I’ve had the Anthem for a couple years. I like the sound but I switched it from my Alvarez Delta Parlor guitar to my Big Baby Taylor, and the controls don’t fit with the Taylor’s bracing. Im having a K&K mini installed in the Taylor right now. Looking forward it.
Great review and demo video. I have their M1A on my Martin D28, and use a Para DI for it live. Pretty good set up for the tone I want, but I've heard the Anthem can be a little better or "different". I might have to check one out. Cool video!
I installed my anthem preamp about half an inch back from the soundhole. It allows me to use a feedback suppressor in the soundhole which is ideal as I find feedback can be issue at higher volumes. I can still reach all the controls on preamp if required.
@@aaronshortmusic the best way to do it is get sticky pads online that are thicker than the ones provided and cut them into shape and they will stick to or over the bracing depending where it is. I wish the anthem preamp was not as big tho as I am like you and feel it effects unplugged tone
@@aaronshortmusic I like the blend of the piezo and mic, not the full mic. I had the SL and it wasn't for me. I have never tried the k&k mini, it's next on the list for me to try. Question for you, I know you had a Yamaha atmosfeel. How did it fare against the anthem?
@@Whitty43 I like the blend option too but I would lashes run it at 90-100% mic anyway. The Atmosfeel is a very good system and they are very good guitars. A nice ‘all-rounder’. Lately I am using fully acoustic guitars and a Cole Clark guitar for plugging in. I decided to stop compromising for the time being.
Have you tried it with the ToneDexter? Thats the real question. Please let us know! Or maybe do a series of all these pickups through the ToneDexter? 😉
I just bought an Orangewood Ava with the LR Baggs Anthem installed. The low E string sounds way too loud and the high end seems weak on the unit in my guitar. I took it to a luthier who installs a lot of those pickups and he said there was definitely an issue with mine.
@@aaronshortmusic The guitar is fantastic. The action is very nice and the guitar has a great sounding tone. It has more bass and volume than you would expect from an OM size guitar.
I've had issues in the past with string imbalance with a couple of my acoustics as well, and what fixed the issue for me was making sure the bottom of the saddle is completely flat, along with making sure the bridge saddle slot is flat. I generally set aside the original saddle in case I want to go back, and then buy a second bone or TUSQ saddle and sand the bottom down to the right height (while keeping the bottom flat). It's good to buy one that has an intonated top to the saddle. Of course it's safest to have your luthier do it, but I enjoyed doing it and learning myself. Good luck and happy playing!
Thanks Aaron! I've got a beautiful Brazilian 7 string classical guitar, but it came with a B band piezo and preamp in it. It sounds beautiful mic'd up, but I don't like the piezo's quack live. Just ordered an LR Baggs Lyric Classical, and was considering putting it in (and then blending the sounds for gigs). The mic can sound great with the higher end, while the already built in piezo would be able to handle adding the lower end / frequencies needing to cut through. This is making me second guess, though I wonder how much harm the lyric would cause, since it doesn't have a piezo? Not going to rush though!!
Yes, absolutely true that I did not know the acoustic volume and tone of your guitar prior to installation, but I'm willing to bet that you have decided to go with it because you don't play % wise a lot of strictly acoustic gigs and if you were being mic'd the sound man/you would adjust the EQ and gain to compensate. However for an acoustic electric set up this would probably be one of the best out there...
Does the sound depend on the guitar? If I install this pickup on Baton Rouge guitar, is it gonna sound clean and bright? I need something cheaper anyway, ehhh, 😞
The guitar will influence the sound but this pickup will give you a 'clean and bright tone'. Try the SL version as it is $100 cheaper and in some ways I prefer it.
Have you had any experience with Fishman Aura Spectrum? I have one but I'm thinking of replacing the pedal with a microphone pickup system like LR Baggs Anthem, provided that Anthem will give me a richer guitar sound.
