LR Baggs - Element Active System VTC N

The L.R. Baggs Element Active System VTC-N is for classical guitarists who want to amplify without losing the soul of their instrument. This active pickup, designed for nylon strings, captures the vibration of the soundboard with shock-absorbing fidelity. Forget metallic or sterile sounds: here, it's all about nuance and touch.

The piezo sensor slides under the nut without any major modifications. It detects the dynamics of the playing, without picking up any extraneous noise or too frank an attack from the strings. The result is warm, airy, balanced audio, with controlled bass thanks to multi-band compression calibrated below 400 Hz. Enough to do justice to a Villa-Lobos prelude or a slightly nervous flamenco solo.

The discreet Class A preamp remains housed in the jack socket with belt clip. The volume and tone controls are integrated into the rosette, with no visible holes or screws. Plug in, adjust, play. No need for a degree in violin making.

Compatible with all nylon string spacings, it can be installed on most acoustic classical guitars without any fuss. It lasts 1000 hours on a 9V battery. And for anyone who's ever seen a cheap system melt down after three concerts: this model has been tested and calibrated one by one, by hand, in California.

Sober, reliable, transparent: an effective tool for musicians with a finicky nature. There's nothing flashy about it, it's all in the detail.