Recording acoustic w/ aftermarket pickup

[Ricklh]

I've recorded my Takamine acoustic with the mic and it sounds really nice, but I've been considering getting one of those pick-ups that you just stick into the soundhole (like L.R. Baggs, or Fishman, etc) and plug the 1/4 cable into the Fostex. Anyone here recorded an acoustic this way or compared miking vs. an add-on pick-up? Some of these pick-ups recommend a pre-amp, which I have an ART mic pre-amp, but is this really necessary or can I just plug the guitar pick-up directly into the MR-8 and get good results?

 

[a12stringer]

If you have no aversion to drilling an extra hole in your guitar, I recommend one of the piezo transducers that are installed under the saddle.
I use a Dean Markley "Sweet Spot" and, (IMHO) it sounds more "natural" than any other piezo transducer I've tried, ranging from barcus-barry to Fishman.
The benefit of using the under-the-saddle transducer is that it doesn't have as much mass to inhibit the vibration of the top that a soundhole pick-up has. The drawback is the "quackiness" which is common to piezo transducers. But if you are running a direct signal, you can always run the signal through an EQ to take the "quackiness" out. I use a DOD AcousticFX multi-FX for pre-amping and EQ.
If you are also micing the guitar, using a a pick-up allows you the ability to record two tracks at once: one using the natural acoustics of the quitar and the other using FX. Then you can mix and match as you wish. (Nothing like my penchant for stating the obvious. )

 

[radiorickm]

I have a pick up like you describe on my Martin 12 string.

You do get a very clear sound using one of these, but imho you loose almost all "acoustic presence" meaing your guitar will sound more like a solid body than an acoustic.

The piezo's do retain the acoustic qualities of the guitar better especially the saddle mounted ones.

I am more inclined now to go back to miking my guitar to get the sound i desire.

Everyone has a differecnt opinion. So you try it out and see if you like. It's what makes you happy that is importat!

 

[a12stringer]

As I stated earlier, the best thing about the under-the-saddle piezo pickup (or any pickup, really) is that it allows for both direct input using fx and for mic-ing the guitar for a "natural" sound and recording both to separate tracks at the same time. My experience with soundhole-mounted pickups (and their only real drawbacks IMO) indicates a bit of a loss of the "natural" sound due to the soundhole being partially covered and also having to use electric guitar strings with a nickel winding because bronze windings due not work as well with magnetic pickups.
Basically, it boils down to personal preference and you have to go with which sound most closely matches what you want to hear out of your guitar on a given recording.
Can I get an "Amen"?