Back again. The lyric sounds so much like the guitar, I have been known to unplug to see if the amp is on. Yes, it is that good. Things to watch out for if you want to avoid an annoying buzz when installing pretty much any internal acoustic pickup: 1. Do not allow the back of the control unit to rest up against the cross brace. 2. Ignore LR Baggs instruction illustration, do not attach wire clips to the top bracing or sound board. You don't want wire touching anything that vibrates 3. Make sure the mic is not pushed too far back up against string ball ends or pegs. 4. The sleeve over the preamp can work loose so make sure it is tight and even better, loosen, put a drop of Loctite thread locker then re-tighten. 5. The jack strap ring can also loosen and rattle so same thing there, drop of thread locker before tightening. Special shout out to James, guitar repair tech at Bourgeois Guitars for helping with that list.
I've been using a Lyric in my Larrivee L-05 since 2012 with ZERO regrets. I love it so much that when I ordered a new Taylor 714c in March I requested it without their pickup system. I'm having a Lyric installed instead.
I've been using a Lyric in my Larrivee D-02 since 2015 with ZERO regrets. There, fixed it for you! LOL I love mine as well and am installing one into a Seagull 12string this weekend! BTW - of all the acoustics I've played the value of that guitar is unreal. I bought mine "used" with a Lyric installed and hard-shell case for $795 at Long & McQuade in Winnipeg, Canada. I couldn't believe how good it sounded and the price was incredible. It's not made anymore but it's slightly bigger brother (fancier rosette I read) D-03 sells for over $2200 without the pickup. LOL, long story but it's a fantastic guitar and is only getting better with age. Cheers to you!
Based mostly on this review plus a couple others, but mostly this one, last night I finished installing an LR Baggs Lyric in a 2007 Bourgeois Vintage D that I acquired a week ago (which is part of what drove me to your video in the first place). You are totally 100% right. I was blown away. I tested it, did a couple adjustments to get the tone warmed up and from that point could not stop playing that guitar until my fingers hurt. I have had plenty of acoustic/electric guitars and this pickup is the best yet. Thanks for this review. If you're looking for a second opinion, my wife said it sounded good. Compliments on my guitar playing from my wife are as rare as hen's teeth.
I have one of these in my Martin D18 and it sounds amazing. And you're right, it is super feedback resistant. I usually never have any problems live but i always put a sound hole cover in my guitar and it completely eliminates any chance of me getting feedback.
This is on my husband's Christmas wish list. Glad I watched several videos before I ordered. I ordered through your link - my husband is a Vet. Thanks!
I bought a used Martin D18ge sunburst awhile ago and it already had a piezo pickup in it.. I've never been happy with piezo's or other pickups so I decided to do my research and I eventually ended buying the LR baggs lyric and I'm super satisfied with the sound of the pickup.. what I wanted was a pickup that would give my audience at church the exact same sound I was hearing from playing unplugged and it is by far the most transparent sounding pickup you'll ever get.. FYI NO feed back at all.
I have the Lyric in my Kim Walker guitar and a full-fat Anthem system in my main gigging guitar. I prefer the versatility of the full Anthem. Oh, I also use a Venue DI and a Para Acoustic DI. Great company, great products!
I have martin 0 17 pre war. And use lr baggs lyric for years, i think 3 years already and I still love this pickup. Martin guitar (lr baggs) -> david laboga TE cable -> Boss Tu3 -> david laboga TE cable -> AER compact 60/3 (with plate reverb) -> david laboga TE cable -> PA System = WONDERFUL LIFE
Hello good people out there in Comment Land. Hey, starting at around 3:06 we see this great gentleman displaying his --- incredible --- backwards bend of his "thumb.". WOW!! Is there not a bone in that thumb??? Just saying. Love Tony and his channel!! I'm just being light hearted is all. It's all good.
so let me get this straight and hope i get an answer.You get this one,then you install it in you classic guitar and then you need to install the whole thing to an amplifier?
I put a lyric in my 0028. Some feedback issues but I bought a venue di and that’s pretty much killed all feedback. Love the tone. Bass is a little lacking when I strum big songs. But LR Baggs themselves warned me of that. So for fingerstyle and small guitars it’s lovely
Can this pick up and transmit percussion sounds? My play style involves some percussion and I'm looking for options that I can choose from to mount onto my guitar. Thanks in advance!