I love that you've tried to do a direct comparison, but flicking between the timestamps you've put on, your playing isn't consistent between the different pickup options. On the latter 2 you play a different chord shape with the open B string, and your strumming attack is significantly less when you're testing the mic, which will have a direct effect on the tone, making it sound warmer
It’s very hard to do it scientifically. Hopefully these videos give an good enough idea to help some people choose. For me the biggest thing is how the pickup impacts the guitar and works at performances. I’ll have a summary video about that soon.
@@aaronshortmusic I agree, and I commend your approach in general, but in this case, that difference of the warmth in your sound due to your picking attack forms your main conclusion against the Anthem, which is why I mentioned it.
Nice video! I think the reason why some of the low-end is missing is because you have boosted the mic volume to 100%... As the low end is purely captured by the piezo (even at full mic blend setting), if the mic has been boosted to 100%, I suspect the balance between low end (piezo) and the high end (mic) is not set properly.
You may be correct but I prefer the tone with the mic gain boosted, it also means that I do not need any additional EQ since the sound is nice and bright. Thank you for your comment.
Hello! I am just giving an initial reaction after installing an anthem SL in my Furch Blue CMc - I have no unfortunately yet tried the guitar without the pickup installed, but compared to other Furch guitars, mine feels less responsive and muted with the pickup installed, acoustically. Amplified it sounds bloody amazing - but I will need to remove the piezo and pickup to give a fair account. It's made me disappointed in this guitar because my playing relies on a fast attack and response.
It’s difficult and I go back and forth on this. My current Anthem guitar compares well to a non Anthem guitar acoustically. A lot of it can be the different in set up and action. Make sure the saddle height is good and the relief in the neck is set well. Also always make an comparisons with a set of fresh strings of the same gauge as dirty strings can sound dull. My advice is that if you need to plug in then keep the Anthem (I prefer the ‘full’ Anthem over the SL).
You turn the mic all the way full? How do you combat the body noise? I would do that but I am hearing every little touch and bump prominently when I do it... so I am at like 70% full
Kevin Buzby I haven’t had an issue with it! I use a strap that is not leather and so it doesn’t squeak and any handling noise I’ve had isn’t a problem. I like having the gain adjustment on maximum or just below and the blend control on maximum or just below. Just my personal preference.
Thanks so much! You want something that picks up the body such as a K&K. The Anthem will do it too. I am playing a Cole Clark lately which is perfect for that stuff but it’s a proprietary system.
@@aaronshortmusic great thanks. I have a Taylor 514CE with a ES2 and it sounds not so great for percussion for those things. I may gut it and install an Anthem. All the best.
Hi there, great video series btw! Let me ask you, I've just had Anthem installed in my Martin and am experiencing strange static pops (not too loud) when plugged into an amp and blended the mic louder. Consulted it with my luthier who installed it f/me, he checked another guitar he has that has this LR Baggs system (Anthem true mic) and it does it too. He has another Baggs (the ones without mic) in other guitars that are silent. Have you experienced it too? I'd expect it to be well shielded, since it's not the cheapest thing. 😉 Otherwise sound is astonishingly good.
I did experience this once. It was a cable touching another cable. Reach out to L.R. Bags support, they are excellent at customer service and will help you fix it right away I’m sure.
If you set the internal gain control for the mic then you can plug and play. On a larger guitar I do a cut at 100hz. You may with to EQ further depending on your guitar and situation but I never feel the need to.
Hi Aaron - great videos and much appreciated. Fellow reviewer Methos1979 from AGF here. Recently posted in the Amplification subforum looking for info on the Anthem StagePro so appreciated your thoughts here and over there. I'm using at least three products you've reviewed here - Bose S1, Yamaha SLG200N (nylon, in my case) and about to order the Sennheiser XSW wireless system. The Anthem StagePro will be in an Emerald CF custom build if that happens. Sounds like we have a lot in common. Also, my daughter lives and works in NYC. Appreciate your real-word reviews. Keep them coming. See you here and over on AGF. - Scott
It's interesting, everyone always knocks the Anthem due to the changes it makes on the unplugged tone. However, I wonder how many people would notice the change if someone had never mentioned it? Also, sometimes the change can be good. I had the original Fishman Matrix Blend system in my Taylor which consisted of a large sound hole control panel and a goosneck mic. I removed it after a few years and my guitar became brighter but I disliked the tone. I actually think the Fishman dampened the high end enough that the guitar was more balanced. Also, I am pretty sure the tru-mic is on the bridge plate, not closer to the end of the guitar. Maybe you are just pointing randomly though.. just thought I would mention this!
