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Archtop Jazz Blend
as fitted to Martin Taylor 'Artistry'
This unique system was designed by Mike Vanden to add a further dimension
to the electric sound of an archtop guitar, without interfering with the
acoustic response or the structure of the instrument itself. The heart
of the system is the dedicated pre-amp and battery PCBs. By using SURFACE
MOUNT technology and EDGE WHEELS for the controls the overall height of
the pre-amp is only 6.6mm or just over 1/4", making it possible to
mount the whole system underneath a floating pickguard. Mounted to the
separate battery PCB are two battery holders to accept 2 x 2032 3v lithium
cells. The batteries can be changed quickly and easily without having
to remove the pickguard.
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Pre-amp: Battery life is 80
hours. The pre-amps are activated when the guitar lead is plugged
in. The controls feature VOLUME, ACTIVE TONE for the magnetic pickup,
and BLEND using edge wheels. Visually, this gives a very clean look
to the instrument plus the right hand can't hit any controls. The
pre-amp can be used with either the magnetic or piezo individually
and the second pickup can be added at a later date.
Pickups:
MAGNETIC: The MIMESIS magnetic pickup is a dual coil Humbucker design
using Alnico 5 magnets with compensation for the 'B' string, and
mounts from the pickguard. It can be used passive or with the Jazz
Blend pre-amp. Alternatively, any medium output H/B can be used.
PIEZO: The piezo used is the FISHMAN ARCH TOP GUITAR PICKUP. This
high performance piezo-ceramic pickup consists of dual vibration
sensing elements embedded into a fully adjustable ebony bridge.
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Sounds: What
the reviewers say:
David Meade in 'Guitarist' Nov.'99:
'When plugged in to an amp, the Artistry serves the player well.
Using the fader control to blend the guitar's electric and acoustic
properties offers a very broad tonal range indeed. I found everything
from traditional jazzy plumminess to those all important
shimmering, bright acoustic sounds, both readily available with
minimal fuss.'
Trevor Owen in 'Just Jazz Guitar' May '00:
'When I played the guitar fingerstyle I found that the blend of
sounds achieved between the Piezo and the humbucker seemed endless
and can be easily altered with the use of the blend control, which
is very accessible.'
INSTALLATION: This system needs to be
installed by a competant repair person. Mimesis cannot be held responsible
for any damages due to improper installation.
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Contact
The Old School, Strontian, Acharacle, Argyll, PH36 4JA, Scotland
Telephone / Fax +44(0)1967 402114 |
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