I've been considering this pickup for a Taylor AD17 that I have. However, I don't feel that the AD17 has the sound that I want to amplify. Will this pickup bring out more of the Tone of the guitar? Or is it, what you have is what you get?
Thanks for this! Just ordered 2. I have an HD-28 & M-36 in need of being amplified. I like that this is reversible if I want. I’m excited to hear how it handles my percussive style. Thanks Mr Tony P! -Judd Warrick
The Anthem has 2 parts: the microphone part similar to the Lyric, and a separate piezo element that goes under the bridge saddle. You can adjust the blend of them. I believe the preamplifier for the Lyric is designed a little different than the Anthem, for it being used with only the microphone.
Just found this channel and I'm loving it!! Thanks for the reviews. Been playing with the idea of switching my 2008 Taylot 214CE pickup to the LR Baggs lyric...what do ya'll think of that?
Getting rid of Taylor pickups is an excellent idea all by itself. Using an LR Baggs pickup just makes the idea that much smarter. I hear rumors you can set up a Taylor battery compartment to work with the LR Baggs pickup. If true then you have pure genius.
MsTaraSquad I’m planning to do that exact thing with my 214ce DLX as well as my 210ce DLX. I like the ES1 in my 214 but can’t stand the ES2 in my 210. There is what’s called a TruPlug system that fits into the spaces of the knobs and the battery box that come standard with the ES systems. Here is a link to buy the TruPlug system. Allparts EP-4608-003 TruPlug System for Taylor 9-Volt Models www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXF8NWJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ay7BFbBY1B1G8
I put one in one of my guitars and it sounded natural and beautiful but really lacked bass response. I think the Anthem is superior in combining the lyric mic and a piezo to handle the bass. The anthem is just a bit pricey for a pick up!
I have one in my HD 28, and it certainly does not lack bass. The little presence control screw is almost fully counter-clockwise to keep it from being too "woofy." It really does matter where you place it on the bridge plate (contrary to Baggs literature) and you can play with different thicknesses of adhesives to mount it to the plate. "Dead" sounding tops benefit from a thinner tape, lively ones need a bit more cushion. The idea is to hear the sound, not to feel the vibration (like a piezo). I've installed dozens of these, and each guitar requires a bit of futzing in the mic mounting, presence control, and EQ afterwards. But it's a great product.
Hello everyone! I have a question. I am planning to change my plastic nut and saddle to bone or Tusq. Does anyone know the sound difference between the two materials? Thank you
Kostas, Tusq is a touch more mellow than bone. I think bone offers a bit more clarity than tusq, but I think you'll find that either is a definite upgrade from plastic. :-)
I'm wondering the same. I'm trying to find a replacement for my old Lyle w-475-12, which had the most 'balls' I've ever heard in a 12-string. Once found, I'd like to mic it with one of these, but am concerned that it'll EQ the tone and I'll end up with something that sounds like most 12-strings (thin, jangly, etc.).
Tho I love my Lyric installed in my HD35, one issue I've had with it is that I have to turn the little adjustment setting pot almost all the way counterclockwise, otherwise it comes across far too bright and "quacky". This has been an annoyance when I change strings and re-adjust, as this setting is only accessible using a very long plastic tool, which doesn't seat unambiguously into the trim pot. I'd much rather they had built in a small thumbwheel or other means to adjust this. Otherwise, as you said, it's very clear and representative of the guitar's tone ( once adjusted).
First, I would like to say I love your channel. Great content and you have a very nice delivery style. Keep on! I've been using a Lyric in my Larrivee D-02 since 2015 and love it. I have no other experience with acoustic pickups but what I do know is I hate the piezo quack sound. When I first heard this guitar through and acoustic amp I was floored. I'm installing one this weekend in a Seagull 12string.
So when its fitted . How do you adjust the volume if your walking close to an amp . The other pickup on my other has alot of adjustment on it . I dont want to fit one and cant turn it down when i finish playing a set etc . Any ideas anyone ?
Nice pickup but try it live. It doesn’t lack bass but it doesn’t enhance it. That’s something I discovered that I need live. Very nice but I feel like it needs another source.
hey tony i just wanted to ask you something important, i'm gonna get second hand acoustic - gibson songwriter studio or gibson southern jumbo (custom shop) which one should i get for more bluesy sound both have same price and also which gauge string should i use, im gonna play and sing mostly blues or hard rock
Huge Ricky Skaggs fan but it sounds pretty lower mid heavy. Pretty boxy still. In the market but I'm not sold at the moment. Probably see what NAMM 2020 has going on. Good review though thank you!