Scott Moreau I agree with everything that you said but I do feel it removes high end and some volume and i like having those things. Having said that it sounds amazing plugged in. I’m at the stage where I would have an Anthem guitar for plugging in only. I do have more pickups reviews coming and one uses the same element pickup but with less stuff in the guitar. I’m hoping this will show me if the mic and preamp etc also affect the tone. Stay tuned!
Aaron Short Music I put an anthem in my Martin CEO7 and felt the same way. The acoustic tone and volume changed. Any luck w the anthem lyric? You get the microphone but lose the UST element. Missing the original acoustic tone but want a nice sound when playing live.
If you had to choose between Lr baggs anthem and k & k pure, which of the two produces less feedback? which would be more useful to play with a band in different environments?
Feedback is all about how you monitor your sound and how loud you have it. Having said that, the Anthem is probably the easiest to use, especially in a band situation.
Hi there! The Anthem SL does fit some guitars that the Full Anthem does not as it has slightly smaller controls. Unfortunately this also removes control of the mic blend and some other features. I used the SL with a band and suffered awful feedback from the microphone as I could not easily adjust it. The full Anthem is much more versatile so get that one if you can!
@@maraviyoso8473 Awesome. Actually I have changed my mind slightly. The SL has several benefits over the full. Of course the full still has some benefits over the SL. It depends on the player, since you use IEM’s you definitely made the right decision. I hope to have Baggs on soon for a ‘deep dive’ into the Anthem family.
@@aaronshortmusic Aaron i have five Martins with the Anthem, if you run the guitars through a Baggs Venue, you have more Bass then you will ever need. Absolute Amazing sound !!
Your guitar sounds dead acoustically when played through the condenser mic at the end. You've lost all of your presence and high end of the guitar and probably about 30% of your original acoustic volume.. If you were only playing acoustically without plugging in to me it would be a no go. The deadening effect of the transducer between the bridge and the bridge nut and the interior condenser mic attached to the underside of the bridge plate inside the guitar is too much for the guitar. If you're only plugging in, I like it at about 75% mic & 25% transducer. The LR Baggs Anthem is probably a good fit for very bright sounding guitars with perhaps Rosewood backs and sides where you can afford to lose a bit of high end and brightness. Probably not suitable for Mahogany backs and sides (too dull)
When I’m playing at the end the mic is further away than when I’m playing into the mic at the beginning of the video. That’s why the guitar sounds different.
Thanks Aaron. I have one, and have tried a lot of others. It’s the best I tried so far. I wholeheartedly agree with you!
Thanks Frank. It’s a fantastic system!!
I’ve had the Anthem for a couple years. I like the sound but I switched it from my Alvarez Delta Parlor guitar to my Big Baby Taylor, and the controls don’t fit with the Taylor’s bracing. Im having a K&K mini installed in the Taylor right now. Looking forward it.
Great review and demo video. I have their M1A on my Martin D28, and use a Para DI for it live. Pretty good set up for the tone I want, but I've heard the Anthem can be a little better or "different". I might have to check one out. Cool video!
is better than m1 fo sure
I installed my anthem preamp about half an inch back from the soundhole. It allows me to use a feedback suppressor in the soundhole which is ideal as I find feedback can be issue at higher volumes. I can still reach all the controls on preamp if required.
Very cool! It depends on the guitar and where the bracing is.
@@aaronshortmusic the best way to do it is get sticky pads online that are thicker than the ones provided and cut them into shape and they will stick to or over the bracing depending where it is. I wish the anthem preamp was not as big tho as I am like you and feel it effects unplugged tone
@@Whitty43 I don’t really think that anymore. You have seen how light the controls are… Another option is the SL.
