Amplification.

Much as I love to hear the natural sound of an instrument, there are times when a touch more volume is required. I've been hunting for a dedicated acoustic amplifier that will show off the true acoustics of my instruments, and I think I may have found it. I've recently taken delivery of the Unico, a 150watt, 4 channel acoustic amp, made by Schertler in Switzerland. It's got a clean, powerful sound, and has inputs individually tailored for microphones, transducers, magnetic pickups, and high input devices like cd players, keyboards etc. It's every bit as well built and portable as the excellent AER range, but scores over the comparable "Acousticube" by using a spring reverb that gives a lovely warm, natural reverb;much better suited to my style of playing than the digital effects in the AER.

For feedback-free ease of use in the majority of situations, and a natural, woody sound without the dreaded "quack" of the piezo transducer, I'm currently using, and recommending, the active I-beam system from L.R.Baggs.This pickup attaches to the inside of the guitar, on the bridgeplate, which means there is room to move it around in search of the best sound. Even unplugged, there are advantages - removing that strip of wire, rubber and what-have-you from between saddle and body can only improve the acoustic tone of your guitar.