On the fence again (this time with a JP)...

[Jay]

Newbie on the fence again (this time with a JP)...

Hi guys,

I wrote a forum post some months ago when I was on the fence about purchasing an Axis, and in no small part due to the overwhelming support for EBMM I got (like within 1/2 hour), it didn't take much to jump off the fence. I was able to score a nice pre-owned SS, and have never regretted it. It's added some tremendous tone to my recordings, and it's an utter joy to play.

So, Jay's back on the fence about a JP 6 string. It didn't take me long to circle back home to MM for my next axe. Hmm, I seem to remember someone warning me that you just can't have one..... I've been hunting for sound clips or what not showing the output of a Piezo, but can't really find anything. If anyone would know, I'm betting it would be you guys. But what's the real application and benefit of the Piezo, other than being able to proudly say you have it on yours? From a home recording standpoint (which is where I'm at), how would the setup be? Two mic'ed amps, one clean, one dirty? And what would you get out of it vs. a non-Piezo? Or is it more an issue of using either the Piezo or the traditional plug-in, but not together? Does anyone have feedback on whether the Piezo is a must-have feature, or something that rarely gets used? I'm not purchasing to re-sell, so my needs on this are entirely selfish.

I'm asking all this because, as you've probably guessed, I haven't played a JP Piezo. And even though I live in SLO, CA, and could ride my bike to the EBMM plant, there's no JPs within quite a few hours drive of where I'm at. So I hope you folks can help me out. Thanks in advance for any feedback you can offer!

Jay

 

[Enc3f4L0]

Well, I can't really be trusted for I am playing in a DT Tribute... Needless to say how useful the Piezo is.

DT aside. I think the Piezo makes the JP so much more versatile.

I've used it in studio to record an acoustic sound already. It works great going directly into the mixer.

In a live situation... You can use either the piezo, the magnetics or both. The 'both position' is really great when you want a nice overdriven sound to make it heavy, yet have a cleaner attack on the notes. You can use different effects on each to make it sound even larger.

The way I figure... If I'm gonna spend 1500usd (give or take) on an instrument as great as an EBMM, I might as well spend a little extra and add the versatility. My 2c.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Jay - You just have to get the Piezo

I was on the fence about getting one, after I got one I went out and bought a dedicated acoustic amp just for it! -an AER.

I use a stereo lead into an a/b splitter box (better than having 2 leads coming out of your guitar). and send the mags to my Marshall via a Pod XT and send the Piezo into the AER. Sublime !!!!

A few months ago I put the AL and the piezo through a 60's Watkins Dominator amp - instant Billy Gibbons - so it's versatile. Honest you won't regret getting it.

I've been recuperating at home after a car crash and have been learning the Led Zep rain song on a £25 bits n pieces Strat!!
Today I used the AL with Piezo - Man its great !!!
Sore Spud

 

[Jay]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. I hope this isn't exceeding the intent of the forum, but shoots, I'd feel a lot more comfortable buying a pre-owned JP 6 Piezo from someone who is frequenting these forums that going at it in the dark on Ebay. Though it wasn't my intent, or the seller's intent for that matter, my original posting on these forums paved the way for my purchase of my Axis SS from a regular on these very forums. I'm sort of gathering the # of JP6's for sale, especially in this very loyal EBMM environment, is laughable, but I guess it can't hurt to ask. If anyone has one, or knows of one, or is wishing to part with one of theirs to fund the next one, please feel free in reaching me via PM or my email: [email protected]. Yeah, there's a story behind that.... Thanks again!

Jay

 

[SteveB]

Jay,

The piezo should be recorded direct (IMHO), there's a separate output jack on the guitar for it. (Or you can run a stereo cable into a splitter box.. but I digress.)

I have the piezo and it sounded OK thru my guitar amp, but when I finally started running it direct into a PA system, it really shined!

You must hear it through a PA or a good acoustic amp.

 

[Jay]

Thanks for the post, Steve. With my rinky-dink studio setup, it'll be all I can do to avoid get ensnared with all those cables and go down in a heap! Heh. Appreciate the pointer about the piezo. Jay

 

[Jay]

So as a follow up to this post: I've stumbled my way serendipitously into a purchase of an '05 JP6 Piezo, and will be receiving it this week. Swweeeeeeeet!

Ironic thing about this site. It's free to use, but you find yourself acquiring a lot more gear as a result. EBMM hadn't even crossed my radar before 4/06, and now I have an Axis SS, a SUB 5string, and very soon a JP. And those are just my Balls. Like potato chips, these Balls are -- you just can't have one!

 

[Norrin Radd]

So as a follow up to this post: I've stumbled my way serendipitously into a purchase of an '05 JP6 Piezo, and will be receiving it this week. Swweeeeeeeet!

Congrats - and smart move. One of the biggest regrets I have is NOT getting the piezo with my JP - should have done. I will next time (if that Sitrucci sees light of day! )

 

[Philip]

I think Cudbucket had one JP6 for sale...

 

[beej]

Ironic thing about this site. It's free to use, but you find yourself acquiring a lot more gear as a result.

You ain't kidding.

Poppa's no slouch.