L.R. Baggs Anthem

I have four acoustic guitars. Or maybe three. I think my oldest son may have taken ownership of my oldest acoustic guitar: a 1972 Guild D-40.

Of the four acoustic guitars, only one is equipped with a preamp system. My Taylor 314CE includes an older version of Taylor’s Expression System.

Whenever I record or play live with my other acoustics, I take a microphone along. Typically one of my Neumann KM-84s.

I had ordered an L.R. Baggs Anthem set for my Collings D2H. But I was concerned about whether it would be a good choice for the instrument. I was also concerned about whether the installation would negatively impact the resonant characteristics of the guitar.

I wrote Collings a note.

Here is what they said in return.

Hello Richard,

I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying your D2H!

We have had the opportunity to hear the LR Baggs Anthem system installed in a few of our instruments and both Mark and I agree it is a great sounding system, among the best we’ve heard.

The installation of the Anthem should not have a noticeable impact on the tone or response of your D2H. The under-saddle element if properly seated and the saddle height properly adjusted shouldn’t impact the note attack, and the bridge plate mic and sound-hole accessible pre-amp are quite light and shouldn’t have an appreciable effect on the tonal quality of the instrument.

Among the available acoustic amplification systems we have been impressed with this one. If you’d like to avoid having to install hardware in the guitar using a mic will be best, but for instrument mounted amplification the Anthem is a great choice.

I hope this helps and please let me know if I can assist further.

Best regards,
Gregg
Collings Guitars
11210 W. Hwy 290
Austin, TX 78737