@@aaronshortmusic I like the blend of the piezo and mic, not the full mic. I had the SL and it wasn't for me. I have never tried the k&k mini, it's next on the list for me to try. Question for you, I know you had a Yamaha atmosfeel. How did it fare against the anthem?
@@Whitty43 I like the blend option too but I would lashes run it at 90-100% mic anyway. The Atmosfeel is a very good system and they are very good guitars. A nice ‘all-rounder’. Lately I am using fully acoustic guitars and a Cole Clark guitar for plugging in. I decided to stop compromising for the time being.
Aaron, checking out your pickup videos. Do you still have this Martin? I didn't realize how much I liked the acoustic tone. I think Gary has one too.
Yes Gary purchased one after I did. Amazing all-round guitar!
Have you tried it with the ToneDexter? Thats the real question. Please let us know! Or maybe do a series of all these pickups through the ToneDexter? 😉
That’s a great idea.
I just bought an Orangewood Ava with the LR Baggs Anthem installed. The low E string sounds way too loud and the high end seems weak on the unit in my guitar. I took it to a luthier who installs a lot of those pickups and he said there was definitely an issue with mine.
Good to know. I’ve only had an issue once and Baggs sent me a replacement part immediately! How do you like the Orangewood guitar?
@@aaronshortmusic The guitar is fantastic. The action is very nice and the guitar has a great sounding tone. It has more bass and volume than you would expect from an OM size guitar.
Awesome. Would you mind sharing the exact model name?
@@aaronshortmusic it's an Orangewood Ava Live
I've had issues in the past with string imbalance with a couple of my acoustics as well, and what fixed the issue for me was making sure the bottom of the saddle is completely flat, along with making sure the bridge saddle slot is flat. I generally set aside the original saddle in case I want to go back, and then buy a second bone or TUSQ saddle and sand the bottom down to the right height (while keeping the bottom flat). It's good to buy one that has an intonated top to the saddle. Of course it's safest to have your luthier do it, but I enjoyed doing it and learning myself. Good luck and happy playing!
Thanks Aaron! I've got a beautiful Brazilian 7 string classical guitar, but it came with a B band piezo and preamp in it. It sounds beautiful mic'd up, but I don't like the piezo's quack live. Just ordered an LR Baggs Lyric Classical, and was considering putting it in (and then blending the sounds for gigs). The mic can sound great with the higher end, while the already built in piezo would be able to handle adding the lower end / frequencies needing to cut through. This is making me second guess, though I wonder how much harm the lyric would cause, since it doesn't have a piezo? Not going to rush though!!
Yes, absolutely true that I did not know the acoustic volume and tone of your guitar prior to installation, but I'm willing to bet that you have decided to go with it because you don't play % wise a lot of strictly acoustic gigs and if you were being mic'd the sound man/you would adjust the EQ and gain to compensate. However for an acoustic electric set up this would probably be one of the best out there...
Does the sound depend on the guitar? If I install this pickup on Baton Rouge guitar, is it gonna sound clean and bright?
I need something cheaper anyway, ehhh, 😞
The guitar will influence the sound but this pickup will give you a 'clean and bright tone'. Try the SL version as it is $100 cheaper and in some ways I prefer it.
Have you had any experience with Fishman Aura Spectrum? I have one but I'm thinking of replacing the pedal with a microphone pickup system like LR Baggs Anthem, provided that Anthem will give me a richer guitar sound.
The Aura Pedal and the Anthem are both excellent options! It depends on the approach that you wish to take.
I love that you've tried to do a direct comparison, but flicking between the timestamps you've put on, your playing isn't consistent between the different pickup options. On the latter 2 you play a different chord shape with the open B string, and your strumming attack is significantly less when you're testing the mic, which will have a direct effect on the tone, making it sound warmer
It’s very hard to do it scientifically. Hopefully these videos give an good enough idea to help some people choose. For me the biggest thing is how the pickup impacts the guitar and works at performances. I’ll have a summary video about that soon.
