Pickups for Acoustic Guitar:  Acoustic Bass Guitar

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Pickups for other instruments:  Other Instruments/General Use

H-Clamp Light Acoustic Guitar (and ABG) Microphone Mount

Manufactured by: ExplorAUDIO

It obviously depends on the music and the venue -- but nothing sounds more real, when amplifying or recording guitar, than a microphone. Acoustic pickups are, essentially, a compromise - developed for situations when a microphone isn't practical due to feedback and bleed-through issues. In the studio, particularly, microphones are the way to go - but it's so hard to keep the guitar still so that the mic stays in the "sweet spot" and gives you a consistent sound.

The H-Clamp is a very sophisticated adjustable instrument microphone mounting device, with models available for Guitar, Upright Bass, and Cello, all of which may be suitable for other, similarly sized acoustic instruments (review size specifications here or elsewhere on the site to compare to your instrument).

This clever, well-made unit uses a clamp that echoes the design of the traditional luthier's edge clamp (cramp). This anchors the microphone firmly in place using the edge of the instrument as the contact point, to avoid dampening the instrument's natural vibrations. You can use just about any mic (while lighter is better, the manual offers suggestions for safely using larger/heavier mics) be it large or small diaphragm, condenser or dynamic -- the H-Clamp is compatible with any standard mic clip or suspension mount. The maneuverability of both the clamp and arm allows virtually any preferred placement, as well as the ability to locate it so as not to interfere with the player's motions.

The "space age" construction materials result in an extremely light yet secure mount. The disk material is an aerospace polymer, a high tech material developed to be machined instead of moulded, and it's as strong as aluminium but lighter and essentially inert acoustically. The shaft, boom and screws are all aerospace grade aluminium. Silicone and other material inserts and sleeves are used for all the contact points to avoid damage to your instrument, and, presumably, to minimize vibration.

A very thorough 42 page User Manual that covers bass, cello, and guitar model are included. It offers instrument-specific, detailed recommendations as well as general information. A Quick Reference Guide, for those of us who just need the basics, is also in the package.

Specifications and Details:

• Bout Measurement (minimum-maximum): 3.3-4.6 inches / 84-116mm
• Mic arm length (all listed models): approximately 7 7/8 inches / 200mm
• Weight: 5.1 ounces / 146 grams
• Accessories bag includes velcro straps, elastic loops, spare O ring, two silicone sleeves

The new "Studio Plus" H-Clamp includes three different clamp depth posts, which can be attached together; this allows you to have one H-Clamp that you can use, alternately, on guitars, upright basses, cellos, extra-deep basses, and more. This special product (the "Studio Plus" name is ours, not ExplorAudio's) is perfect for a musician with a home studio, or for the gig-bag of a live soundman for mic-ing just about anyone who needs it. Available with or without the shock mount clip. The "Studio Plus" (ExplorAudio calls it the "LiveGuitar Plus") comes with 3 shafts: Standard Guitar, Cello and Mini. The Mini covers small acoustic guitars (baby Taylors, etc) and resonators and the Cello covers larger bodied acoustics. The combination of Guitar and Cello shafts screwed together is the same length as a standard Bass shaft. The Plus model can therefore be used for everything from baby & resonator guitars to cellos and basses. Mark uses one of the "Studio Plus" clamps himself, in his home studio. Check out his post about his H-Clamp on his "Digital Din" music blog!

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