Pro Audio C411 PP High-Performance Miniature Condenser Vibration Pickup for Stringed Instruments with MPAV Standard XLR Connector

It is expensive, but it is worth every riyal

This thing doesn't get enough love. Sounds great on most acoustic instruments. There is a sweet spot on your instrument for this pickup and it might take a while to find it. For my violin it's right behind the bridge on the body under the G string. I'd recommend starting there on a violin, placing it perpendicular to the bridge. I removed the original casing on mine (not recommended) and rewired it into a smaller enclosure, but i'm not sure it improved the sound quality. I don't know how the tone of the AKG C411 compares to the technologically similar Ischell pickup (over twice the price) or the Schertler Basik (similar in price). All three are contact condenser microphones. The Ischell gives you a little EQ control. The AKG is the most affordable. Here are a few things to know about it before buying: The AKG C411 requires phantom power. The output can also be a little hot for cheaper preamps. You will most likely need to EQ this pickup, preferably using an eq with sweepable midrange to remove some of the boxiness in the sound. On my violin, I usually need to notch out a little near 600 Hz, and sometimes around 300 (this may have more to do with how your top plate is tuned). Then there are the normal fiddle unpleasantries in the high mids you should deal with. EDIT (7/10/2017) Ok I've been using this pickup regularly for over two years and the cable where I wrap it around the chin rest is starting to wear out so I'll probably be buying another one very soon. Since the initial review we've seen the release of the Behringer X-AIR series of mixers. The XR12 and the new Midas MR12 is the perfect preamp/direct box for something like this if you really want to control your sound. Not only does it give you all the EQ and effects you'll need, it allows you to blend another source like a mic with this pickup. The AKG C411 blended with a small microphone mounted in the right place has allowed me to get very very close to achieving the sound I want.

Very happy with this mic so far. I use it on a hand pan drum. I would have liked the cable to be a bit thicker though as it looks like it could be easily damaged if something gets accidently placed on top of it like a chair leg, keyboard stand leg or flight case. Especially being black on a dark stage you might not notice until it's too late. I understand they need to be lightweight for attachment to string instruments and such but any lightweight cable trailing on a stage floor is asking for trouble. Perhaps they could offer two versions - a lightweight cable and a heavy duty cable.

I use these on a Rav Vast tongue pan and an H5 Zoom. More depth to the sound than recording die t onto the H5, and no background noise. Highly recommended.

Amazing mic! I used it for Kanoun, it captured all the range and now I can hear myself with a lousy band.