Hi Ron, I have used Helpinstill pick ups for years (since about 1979) and was very happy to hear he is back manufacturing them. They are very useful when you are trying to amplify the piano to compete with excessive stage volume. They do have a tendency to color the sound and make it somewhat artificial. A lot depends on the installation. They can be a little tricky to install and get adjusted properly. Rock, pop, country and some jazz artists seem to like them. Classical artists probably won't go near them but you wouldn't expect them too. I would love to own one and will definitely look into the current pricing (probably will be kind of expensive). Another option which works quite well is the Barcus-Berry piano transducer. It is a small device that is placed on the soundboard which is wired to a preamp and reproduces quite well. You can move it around to find the best response. For large pianos you might try two. The BB goes for about $200 dealer cost. Phil Romano Myrtle Beach, SC (currently in Las Vega$) ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ron Koval" <drwoodwind@hotmail.com> To: <pianotech@ptg.org> Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2001 2:49 PM Subject: magnetic microphone pick-up > Hey out there- > > Does anyone out there have first-hand experience with the Helpinstill piano > mic that was written about on the list recently? Our stage manager is > interested, but would like a direct reference before spending the money. > You can email me direct if you prefer. Either positive or negative comments > would be appreciated. > > Thanks > > Ron Koval > Chicagoland > _________________________________________________________________ > Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com >
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