Check out the LR Baggs HiFi pickup at Sweetwater (affiliate): sweetwater.sjv.io/q446O5

Nice Aaron, I think It’s a good sounding pickup, especially the highs. Baggs makes really great systems- big fan of their pre/DI units.

Om for, oh my that sounds nice.

I found the neumann MCM 114 to be the best solution for no mod - just setup, plug and play mic systems for an acoustic guitar to be the best. Has a really nice sound. Worth every dollar

Aaron, I love your fingerpicking…looks very steady. Never saw it up close. Good job

@aaronshortmusic

11 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Very thoughtful and thorough review as always Aaron. I agree completely. If the HiFi had a mic paired with it, the highs and detail would be more natural and balanced with the low end. My Anthem's sound great but they are lower output and at times can sound a little bit 'lean'. The HiFi is punchier and more percussive. A dual-source HiFi option would be outstanding. PS: Your OM 28 sounds excellent. I often think the OM28 would be the OM guitar for me if I was inclined to go down that road.

@aaronshortmusic

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Gary. I agree with you and look forward to seeing what is next…

The best system !

Love your videos, listening from Auckland NZ. Moved out here from Ipswich in 2012! I recognized your accent straight away, did a google and you're from Suffolk! Cheers,

@aaronshortmusic

14 күн бұрын

Small world!

Always appreciate your work Aaron. I used your affiliate link to purchase one of these!

@aaronshortmusic

7 ай бұрын

Thank you I appreciate it!

Got Baggs on my Lowden 032c 👍👍

Very good review. I hope L.R. Baggs watch it and take note.

@aaronshortmusic

9 ай бұрын

Thanks! Yes I know they have seen it. It will be interesting to see what happens next year.

Sounds awesome. A lot better than other demos I’ve heard - maybe it pairs especially well with the OM body. I actually think at least on this guitar it sounds great with the volume and tone wide open. If I were to get one I might really consider getting rid of the inline controls.

@aaronshortmusic

11 ай бұрын

It really depends on how it pairs with the guitar.

Terrific review! I will be having this installed in a ‘69 Gibson Dove that has a bridge that won’t allow an Anthem.

@aaronshortmusic

7 ай бұрын

Awesome!

@leighnaehanley5492

5 ай бұрын

I was just watching this in consideration of my '80 Gibson Dove, lol! I'm just worried about having to change the battery out - will I have to take it to where it was installed to change the battery?

@aaronshortmusic

5 ай бұрын

@@leighnaehanley5492 Not at all. Just loosen the strings and replace it. It lasts a LONG time!

Just installed the hifi. Very happy with it. I thought about the anthem, chose this thinking there would be less feedback

@aaronshortmusic

7 ай бұрын

Let us know how it goes!

@karlcountry2363

6 ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic so far so good! I run it through the lr baggs voiceprint. Best sound I’ve ever gotten out of a pa.

Aaron, what do you think now about the Duet system after having worked with the Hi-fi before the Duet came out? also in the K&K you mentioned that it's a great pickup to use for occassional gigging, but I have friends who play all the time with nothing but the pure mini. I'm looking at both K&K and the Duet for my Collings.

I just bought this Pickup. The best iv'e ever had/heard. Two screws and two 2030 Cell batteries. Installed in 3 Minutes. Amazing Humbucker sound. Check it out. The HP1A. Not the Passive HP1 KNA/HP1A |KNA Pickups guitar soundhole mounted active humbucker pickup system

Excited to get my guitar installed with it! Had the pure mini on another guitar and it pairs really well with the voiceprint DI. Wondering if you had tried the Hifi with the voiceprint?

@aaronshortmusic

11 ай бұрын

Yea I did. The only pickup that I really liked with the Voiceprint was the K&K funnily enough.

Good comment to Martin about drilling the end pin out for the pickup!

@aaronshortmusic

10 ай бұрын

Thanks. It’s already partially drilled so why not make it the correct size for a guitar cable?

@im58woody

10 ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic One more request to Martin executives is to give the buyer a delete pickup option for every model that normally comes with a built in pickup like the Baggs Element or Fishman MXT. That way the buyer can select the pickup that fits their needs without having to pay for one that doesn’t.

@aaronshortmusic

10 ай бұрын

@@im58woody True but many of those pickups are very inexpensive anyway and also a lot of people don’t want to deal with having them installed and are happy with how they sound!

