Lyric in Taylor GC 4

[amcasci]

I am new to this forum and new to the Baggs Lyric. I received it yesterday and installed in my Taylor GC 4 (Grand Concert). At low volume it sounds very nice and natural but a bit of volume and it becomes boomy and wants to feedback. Also, I notice a spike on the b string. It stands out more than when unplugged. I placed the mic as directed on the plate and I think I had it pretty well centered. Should I experiment with a different placement and if I do, will the adhesive need to be replaced?

[MorganEliot]

Hi amcasci,

I replied to your email from earlier this morning. We will get this figured out as quickly as possible.

[amcasci]

So...the pickup was very close to the end pins. I moved it forward and not it is about 2 inches away. It smoothed out the sound and it is less prone to feedback and booming. But now I am hearing a bit more finger noise as I move on the strings. I have the presence off after experimenting with it. It is a powerful tool but to piercing for my ears. It may help to know I play through a Fender DRRI. Things may sound very different through a PA or acoustic amp. At slightly lower volume I like the sound. As volume increases I like it a bit less. Perhaps some more experiment with placement is in order.

[amcasci]

It just dawned on me that I may have moved far enough forward that I am not on the bridge plate. I will check that out. There seems to be much room forward of the bridge in the Taylor GC 4.

[MorganEliot]

Hi amcasci,

I would first try playing the guitar through a PA or acoustic amp. Your acoustic will sound and react very differently through an electric guitar amplifier. Here is a link to a video that does a great job in explaining the differences between the different amplifiers: https://youtu.be/XcKhHUSFa3w

As for the mic placement, reference the installation notes that I sent to your email and compare them to where you placed the mic in your guitar. Placement of the mic can make a pretty significant difference in the amplified tone of your guitar.

Let me know what you discover!

[amcasci]

The Lyric is performing admirably. It does sound very natural through my TC Hilicon FX 150 . I am a bit disappointed that it did not sound so good through my Fender DRRI but after all it is a microphone. On the whole I commend the Lyric to those who want a very natural sound.