@@aaronshortmusic I agree, and I commend your approach in general, but in this case, that difference of the warmth in your sound due to your picking attack forms your main conclusion against the Anthem, which is why I mentioned it.
Matthew Taylor My appreciation for the Anthem comes from many years of experience in various guitars. Not just this test.
Nice video! I think the reason why some of the low-end is missing is because you have boosted the mic volume to 100%... As the low end is purely captured by the piezo (even at full mic blend setting), if the mic has been boosted to 100%, I suspect the balance between low end (piezo) and the high end (mic) is not set properly.
You may be correct but I prefer the tone with the mic gain boosted, it also means that I do not need any additional EQ since the sound is nice and bright. Thank you for your comment.
Very detail info!
Thank you!
So nice review, I love it.
And I'm wondering if you could recommend some lithium battery
which is you're using.
Thank you! I use these 9v Energizer Lithium batteries but even a standard 9v has excellent battery life with the Anthem.
Hello!
I am just giving an initial reaction after installing an anthem SL in my Furch Blue CMc - I have no unfortunately yet tried the guitar without the pickup installed, but compared to other Furch guitars, mine feels less responsive and muted with the pickup installed, acoustically.
Amplified it sounds bloody amazing - but I will need to remove the piezo and pickup to give a fair account. It's made me disappointed in this guitar because my playing relies on a fast attack and response.
It’s difficult and I go back and forth on this. My current Anthem guitar compares well to a non Anthem guitar acoustically. A lot of it can be the different in set up and action. Make sure the saddle height is good and the relief in the neck is set well. Also always make an comparisons with a set of fresh strings of the same gauge as dirty strings can sound dull. My advice is that if you need to plug in then keep the Anthem (I prefer the ‘full’ Anthem over the SL).
Thanks for the video! How can u achieve that 100% mic + usp 250hz? I read the manual but can’t find that setting option
Set the mic gain with the trim control tool and then set the mic blend wheel to 100%.
You turn the mic all the way full? How do you combat the body noise? I would do that but I am hearing every little touch and bump prominently when I do it... so I am at like 70% full
Kevin Buzby I haven’t had an issue with it! I use a strap that is not leather and so it doesn’t squeak and any handling noise I’ve had isn’t a problem. I like having the gain adjustment on maximum or just below and the blend control on maximum or just below. Just my personal preference.
You're great Aaron. Big Fan. You should have 111K, Not 11.1K. What's the best pick up for hitting the guitar for a kick drum effect in your loops?
Thanks so much! You want something that picks up the body such as a K&K. The Anthem will do it too. I am playing a Cole Clark lately which is perfect for that stuff but it’s a proprietary system.
@@aaronshortmusic great thanks. I have a Taylor 514CE with a ES2 and it sounds not so great for percussion for those things. I may gut it and install an Anthem. All the best.
@@marconazz Is it the most recent ES2? They should pick up a decent amount of body sound as well.
@@aaronshortmusic it’s a couple years old. I don’t even like the tone to be honest.
@@marconazz Try the Anthem. I really like it.
Hi there, great video series btw! Let me ask you, I've just had Anthem installed in my Martin and am experiencing strange static pops (not too loud) when plugged into an amp and blended the mic louder. Consulted it with my luthier who installed it f/me, he checked another guitar he has that has this LR Baggs system (Anthem true mic) and it does it too. He has another Baggs (the ones without mic) in other guitars that are silent. Have you experienced it too? I'd expect it to be well shielded, since it's not the cheapest thing. 😉 Otherwise sound is astonishingly good.
I did experience this once. It was a cable touching another cable. Reach out to L.R. Bags support, they are excellent at customer service and will help you fix it right away I’m sure.
@@aaronshortmusic Thank you, I will contact them and tell this to my luthier too. Enjoy!
Does it need to do lots of things with an eq while playing with a band or orchestra band?