@fenixfp40

5 ай бұрын

Lowden pre-drill as standard

I didn’t know about this pickup system and I have to say, I’m pleasantly surprised by the way it sounded to me. Of course, a lot of the stuff you do or do not like about any pickup on any guitar has to do with personal preferences, ease of use, tone itself (duh), the potential need for added equipment to perfect the system as much as you can and so forth. But listening to your story, your preferences and your expectations, I have to say that I couldn’t agree more. As far as I know LR Baggs hasn’t come out with a system that would blend this system with a built in little microphone, but I know for a fact that I would struggle not to buy it immediately once I heard they brought it out. That would probably be the closest thing to perfection yet when it comes to amplifying acoustics without the use of a good microphone. Maybe a combination of that yet to be manufactured new pickup system PLUS another yet to be developed better version of a pedal with really good and authentic sounding Impulse Responses of most of the great guitars we all know and love…., maybe THAT would be even better. Because I’ve been telling lots of my friends that I expect a well established brand, known for their high quality products (could be a brand like Strymon, or Chase Bliss Audio) to come out with a device in pedal format with IR technology that’s close to being perfect within two or three years. And if it happens, I hope it’ll be so good that they’ll come up with a whole new package, including a very simple system to replace all conventional pickup systems, because I still hate the need to drill holes in my guitars, or to put something in or on my guitar that is (too) visible, like a soundhole pickup, or to stick something to the top of my guitar. And as much as I find the faithful reproduction of the natural sound of a guitar the most important part of my quest to perfection, I would be willing to give up just a little bit of that perfection if it means that I don’t have to worry about replacing the batteries in my guitars. For if there’s anything I hate, it’s having to replace the batteries. Loosen the strings in order to find my hand stuck in my guitar, searching for the right way to open the battery pocket that I can never find and….. THAT to me is about the worst thing to conquer when playing the acoustic guitar. Did you know they used to catch monkeys in a very similar way? I won’t bother you with explaining how that disgusting practice worked precisely in the old days. It’s not a pleasant story. I’m sorry. I digress again. Thanks for the great demo. I always love to watch your videos. So again, thank you very much for all the work you put into making these videos. I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you do this for all of us. It saves me a lot of time (and money) to find all these things out myself. 🧡🧡🧡

@aaronshortmusic

Ай бұрын

The system with a microphone will be out in the next few months.

@mariodriessen9740

Ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic : Really? And will you demo it? I just spent all the money I could spend. So this means I have a good reason to start saving some money again. For a good cause. 😬👍

@aaronshortmusic

Ай бұрын

@@mariodriessen9740 I asked them to send me a guitar with it already installed so that I can make a demo. Like you said these videos take a lot of time and money to create.

@mariodriessen9740

Ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic : I appreciate it. Can’t wait. But… take all the time you need! 🧡

Hi Aaron. Sounds great. I have a question for you. I installed the hi fi the way it should be but the middle strings were lower in volume which is what i thought would happen because of only the two transducers but every one i hear from reviews they sound ok!

@aaronshortmusic

11 ай бұрын

That should not happen. Give LR Baggs a call tomorrow they will help you correct it.

I really appreciate your videos Aaron, I wish I had watched this BEFORE I switched out the Baggs Element VTC in my Eastman AC622. The Element VTC is the WORST sounding pickup system I have ever heard in an acoustic guitar, all frequencies sound processed and quacky, random reverb and chorus-y sounds show up unexpectedly. I made the easy switch to the Baggs HiFi system. The overall sound is greatly improved but all frequencies STILL sound processed and unnatural to my ear. I may invest in an Anthem system as I plan to perform with the Eastman guitar but finding the best Baggs pickup is getting a little spendy. I have K&K minis in 2 other guitars that sound boomy and boxy on their own but are eq'd fairly easily to an acceptable acoustic sound. I was hoping the Baggs Hi Fi would be an improvement and it is but comes with its own issues. I really appreciate you and your very thorough reviews INCLUDING your valuable personal opinions.Please keep up the important work you're doing!!

@aaronshortmusic

6 ай бұрын

Thank you. Baggs are hinting at a new system at NAMM next month. I would watch see what that is.

I have a dual source system. I’d love to see if this or another transducer could replace the piezo.

@aaronshortmusic

8 ай бұрын

Hopefully Baggs will make a dual source version.

