PKM - Posted - 06/19/2025:  11:37:43

There has already been a previous discussion in BHO about the Myers pickups (“pickup” is a misnomer since it is really a small condenser mic), however I thought that some pickers might find some additional information useful.

I received my Myers Grip a few days ago and have played around with mounting it, testing and adjusting it. I must say,… it is by far the best sounding banjo quality amplification.

I have been playing professionally, in large, and small, venues for 40 years and have tried every conceivable pickup. As far as pickups go, (not microphones) I had decided on the Fishman Rare Earth, and used it for decades. It does a very good job, but 2 years ago, began using a condenser microphone. Once I tried the condenser, I fell in love with the sound and have performed that way since.

I will not go back to a pickup. However, I like to move around on stage, (i.e. wander over to mando player and share breaks, etc.),… admittedly, I am a shameless ham. So, I decided to give the Myers a try, and am very pleased. Disclaimer: I have not gigged with it yet since I just got it, so the only unknown apprehension I have, is potential feedback. I’ve only played it for a few days in my practice studio at full volume. We’ll see.

In the previous posted discussions, everyone added their 2-cents without specifying their banjo type, preferred style, (i.e. 3-finger, clawhammer, 2-finger, ) and those factor hugely into preferred tonal quality, IMO ! I play 3-finger style in a band that mixes bluegrass versions of popular music in with traditional bluegrass. My main performance banjo is a custom Hatfield fitted with a Katz Eye bridge, and head tensioned at 91. I like a crisp tone, good note separation, but with plenty of bass, and less harsh high end. This is relevant because you will get different tones depending a where you place the Myer’s head end.

I mounted it with zip-ties as shown in the photo. It is very secure, needn’t be removed to plug in the 1/4” cord, and my banjo case lid will close with it in place.

Of course, the Myers is powered by battery, so no phantom power is necessary. At first it sounded just a touch thin, but when I played around with head placement, I found the perfect spot for my taste. I put a penciled circle, for reference, on the head. I tried 3 of my DIs with it but it tended to feedback when connected to them. I don’t think a DI will be necessary at all.

Since the last BHO thread on Myers, most specifically mounting, Myers has added a clip which is purchased separately. It allows you to remove the suction cup, as I have done, and add this clip. I have one on order coming but I think the zip ties work great.

I sincerely hope this is helpful. It is a fantastic little unit and very reasonably priced. My portion of the first gig’s tip jar alone, will easily cover the cost.

All the best & happy picking

Edited by - Texasbanjo on 06/19/2025 14:06:26

 

Disco Kid - Posted - 06/25/2025:  04:18:40

Thanks for the narrative. Which version of the grip did you get?