shootout between the KM84, KM184, and the MA-200, and the differences were not what I anticipated.

Of all the video requests we get, what is the “Best amp” is always one of the most popular.

As you might expect the answer is a little bit tricky, and there is really not one magic amp for every player and performance style SO rather than just disingenuously recommending a few brands or touting what we play, in true Pickup Test tradition, we decided to make a video that would arm you with powerful STRING SPECIFIC principles to make the decision that is best for you.  Along the way, Jacob will help you cut through the Technical Jargon and marketing speak that can confuse and mislead string players like:

*Do you really need an ACOUSTIC amp?

*What the heck is impedance and should you care?

*Do more Watts mean more volume?

And so much more!!!

I wish I had these simple tips in mind when I started my journey years ago and now I’m excited to share them with you!

See You backstage,

So excited to announce our newest release.  A string effects class filled with real,  practical,  string specific information that every player needs while not just recycling the same old information you’d find anywhere else.  

This 90-minute class covers:

*Tone Fundamentals
*Pedalboard concepts
*The biggest gear mistakes string players make
*Finding your own sound with effects

AND so much more!!!

Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro this video is a must-watch. 

We all own and know how to use effects like Reverb, EQ, Delay, etc., so instead of reinventing the wheel, we created this series of short effects tutorials with advanced concepts for string players that you won’t find anywhere else.

We prerecorded a loop of my cello to eliminate any “real cello” sound in the room and worked on dialing in a useable clean cello sound. This seemed like the best place to start as it’s the foundation for all of us no matter what style you play in or how many crazy effects you might use. Listening to Noah speak about these effects and the sonic decisions he makes will  inspire you to conceptualize your live sound in a new way by learning to notice the distinction between what may be the most realistic or “pleasing” sound in a solo context versus what is the most “useable” sound. I really believe these pearls of wisdom will help you reconsider how you’ve been using EQ, Reverb, Compression and Delay in the past.

Also, like the other videos on this site, be sure to listen to these classes on a good pair of headphones to really capture the subtleties of what Noah is doing. Hope you like them.  – Jacob

On the first stop on our tour, we’ll be discussing the most important part of your chain: EQ. Whether you are using individual pedals or a multi effects rig, understanding EQ is critical to your sound and while we have all used this effect before, very few string players know how to really do so effectively. Watch on!

This is the least understood of all effects musicians commonly use. Many string players star clear of compression all together, but when we really learn how to use compression, it can become a staple of our tone shaping arsenal.

Reverb is the core of every string players sound.  In this video, Noah offers some incredibly helpful insights on how to get more out of this effect as well as a dual reverb approach that will inspire you to think of this effect in new ways.

In this context we’ll be talking about delay, not as a spacey effect but in the context of dialing in a compelling live tone.  Noah has some really helpful points here, including the idea that delay may be an effective compliment or even REPLACEMENT for reverb in a live setting.

Not sure if you should buy a pickup or a mic?  In Vol. 1 of this series, The Pickup Test Guys show you how to choose.

Decided to go with a pickup?  The Pickup Test Guys guide you through the factors to consider in choosing the one that’s best for you.

Not sure if you should blend a pickup with a mic?  In Vol. 3 of this series, The Pickup Test Guys help you figure out if this unique approach is right for you.

In Vol. 1 of the dialing in series, the guys dive into the top 4 tips for amplified string players when playing live.  An absolute must listen!

The ultimate guide for dummies! Learn to communicate with sound guys who have no idea what bowed strings are supposed to sound like.  This episode is for “non technical” players and gear nerds alike.

In the first installment of this tutorial, Jacob shows you the one pedal every amplified string player needs!

The 2 Channel Method In the 2nd volume of our series.  Jacob shows you a simple recipe for combating the biggest problem string players face on stage when playing amplified.

We went right to the source and convened an expert panel of Nashville touring pros who live and breathe wireless gear.
You’ll learn about:

• What makes some wireless systems so expensive (or cheap)
• What are the key features string players should care about and what are the key stats to look for when purchasing
• Different feature sets that different types of performers (touring, busking etc) need and don’t need.
• Understanding wireless systems as an interface
  and more!

I made this quick, no-frills video to walk you through how I currently amplify and monitor my acoustic cello rig. Rather than pushing specific brands for you to copy, I focus on the core principles that will help you build or refine a setup that fits your needs now and grows with you over time.

In this video, I cover:

• My overall approach to amplification

• The gear I use for classical/world settings where the goal is a natural, uncolored sound

• How I handle common monitoring challenges

• Practical tips I wish I’d known when I first started

These concepts have shaped my entire journey with amplified acoustic cello, and I’m excited to pass them on to you.

Learn how to build a pedalboard ideal for cellists, and the unique factors we need to consider when choosing gear and planning our boards. This is the video I wish existed when I created my board and whether this is your first board or 20th, this video is sure to save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of frustration.

This is the third and final installment of my cello pedalboard build. In this video, I’m covering advanced features of the board and solutions I found for incorporating them that will be of interest to many of you who are more advanced in your effects pedal journey.  For more basic string specific principles and concepts, check out parts 1 and 2 of the build.

Welcome to my main cello pedalboard Rig 23 that I use for most jazz and sideman gigs.  This video shares some of my thoughts on loopers and my approach to expression pedals from a cellist and string player’s perspective.

Are electric strings actually worth it? What’s really going on with cello tapping? And how should you approach code string IRs if you’re just getting started?