Volume issues on Anthem SL

[EricSharp]

Hi, I have just installed an Anthem SL in my Fylde Falstaff. I was very happy with the one I put in my other Fylde about 3 years ago, so I know this was the set up I wanted. Both guitars sound good plugged in but the new one has much lower output. At full volume it is equivalent to about the half setting on the earlier installation. On checking, I found that I had installed the mic in the first one on the tailpin side of the bridge pins. On the new one it is on the soundhole side. Apart from that the installations are identical I think. Guitars of identical size and shape, just different woods. If anything I prefer the sound of the newer one, as it is less heavy on middle and bass. But I am puzzled by the difference. I think the new one will give enough volume when I plug in at a folk club. Does the mic placement make much difference to volume? Or has the design altered to filter out more middle?

[Caleb_Elling]

Hi Eric,
The Anthem SL design hasn't changed, but the installation as well as the wood and saddle materials can all play a part in the output of the pickup system. Handbuilt guitars like the Falstaffs also tend to be more unique from one guitar to the next, at least compared to "assembly line" guitars.

I've seen different woods alter the tone and output of a given pickup system- it's even more so with different saddle materials. Mic placement will make some difference on the SL, but I think that the other factors are likely to make a bigger difference.

You could confirm this by swapping the systems from one guitar to the other, but I think you'd hear the same response.

[EricSharp]

Many thanks Caleb. I have been looking at the shape of the guitars, and the mic in the Orsino is at a wider part of the body. I suspect it is picking up the standing wave at this point, so getting more middle and bass. Despite the lower output, I think the pickup in the Falstaff has better balance. I may move the mic on the Orsino onto the soundhole side of the bridge plate, but I'm not really curious enough to swap the installations. Both work fine.

Hi Eric,
The Anthem SL design hasn't changed, but the installation as well as the wood and saddle materials can all play a part in the output of the pickup system. Handbuilt guitars like the Falstaffs also tend to be more unique from one guitar to the next, at least compared to "assembly line" guitars.

I've seen different woods alter the tone and output of a given pickup system- it's even more so with different saddle materials. Mic placement will make some difference on the SL, but I think that the other factors are likely to make a bigger difference.

You could confirm this by swapping the systems from one guitar to the other, but I think you'd hear the same response.