Great video Aaron! Question: I’m considering this pickup or another LR Baggs pickup for my Taylor Acoustic to replace the ES-2. Is it worth replacing the ES-2, or should I get a good pre amp and make adjustments? I can’t seem to get a good sound from the ES-2. I appreciate your guidance. Note: If helpful, it’s for “live” playing, not recording. Thanks, Bill 🎶

@aaronshortmusic

10 ай бұрын

I would wait to see what the version of the HiFi and mic version is like (not confirmed yet) and just try to dial in the ES2 better for now. What are you plugging into? I would suggest upgrading your mixer over a preamp and if you need to be portable or have a pedalboard then consider a nice EQ pedal to shape the guitar sound.

@Nashjersey

10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info Aaron! Very helpful, and it leads me to others questions. I would like to communicate with you more as my questions might be specific to the types of gigs I do. Would it be possible to set up a time to talk with you further, as a consultation? (for a fee of course :). If so, I could request you as a Facebook friend and give you my contact info. No rush… Thanks, Bill

@aaronshortmusic

10 ай бұрын

@@Nashjersey Sure. Email aaronshortmusic@gmail.com thanks!

@Nashjersey

10 ай бұрын

Thank you Aaron! I’ll e-mail you later today. (I’m currently playing a church service :) Bill

What is that guitar on the wall behind you? Looks VERY interesting!

@aaronshortmusic

7 ай бұрын

Cole Clark True Hybrid. I have a demo of it on the channel.

What about an Ultratonic which has a set and forget pre-configured EQ patterns in the endpin?

@aaronshortmusic

10 ай бұрын

I have a review of it. It still uses glue, doesn’t sound quite as good and has to be set just right to get the right sound with enough bass.

I have a question that I would love for someone to answer. I sent it to LR Baggs several weeks ago with no response. I currently have an undersaddle piezo pickup installed in my guitar. My question is - do I need to remove that and install a replacement saddle that is in direct contact with the bridge in order to use the HiFi system, or will I be fine if I simply leave the piezzo in place and just disconnect it when I install the HiFi?

@aaronshortmusic

11 ай бұрын

You can leave the piezo but if you won’t be using it then it’s best to remove it and make a new one-piece saddle.

@ronaldsnyder4465

6 ай бұрын

You'll get a better sound from the guitar if you remove the piezo and get direct contact between the saddle and the bridge.

LR Baggs should make this with a mic option. I have K&K Trinty in 2 guitars and LR Baggs Anthems in two guitars. Which I think the Trinity sounds better than the Anthem, but I don't really like the preamp for the Trinity. The Anthem is easier to just plug in and play.

@aaronshortmusic

11 ай бұрын

I agree!

@DavidCollinsMusic

6 ай бұрын

You can solder a mic to the second passive input in the endpin jack and then feed it phantom power that way according to the Baggs install info.

@jonbanner5823

6 ай бұрын

@@DavidCollinsMusic Have you tried this? Its a great idea....any mic recommendations?

Can you tell me what your reservation about the undersaddle element for LR Baggs? You mentioned it was “soft.” I use a Fishman Prefix Mic Blend in my Taylor and also a Fishman Martin Gold Plus on my OM. Also what about this HiFi with IR?

@aaronshortmusic

10 ай бұрын

Some people don’t like having a ‘shim’ under their saddle and since the Element is a soft material they say it’s even more disruptive to the unplugged tone. The verdict is still out for me. I haven’t tried IR lately as I feel it is the future but no one is doing it right yet. I’m waiting for the next generation of IR tech.

@telee19

10 ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic I see…I may go with Fishman Infinity Mic blend with my new OM (not Martin) or hold out for LR Baggs HiFi Mic Blend

At the beginning you speak as if you installed it yourself. Did you take off the top of your guitar (unglue) to install this? I'm toggling between this and the Fishman, which installs on the sound hole. Plus, you can't adjust the sound once it's inside the guitar, can you?

@aaronshortmusic

5 ай бұрын

Baggs installed it for me but it’s very easy to do. The Fishman Rare Earth Blend is also an awesome system if you don’t mind having a pickup in the Soundhole.

Your review are SO helpful! I do solo bar gigs, often times with such little space that I'm within arm's length of my EV 30M.....currently using a baggs element, but wanted to ask you if you were in my situation, would you go with an element or hifi?