Ok I guess I will really need to try them to hear for myself. Do you recommend one over the other for certain guitars? I’m thinking about the future since we have more options than years past with the quacky under saddle pickups.
I put baggs electronics in all my instruments, but I will say beware this one. If you're playing by yourself, with a paracoustic di, and a top notch PA, it has the potential to sound great... but outside of that it's horrible. The Anthem however is a godsend. The M1A is a good 2nd too.
You need to turn off all the reverb to properly evaluate. Most shows are 90% strumming and would not use reverb. And one would pretty much never use reverb while strumming.
Back again. The lyric sounds so much like the guitar, I have been known to unplug to see if the amp is on. Yes, it is that good. Things to watch out for if you want to avoid an annoying buzz when installing pretty much any internal acoustic pickup:
1. Do not allow the back of the control unit to rest up against the cross brace.
2. Ignore LR Baggs instruction illustration, do not attach wire clips to the top bracing or sound board. You don't want wire touching anything that vibrates
3. Make sure the mic is not pushed too far back up against string ball ends or pegs.
4. The sleeve over the preamp can work loose so make sure it is tight and even better, loosen, put a drop of Loctite thread locker then re-tighten.
5. The jack strap ring can also loosen and rattle so same thing there, drop of thread locker before tightening.
Special shout out to James, guitar repair tech at Bourgeois Guitars for helping with that list.
I've been using a Lyric in my Larrivee L-05 since 2012 with ZERO regrets. I love it so much that when I ordered a new Taylor 714c in March I requested it without their pickup system. I'm having a Lyric installed instead.
I've been using a Lyric in my Larrivee D-02 since 2015 with ZERO regrets. There, fixed it for you! LOL I love mine as well and am installing one into a Seagull 12string this weekend! BTW - of all the acoustics I've played the value of that guitar is unreal. I bought mine "used" with a Lyric installed and hard-shell case for $795 at Long & McQuade in Winnipeg, Canada. I couldn't believe how good it sounded and the price was incredible. It's not made anymore but it's slightly bigger brother (fancier rosette I read) D-03 sells for over $2200 without the pickup. LOL, long story but it's a fantastic guitar and is only getting better with age. Cheers to you!
Based mostly on this review plus a couple others, but mostly this one, last night I finished installing an LR Baggs Lyric in a 2007 Bourgeois Vintage D that I acquired a week ago (which is part of what drove me to your video in the first place). You are totally 100% right. I was blown away. I tested it, did a couple adjustments to get the tone warmed up and from that point could not stop playing that guitar until my fingers hurt. I have had plenty of acoustic/electric guitars and this pickup is the best yet. Thanks for this review. If you're looking for a second opinion, my wife said it sounded good. Compliments on my guitar playing from my wife are as rare as hen's teeth.
I have one of these in my Martin D18 and it sounds amazing. And you're right, it is super feedback resistant. I usually never have any problems live but i always put a sound hole cover in my guitar and it completely eliminates any chance of me getting feedback.
This is on my husband's Christmas wish list. Glad I watched several videos before I ordered. I ordered through your link - my husband is a Vet. Thanks!
I bought a used Martin D18ge sunburst awhile ago and it already had a piezo pickup in it.. I've never been happy with piezo's or other pickups so I decided to do my research and I eventually ended buying the LR baggs lyric and I'm super satisfied with the sound of the pickup.. what I wanted was a pickup that would give my audience at church the exact same sound I was hearing from playing unplugged and it is by far the most transparent sounding pickup you'll ever get.. FYI NO feed back at all.
Fantastic video!
I've been using the Lyric for years and love it!
Thanks for posting.
Cheers.
The baggs line is fantastic. Tony can I suggest getting out from behind the desk so we can see the guitars in full?
I have the Lyric in my Kim Walker guitar and a full-fat Anthem system in my main gigging guitar. I prefer the versatility of the full Anthem. Oh, I also use a Venue DI and a Para Acoustic DI. Great company, great products!
What about M80?
Dana Bourgeois has this pickup standard in the Generation OM and Generation D. Really nice pickup, mic or whatever you want to call it LOL!
