Can you fit the Autolycus pickup without modifying a valuable instrument?

Yes, the Autolycus pickup takes care of this. It is not customised to any particular instrument, no modifications to the instrument are required - anywhere. All that is required is a little care.

Are screws or adhesives uses to secure the pickup?

No, this pickup is held quite firmly with a rubberised plastic clip. No screws or adhesives are needed and which could easily mark or damage the instrument. Plastic ties hold the cable in place.

Does the pickup sound like a fiddle with all the 'lows' and the 'highs'?

A main feature of the Autolycus pickup is its body mounting as opposed to bridge mounting. There is a logic in placing the pickup adjacent to the sound post! The fullness of sound, produced by the violin body, is more accurately available to the pickup. The lower frequencies are much enhanced by such positioning and without incurring any acoustic muting of the instrument.

Is there enough output to ensure a good signal to noise ratio?
The mounting of the pickup above/near the sound post together with the characteristics of the pickup give a very healthy output. The signal to noise ratio of any communication system is essentially determined at the input. The less amplifier gain needed, the less unwanted noise that is amplified, the better the signal to noise ratio. Too much pickup sensitivity can give rise to handling noise and feedback.

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How do you adjust the volume or play louder for that important 'lead break', you know - when the vocalist gives you the nod - and you were least expecting it!?

This is where the Autolycus Pedal/preamp really shines. With the hands both busy whilst playing, the pedal allows that extra volume to be "kicked in" - literally. A preset volume can be toggled high/low using the robust Autolycus foot pedal. It contains a preamplifier electrically suited to the pickup and a low output impedance to feed almost any amplifier. Fiddle pickups do not perform well using long cables and/or low impedance amplifier inputs.

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Can you afford to pay many thousands of dollars for a custom electric fiddle?
Well, it maybe great if you can, and there are some very good ones available. The Autolycus pickup is intended to allow amplification of "Stradivarius" type fiddles or violins. It also works equally well on Violas, has been used very successfully on Mandolins. I'm told it is also good for Dulcimers but I've not tried that - I don't have one! Comparing the cost of the custom electric instrument and the Autolycus pickup on traditional violin does make the latter very good value for money. It also satisfies those who feel the instruments are very different and where some loyalty prevails!

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Are you tied or connected to the instrument with wires?
There is no need to be tied to your instrument when using the Autolycus pickup. This is espcially the case when using the Pedal/preamp which sits on the floor for foot operation. The cable hangs down from the fiddle and the RCA style connector is firm enough for all normal playing conditions. Many options exist for further security but if someone ever trips on your cable it should pull free before too much damage occurs. You do have the choice. I have NEVER had a connector part company whilst playing but yes - it could happen. There is no need to "wear" a preamp when using the Autolycus Pedal.

All Piezo pickups generally perform best when using a short cable into a high impedance pre-amplifier.

After a couple of "practices" it would take no more than two, maybe three minutes to remove the Autolycus pickup and fit it to another instrument. The only proviso is that you have two or three plastic ties - (or even some "emergency" string), and the re-usable plastic retaining clip.

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How can I improve the sound of my "electric" fiddle?

Well, it really depends on the listener! What sort of sound do you want? My own aims were always to produce the sound of an amplified fiddle, little more. It should be born in mind that fiddles/violins, players, types of music, environments, amplifiers/speakers, and tastes are fortunately infinitely variable.

There are some rules which apply in all circumstances:

• Ensure the instrument is physically sound with a good tone to start with. Some hard bowing and visual examination is worthwhile. Cracks or open seams or any material just touching the instrument can cause unwanted vibrations. If they can be heard then the pickup will "hear" them too. Check clearance under those string adjusters!
• Avoid peak clipping of any amplifier stage, like a harsh rasping sound, horrible to me, and can be avoided by proper gain distribution. If you wish to play loud, I mean loud, then the main amp master volume will need to be fairly high. (after you've plugged in!) A system with adequate 'headroom' is preferred.
• Feedback. This is not generally a problem with Piezo pickups, 'one of the reasons for using them. It can be forced to occur using very high gain settings and then placing the instrument too close to a speaker. Feedback is also encouraged by inappropriate tone control settings - or a 'peaky' response. Whilst normal tone controls are very effective for the Autolycus pickup some users often prefer a graphic equaliser to strive for their "perfect" sound.
  Do not be afraid to experiment.
• Remember, ALL high impedance transducers perform better when fed into a high impedance pre-amp.

I have personal preference to use a fairly short echo effect, much as a vocalist might use. I also find that reducing the mid frequencies a little gives a good balance - that's just me, or my fiddle, or the amp/speakers, maybe the pickup!

Finally, I have had much written acclaim for these pickups. I am confident you can achieve a pleasant sound as required using the Autolycus pickup. It is excellent value, here is what other's say - unsolicited and - great.

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Some unsolicited acclaim

Dave

I have been playing fiddle professionally for 14 years and have owned or used every pickup that is commercially available during this time. ......My sound is more direct and thus has greater clarity and "umph". My EQ settings are sensible and I no longer fear sitting in with another band using a rig other than my own.

A tip of this Texan's hat to my partner in New Zealand, I wish I could have used this pickup from the start.
Sean Orr
Cedar Creek, Texas Dec 99

"David, I have now become well accustomed to your pickup. It is wonderful, I am so happy with it."
(12 Aug 99)

"Hi David, I would like to buy another pickup" (28 Jul 99)

"I would not blame you for raising your prices much higher" (15 Jul 99)

"Dear Dave, the Autolycus is working VERY well...........it all sounds really good on a decent PA." (17 Aug 98)

Hi David...
......My feeling is that the Autolycus pickup delivers exactly as promised: a true natural violin tone through a system costing about one-half as much as comparable units on the market. Thanks, Eric. 12/Sept/99

And this letter I find most satisfying.

Feb 1998
"Hi Dave, I have to admit you were quite correct - your pickup wins the contest hands down. It really does generate the nearest to "true" fiddle tone quality. In comparison, the others make a fiddle sound like the xxxxxxx manufacturers should have rejected." Lynne..

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