@aaronshortmusic

5 ай бұрын

Thanks! I would use an Anthem!

@robrero

5 ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic is it worth switching from an element to a hifi? Or wait for the duet?

@aaronshortmusic

5 ай бұрын

@@robrero I would switch it to an Anthem SL or wait for the Duet reviews.

@robrero

5 ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic thanks! I had been on the fence about the hifi, but for now it’s off the table. I wish the components of either system were modular instead of heard wired…then I could just unplug the element and audition the hifi while leaving the element under the saddle.

@aaronshortmusic

5 ай бұрын

@@robrero I wouldn’t consider those. Go with the Anthem SL or the new Duet. Two pickups are better than one.

here is your dream - dual source "lr baggs hifi duet"

@aaronshortmusic

21 күн бұрын

It’s coming!

I have recently had an Anthem installed on my Gibson J-185 and the sound is awful…argh. Lots of hiss at any usable level, tone is ok but the hiss annoys me. Speaking to Baggs about it, may have a faulty unit but in your pro opinion should I have gone for the HiFi? Great vids!

@aaronshortmusic

10 ай бұрын

Hi there. I would need to see or hear it myself but it does sound like it may be faulty. The Anthem definitely has more noise than the HiFi but many mic-based systems do. If I crank the gain and listen careful I can hear the noise but under normal playing conditions you should not hear it. Did you purchase the system new? My first thought is to switch it out for another unit. Also see where the internal trim pot is set. Maybe it has been set to maximum somehow which would cause more noise. I use mine around 60% but it depends on the sound system etc. Let us know what happens. I love the Anthem and still prefer it to the HiFi.

@markconnolly2852

10 ай бұрын

Hey Aaron. Thanks for the reply buddy. Yeah it’s brand new and installed by a luthier local to me in Kent. I’ve dialled back the mic trim to a relative level, probably around 40% but actually worth noting I have unplugged both the mic and the element pick-up and still have a horrible amount of air/hiss just plugged in via the guitar jack so definitely seems to be a pre-amp issue. I’m glad you have said you love the anthem as your videos clearly display a true understanding of sound, tone and so on. I’ll keep you updated for others to see.

@aaronshortmusic

10 ай бұрын

@@markconnolly2852 LR Baggs support is exceptional. Reach out and ask if they will exchange the system and try again. Is it the ‘full’ Anthem or the ‘SL’?

@markconnolly2852

10 ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic hey, yep I’ve just sorted an exchange so need to whip everything out of the guitar, send back to the shop and await a full replacement. Reinstall and hope that it’s all beautiful sounding thereafter. It’s the full anthem system, just hope it works and is worth the agg. I’ll keep you updated…

@aaronshortmusic

10 ай бұрын

@@markconnolly2852 That’s good. I’m sure it’s just a faulty preamp. Let us know!

Does the HiFi system change the sound of the guitar when it is unplugged?

@aaronshortmusic

Ай бұрын

Some will say that anything you to a guitar will change its tone(also depending on the guitar) but this is a pretty minimal install.

Ok you have convince me to wait.. 😅

@aaronshortmusic

11 ай бұрын

If anyone already has an Anthem then that is what I would do based on my needs.

@mikealpinist3818

11 ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic how about the HiFi with some it's. I have a Mooer Prime P1 mini modeler that I can attach to my strap and play on a small open mic.. that's my primary goal and I know when the HiFi with mic will come out I'll feel I'm missing out. Any thoughts? Thank you. Also I'm talking about fingerstyle stuff or strum with fingers

@aaronshortmusic

11 ай бұрын

@@mikealpinist3818 I just find IR to be mostly a compromise with the current tech. I would wait for the potential ‘HiFi Anthem’ or install an Anthem SL.

I don't believe it is possible for any under-saddle or internal pickup, or internal mic, to sound as good as an external mic because a guitar's sound is also generated externally. Internal pickups and mics sound like they are inside of a box, which they are.

@aaronshortmusic

9 ай бұрын

Yes of course. That is why there is a big interest in acoustic IR’s to ‘correct’ that. I find that 2 or 3 internal pickups can get you closer but it still will never sound like a mic outside of the guitar but then you have to deal with mic bleed and feedback.

your preference between HIFI and amulet M and why?