If you set the internal gain control for the mic then you can plug and play. On a larger guitar I do a cut at 100hz. You may with to EQ further depending on your guitar and situation but I never feel the need to.
Hi Aaron - great videos and much appreciated. Fellow reviewer Methos1979 from AGF here. Recently posted in the Amplification subforum looking for info on the Anthem StagePro so appreciated your thoughts here and over there. I'm using at least three products you've reviewed here - Bose S1, Yamaha SLG200N (nylon, in my case) and about to order the Sennheiser XSW wireless system. The Anthem StagePro will be in an Emerald CF custom build if that happens. Sounds like we have a lot in common. Also, my daughter lives and works in NYC. Appreciate your real-word reviews. Keep them coming. See you here and over on AGF. - Scott
It's interesting, everyone always knocks the Anthem due to the changes it makes on the unplugged tone. However, I wonder how many people would notice the change if someone had never mentioned it? Also, sometimes the change can be good. I had the original Fishman Matrix Blend system in my Taylor which consisted of a large sound hole control panel and a goosneck mic. I removed it after a few years and my guitar became brighter but I disliked the tone. I actually think the Fishman dampened the high end enough that the guitar was more balanced. Also, I am pretty sure the tru-mic is on the bridge plate, not closer to the end of the guitar. Maybe you are just pointing randomly though.. just thought I would mention this!
Scott Moreau I agree with everything that you said but I do feel it removes high end and some volume and i like having those things. Having said that it sounds amazing plugged in. I’m at the stage where I would have an Anthem guitar for plugging in only. I do have more pickups reviews coming and one uses the same element pickup but with less stuff in the guitar. I’m hoping this will show me if the mic and preamp etc also affect the tone. Stay tuned!
Aaron Short Music I put an anthem in my Martin CEO7 and felt the same way. The acoustic tone and volume changed. Any luck w the anthem lyric? You get the microphone but lose the UST element. Missing the original acoustic tone but want a nice sound when playing live.
If you had to choose between Lr baggs anthem and k & k pure, which of the two produces less feedback? which would be more useful to play with a band in different environments?
Feedback is all about how you monitor your sound and how loud you have it. Having said that, the Anthem is probably the easiest to use, especially in a band situation.
Hi,
Why do you prefer the Full version Anthem over SL Anthem?
Thank you very much!
Hi there! The Anthem SL does fit some guitars that the Full Anthem does not as it has slightly smaller controls. Unfortunately this also removes control of the mic blend and some other features. I used the SL with a band and suffered awful feedback from the microphone as I could not easily adjust it. The full Anthem is much more versatile so get that one if you can!
@@aaronshortmusic I also have the SL. And because I use ear monitors, there's no feedback issues.
@@maraviyoso8473 Awesome. Actually I have changed my mind slightly. The SL has several benefits over the full. Of course the full still has some benefits over the SL. It depends on the player, since you use IEM’s you definitely made the right decision. I hope to have Baggs on soon for a ‘deep dive’ into the Anthem family.
Good review but too much talking..
Thank you for your feedback!
@@aaronshortmusic Aaron i have five Martins with the Anthem, if you run the guitars through a Baggs Venue, you have more Bass then you will ever need. Absolute Amazing sound !!
@@johnswisshelm1872 I agree, it benefits from additional EQ (as do most things).
Your guitar sounds dead acoustically when played through the condenser mic at the end. You've lost all of your presence and high end of the guitar and probably about 30% of your original acoustic volume.. If you were only playing acoustically without plugging in to me it would be a no go. The deadening effect of the transducer between the bridge and the bridge nut and the interior condenser mic attached to the underside of the bridge plate inside the guitar is too much for the guitar. If you're only plugging in, I like it at about 75% mic & 25% transducer. The LR Baggs Anthem is probably a good fit for very bright sounding guitars with perhaps Rosewood backs and sides where you can afford to lose a bit of high end and brightness. Probably not suitable for Mahogany backs and sides (too dull)
When I’m playing at the end the mic is further away than when I’m playing into the mic at the beginning of the video. That’s why the guitar sounds different.