What’s the best way to amplify an acoustic guitar? Should you use a mic? Should you use piezos? Expensive magnetic pickups? For many players, Dean Markley’s ProMag sound hole pickups, which are available in single coil and humbucking setups, are an effective, affordable solution. The latest version of their single coil model is the ProMag Plus XM, which allows you to use your own standard cable to plug into your amp or PA.

 

FEATURES
I’ve been using a Dean Markley ProMag for a few years in an acoustic trio. It works great for me and a rhythm guitarist, allowing us both to plug straight into a PA and get a great sound.

My only complaint about the original was the ol’ ‘stuffing the excess cable into the sound hole’ routine that I performed after each show in order to get my guitar in its case without having to remove the pickup. Well, those days are gone. The XM series features a short cord and a female 1/4" jack molded with an endpin attachment that connects to your guitar’s bottom strap button.

Installation couldn’t be simpler: place the pickup in the sound hole, hook the input jack around the endpin, plug your preferred cable into the input, and you’re set! The XM can also be permanently mounted, and works great for wireless users.

SOUND AND EASE OF USE
I tested the XM with a Martin D-28 and a Fender Acoustasonic Jr., a Gibson J200 through a Roland AC-60, and an Alvarez PD 85 SC through my band’s Yamaha PA system, using Monster ‘Acoustic’ cables. I noticed even string-to-string dynamics, low noise, and it actually brought out some of the subtle unplugged features found in each guitar. The Martin still sounded like a Martin, the Gibson still sounded like a Gibson, etc. It was super simple switching guitars, too.

IS IT FOR YOU?
If you need to amplify an acoustic, or breathe new life into a “closet beater,” and want to do it for less than the cost of your average distortion pedal, look no further.

Download Rhythm ProMag Plus XM Clip 
Download Lead ProMag Plus XM Clip 

 IN A NUTSHELL
• Rugged construction
• No modifications needed
• Made in the US
• Low noise
• Five year warranty
Street $49.99
deanmarkley.com

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