@aaronshortmusic

10 ай бұрын

The Amulet is harder to install and more expensive. I would choose the HiFi but I currently prefer the Anthem SL and am waiting for the next version of the HiFi that will add a microphone.

How would you compare the lyric and the hifi for playing folk/ country and old time, usually solo.

@aaronshortmusic

10 ай бұрын

The Lyric can be more natural but can be harder to control on a loud stage. I would personally choose the HiFi.

@tleek

9 ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic I just had a hifi installed today. It sounds fantastic but is very quiet compared to my classical guitar with an under saddle. With the same eq and volume on my amp and volume control maxed out on both guitars, the classical guitar is maybe 3 times louder. Is this normal. I think I might bring it back to the shop.

@aaronshortmusic

9 ай бұрын

@@tleek it should be loud ‘enough’. It’s hard to compare to other systems without knowing exactly what they are.

@tleek

9 ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic that’s fair, the classical guitar has some fishman system. I crank my amp up to 3 and it is too loud on the house. I maxed out the volume at 10 with the hifi and its loud but I can sit right next to the amp okay. Maxing out the bass treble and mid on the amp made it louder but effected tone. So strange.

@aaronshortmusic

9 ай бұрын

@@tleek A lot of the Fishman’s are VERY hot but it shouldn’t be a massive difference.

Dual source (Hifi + mic) is going to be available summer of 2024...but it's $450 USD. And it will cost me more money to have it professionally installed. This could run me $550 USD....no thanks.

@aaronshortmusic

Ай бұрын

If it’s the best sounding system on the market then it will be worth it. Most of the other high end systems are $300-400.

@JohnDoe-xr5is

Ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic Like you, I am an anthem fan.

@aaronshortmusic

Ай бұрын

@@JohnDoe-xr5is We will still have that option and it will still be good!

Is that a shelf-stock OM28???

@aaronshortmusic

5 ай бұрын

Yes.

....pssst! The best ones come with 'putty'...(shhhh!) Cheers!

@aaronshortmusic

6 ай бұрын

Putty?

@JubileeValence

6 ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic “stick on”; find the sweet spot below bridge & stick in on there lol Some even have a volume pot The worst thing I’ve ever heard is the ovation/applause factory set up

@aaronshortmusic

6 ай бұрын

@@JubileeValence Baggs only recommend 3M for installation.

@JubileeValence

6 ай бұрын

@@aaronshortmusic The "stick-ons" are only for exterior and easily removable without damage to finish, like on my French polish etc. That interior setup looks real clean with the same idea for sweet spot at bridge & I'd imagine the sound is outstanding! Cheers!

They are all slowly trying to copy K&K mini… I understand why…

@aaronshortmusic

11 ай бұрын

It’s a great system. It just needs refinement IMO.

@adamstewart247

8 ай бұрын

The K&K pure mini is the most overrated pickup out there. Glad the superiority of microphone based pickups was clarified in this video. No pickup without a condenser mic can compete with one that has one.

@andydepissant

3 ай бұрын

They work in smaller bodies. Tried something like that in my dread and it was truly awful.

Piezo sounds like tinny

Any of these pick ups are only as good as the quality pre amps,di,and pa that you run them through and how you tweak them period.

Each accoustic guitar is going to sound completely different according to the tone woods and level of resonance . Some are naturally bassy , mid ranged, or high end, none are the same. Deal with it.

@aaronshortmusic

8 ай бұрын

You can’t even spell ‘acoustic’. You are also incredibly rude.

@John-wr6yo

8 ай бұрын

@aaronshortmusic wow i am sorry that my honest opinions offend you. I thought your channel was for education and better understanding of the nuances of acoustic electric sound. Every one on here has made a comment on their coices and exsperience with the topic at hand. So you tell me honestly how i have been rude and offended you. I would really like to know. Yes you are right and i will give credit to your negative criticism were it is due that i dont spell to well . But rude i just dont understand

@aaronshortmusic

8 ай бұрын

@@John-wr6yo I welcome all open discussion but not being attacked. How is writing ‘deal with it’ not rude???

@aaronshortmusic

8 ай бұрын

@@John-wr6yo OK I read your reply and your comment again and I apologize. I guess you were making a comment about the topic and not personally towards me…

@John-wr6yo

8 ай бұрын

If you are doing recording by youself or live performances by your self. Do you not have to deal with it ,period. Since there is no one else at hand.