advised to get a pre-amp for my clawhammer banjo -- Help!

[faeriegrove]

I play clawhammer banjo and sing in an old-time band, and have been advised that in addition to a pick-up (which I have, though I don't know the brand, someone gave it to me. Looks like it has a stylized "S" engraved on it, butt doesn't look like any of the pickups on the Schatten website.) I don't really dig the sound with this pickup so I'd be open to trying something new. I think it only cost around $50.

I've been advised to get a pre-amp, but don't know where to start.

Any suggestions?

My banjo is fairly quiet, compared to the other instruments, and they want to hear more of me. My preference is to play acoustic, but that's not gonna happen, so I need to get on board, so they can hear me.

The other instruments in the band are electric guitar, accordian, autoharp, fiddle, bass, guitar, and we have a Peavey PV14 mixer.

 

[c7sus]

I'd put an SM-58 in front of it and call it good.

 

[Steenamaroo]

I'd put an SM-58 in front of it and call it good.

You could try that. There's a heck of a range of tone available just by moving the mic or instrument a few inches.
It might be a bit restrictive on stage but if that doesn't bother you I'd try it.

 

[c7sus]

This guy is in the first band in history that actually wants to hear the banjo.

 

[mjbphotos]

I agree regarding using a mic, but use a Shure SM-57 (the 58 is the one with the ball end for vocals). Otherwise, consider investing in a banjo with a built-in pickup - I've looked at them and they are not cheap, but the pickup (and preamp is sure to be part of the system) is designed to get the sound of the banjo picked up correctly.

 

[Steenamaroo]

This guy is in the first band in history that actually wants to hear the banjo.

Maybe they want him to drown out the bagpipes?

 

[c7sus]

I'd stick with the 58 because it has a windscreen built into it that the 57 doesn't.

 

[witzendoz]

My banjo is fairly quiet, compared to the other instruments,

Working perfectly?

Alan

 

[mixsit]

Nah. '57... but add the windscreen


Welcome to the fun Faeriegrove

 

[Armistice]

If you don't "dig the sound" of your current pick up, how are you hearing it at all without using a preamp somewhere along the way?

 

[Richard Monroe]

Picture of pickup, please. This is functional for cheap:

Shadow SH B1 Twin Disc Transducer for Banjo | Musician's Friend

I don't know of any preamps specifically marketed for banjo, but you would generally only use one for tone shaping when you don't like the sound of the pickup, and you'd have to go to an acoustic guitar preamp, such as:

Fishman Pro EQ II Acoustic Guitar Preamp | Musician's Friend

If the sound of the pickup is good, all you really need is a direct (DI) box to go direct into the PA. Here's a cheap standard:

Whirlwind IMP 2 Standard Direct Box | Musician's Friend

I'd start by just jacking whatever pickup you have into a DI box, and see what you get. That might solve your whole problem on the cheap.

 

[Lt. Bob]

I'd stick with the 58 because it has a windscreen built into it that the 57 doesn't.

a banjo doesn't need a windscreen ..... it doesn't have lips and there are no 'plosives to screen the mic from.
And the 57 and 58 are basically the same mic otherwise although you can get a bit closer to the banjo with a 57 because of no windscreen.

 

[Richard Monroe]

a banjo doesn't need a windscreen ..... it doesn't have lips and there are no 'plosives to screen the mic from.
And the 57 and 58 are basically the same mic otherwise although you can get a bit closer to the banjo with a 57 because of no windscreen.

And- if you are playing outside and it really is windy, you can always put a windscreen on the 57. I think the problem is that the OP is trying to go into the board without a DI box.

 

[Lt. Bob]

And- if you are playing outside and it really is windy, you can always put a windscreen on the 57. .

and this too. TBH I've always preferred the 57 to the 58 ..... I hear a very slight treble roll off with the 58 because of that screen. It's not much but it's there and those two mics aren't exactly 'sparkly' sounding anyway so for my tastes it can't afford to lose anything.

I think it'd prolly make a pretty good banjo mic but a pickup would be easier and I agree .... he just needs something to add some output to that pickup DI box ..... small preamp ..... something.

AND ..... if you are outside and it's really windy a 58's windscreen doesn't help much ..... you still need to stick a clown nose on it so it may as well be a 57.

 

[c7sus]

a banjo doesn't need a windscreen ..... it doesn't have lips and there are no 'plosives to screen the mic from.
And the 57 and 58 are basically the same mic otherwise although you can get a bit closer to the banjo with a 57 because of no windscreen.

I was thinking of wind noise in outdoor applications. I've never been to a bluegrass show where the banjo player wasn't getting through loud and clear with a 58.

If you have good technique it shouldn't matter which of those mics you use. It's not like a banjo is a quiet instrument lacking in treble response. Most players will back up a half-step or more when playing backing parts and step up for solos.

I could see using a pickup if you're doing Bela Fleck or something with a bunch of FX. For old timey music a 58 is the industry standard for live applications, at least on the West Coast.