I have martin 0 17 pre war. And use lr baggs lyric for years, i think 3 years already and I still love this pickup. Martin guitar (lr baggs) -> david laboga TE cable -> Boss Tu3 -> david laboga TE cable -> AER compact 60/3 (with plate reverb) -> david laboga TE cable -> PA System = WONDERFUL LIFE
Your spot on about internal mikes picking up body sounds, but this one doesn't! Great job and I'm always looking forward to your next video!
Hello good people out there in Comment Land. Hey, starting at around 3:06 we see this great gentleman displaying his --- incredible --- backwards bend of his "thumb.". WOW!! Is there not a bone in that thumb??? Just saying. Love Tony and his channel!! I'm just being light hearted is all. It's all good.
Such a crisp and elegant looking pickup. Really encouraging to have a living legend like Mr. Skaggs recommending this fantastic product.
Thank you for the review I fitted it to my Martin D28 love it , amazing tone through a LR Baggs venue preamp .
so let me get this straight and hope i get an answer.You get this one,then you install it in you classic guitar and then you need to install the whole thing to an amplifier?
I put a lyric in my 0028. Some feedback issues but I bought a venue di and that’s pretty much killed all feedback. Love the tone. Bass is a little lacking when I strum big songs. But LR Baggs themselves warned me of that. So for fingerstyle and small guitars it’s lovely
Can this pick up and transmit percussion sounds? My play style involves some percussion and I'm looking for options that I can choose from to mount onto my guitar. Thanks in advance!
I've been considering this pickup for a Taylor AD17 that I have. However, I don't feel that the AD17 has the sound that I want to amplify. Will this pickup bring out more of the Tone of the guitar? Or is it, what you have is what you get?
Thanks for this! Just ordered 2. I have an HD-28 & M-36 in need of being amplified. I like that this is reversible if I want. I’m excited to hear how it handles my percussive style. Thanks Mr Tony P! -Judd Warrick
Curious on your percussive results?
I have the Anthem on my J200 and my D18 - Would you say the Lyric is better?
Love the Lyric in my Martin HD28V. Put the battery sack on neck block. With my Roland AC-90 there is no need for an external preamp. Sounds great.
What is the difference to the LR Baggs Anthem Pickup?
The Anthem has 2 parts: the microphone part similar to the Lyric, and a separate piezo element that goes under the bridge saddle. You can adjust the blend of them. I believe the preamplifier for the Lyric is designed a little different than the Anthem, for it being used with only the microphone.
The anthem also has an under saddle transducer in addition to a condenser mic.
Just found this channel and I'm loving it!! Thanks for the reviews. Been playing with the idea of switching my 2008 Taylot 214CE pickup to the LR Baggs lyric...what do ya'll think of that?
Getting rid of Taylor pickups is an excellent idea all by itself. Using an LR Baggs pickup just makes the idea that much smarter. I hear rumors you can set up a Taylor battery compartment to work with the LR Baggs pickup. If true then you have pure genius.
MsTaraSquad I’m planning to do that exact thing with my 214ce DLX as well as my 210ce DLX. I like the ES1 in my 214 but can’t stand the ES2 in my 210.
There is what’s called a TruPlug system that fits into the spaces of the knobs and the battery box that come standard with the ES systems.
Here is a link to buy the TruPlug system.
Allparts EP-4608-003 TruPlug System for Taylor 9-Volt Models www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXF8NWJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ay7BFbBY1B1G8
I put one in one of my guitars and it sounded natural and beautiful but really lacked bass response. I think the Anthem is superior in combining the lyric mic and a piezo to handle the bass. The anthem is just a bit pricey for a pick up!
I have one in my HD 28, and it certainly does not lack bass. The little presence control screw is almost fully counter-clockwise to keep it from being too "woofy."
It really does matter where you place it on the bridge plate (contrary to Baggs literature) and you can play with different thicknesses of adhesives to mount it to the plate. "Dead" sounding tops benefit from a thinner tape, lively ones need a bit more cushion. The idea is to hear the sound, not to feel the vibration (like a piezo). I've installed dozens of these, and each guitar requires a bit of futzing in the mic mounting, presence control, and EQ afterwards. But it's a great product.
Uhm, Is it possible to add a tonewood amp on this right?
How did you install this? I’m nervous to order
I wonder how the LR Baggs pickup would sound on a classical guitar?
