I own three guitars, but my main instrument is a 1987 Martin D-35, which has been rigged with the Amulet transducers and pre-amps, manufactured by Trance Audio in California. The late Michael Hedges, and many other prominent guitarists have trusted the Trance Audio products to bring their pure acoustic tones through in live performances. For my recording work, I mainly played my Martin without amplification directly into microphones. I have always loved the warm tones and solid punch of a Martin Dreadnought. I also own and play a Taylor "Big Baby" travel guitar, which I take on trips. It's nice for the money.
Amplifier
I am currently using the “Acoustosonic” acoustic guitar amp made by Fender. This amp has two speakers, aimed at 90 degrees apart, one of which is pure tone, and one of which is digitally altered. It has 32 presets such as chorus, reverb and delay, and is a great amplifier for live work and recording. I just wish it wasn't so heavy!
Stage Rig Notes
Since my guitar pre-amp has two signals (the three bass and three treble strings have their own signals) I run the output into a Tascam M-08 board so I can control the two tones. I then route these signals into the Fender amp so I get a two-signal input. This is the path: Guitar, on board pre-amp, out board pre-amp (signal splits), M-08, Fender amp. For speaking and singing I route a Shure mic into the M-08 and pass it into the amp as well.
Other Notes
My strings are Elixir Medium gauge (light gauge on the Baby Taylor). I use Shubb Capos, and the Third Hand Capo, which has six small rubber wheels so that any string can be individually capoed. I prefer Shubb regular capos due to their weight, which affects tone in a positive way. Aluminum capos are easy to move and set, but are so light they offer no tonal improvements. I guard against feedback by using a sound hole cover made by "the lute hole company." Looks much nicer than those rubber things that appear to have fallen out of a piece of plumbing. I also have placed a heavy weight on the headstock of my instruments, to increase sustain and improve tone. This product is called the "Fat Finger" and I recommend it if you want richer tone and longer sustain. I own and sometimes use the Ebow guitar synth, and I also have a "stomp box" for a phase shifting effect. My small board is a Tascam M-08. My "Cowhide" guitar strap was handmade by Joel Marks. The custom pearl inlay on my fretboard of the Chinese character for 'gate' (and all guitar electronics and adjustments) were done by my luthier friend Anthony Huvard.