Hello everyone! I have a question. I am planning to change my plastic nut and saddle to bone or Tusq. Does anyone know the sound difference between the two materials? Thank you
Kostas, Tusq is a touch more mellow than bone. I think bone offers a bit more clarity than tusq, but I think you'll find that either is a definite upgrade from plastic. :-)
Will the LR Baggs Lyric work in a 12-string (Taylor 655)?
I'm wondering the same. I'm trying to find a replacement for my old Lyle w-475-12, which had the most 'balls' I've ever heard in a 12-string. Once found, I'd like to mic it with one of these, but am concerned that it'll EQ the tone and I'll end up with something that sounds like most 12-strings (thin, jangly, etc.).
Is this compatible with an adjustable bridge? (69 Gibson J50 ADJ)
Tho I love my Lyric installed in my HD35, one issue I've had with it is that I have to turn the little adjustment setting pot almost all the way counterclockwise, otherwise it comes across far too bright and "quacky". This has been an annoyance when I change strings and re-adjust, as this setting is only accessible using a very long plastic tool, which doesn't seat unambiguously into the trim pot. I'd much rather they had built in a small thumbwheel or other means to adjust this.
Otherwise, as you said, it's very clear and representative of the guitar's tone ( once adjusted).
Hi Tony, would i also need an EQ, eg para DI, to go along with the lyric?
First, I would like to say I love your channel. Great content and you have a very nice delivery style. Keep on!
I've been using a Lyric in my Larrivee D-02 since 2015 and love it. I have no other experience with acoustic pickups but what I do know is I hate the piezo quack sound. When I first heard this guitar through and acoustic amp I was floored. I'm installing one this weekend in a Seagull 12string.
So when its fitted . How do you adjust the volume if your walking close to an amp . The other pickup on my other has alot of adjustment on it . I dont want to fit one and cant turn it down when i finish playing a set etc . Any ideas anyone ?
Did anyone else notice that sierra hull was playing a martin D28?
Awesome pickup though.
I have it in my D18
Yes I did. Never saw a d-18 with white binding.
There’s an interview with Sturgill Simpson and Dave Cobb that was posted by the LR Baggs youtube channel where Sturgill raves about the lyric pickup.
Nice pickup but try it live. It doesn’t lack bass but it doesn’t enhance it. That’s something I discovered that I need live. Very nice but I feel like it needs another source.
hey tony i just wanted to ask you something important, i'm gonna get second hand acoustic - gibson songwriter studio or gibson southern jumbo (custom shop) which one should i get for more bluesy sound both have same price and also which gauge string should i use, im gonna play and sing mostly blues or hard rock
Alex, My preference is the southern jumbo as it's a bit more of a classic model :-)
Great playing and great sound. I was gonna get a K&K but L.R. has sold me. I've heard $289 $250 $199 humm.
Huge Ricky Skaggs fan but it sounds pretty lower mid heavy. Pretty boxy still. In the market but I'm not sold at the moment. Probably see what NAMM 2020 has going on. Good review though thank you!
What a beautiful instrument
Hi what about the anthem?
Mr. Polecastro how would you compare the Lyric’s sound compared to a K&K pure mini?
I feel like both pickups are fairly transparent, but the lyric gives a bit more of a lush sound, whereas the K&K is a touch more stringy :-)
Ok I guess I will really need to try them to hear for myself. Do you recommend one over the other for certain guitars? I’m thinking about the future since we have more options than years past with the quacky under saddle pickups.
When will you review Austrand Guitars?
Excellent recommendation!!! Will put those on my list!!!
LR BAGGS is love..Although I never played a guitar with LR BAGGS pickup ...#ProudAndPoor ❤️😂
Wil it do dobro
I put baggs electronics in all my instruments, but I will say beware this one. If you're playing by yourself, with a paracoustic di, and a top notch PA, it has the potential to sound great... but outside of that it's horrible. The Anthem however is a godsend. The M1A is a good 2nd too.
LOVE EM...
Nice pickup :)
You need to turn off all the reverb to properly evaluate. Most shows are 90% strumming and would not use reverb. And one would pretty much never use reverb while strumming.
Why this over the k&k trinity?
I wouldn't say that this would replace the trinity, it just offers up a different tone :-)
4:35 you liar
buy a pig in a poke...
Ricky "Guitar God" Skaggs.