Hi,

Currently when I play Open-Mic nights I use a Fishman Neo-D magnetic pick-up. For added level and EQ I go via my Pod X3. However having to carry around the Pod and setting it up quickly is an extra hassle and was really only a temporary fix.

I'd like advice on what is the best way to send my guitar to the PA. The Fishman sounds alright, but the level isn't very hot for feeding the PA. Would using a DI box and plugging into the PA via XLR boost the signal to an acceptable level? Then just EQ on the PA.

I am willing to hear other (more expensive) solutions if you have them, at least to give me the full picture. (Active pick-ups, pre-amps etc...). But keeping cos down would be nice. I did consider looking into fitting a proper Piezo with pre-amp and everything, but I've went off the idea since it'll probably cost more than the guitar really justifies spending on it. I may better off buying another guitar when I've got some money. But if you have advice on this, like cost and feasibility, then feel free to contribute anyway.


Cheers,
A.

In answer to one of your questions, a DI box would boost the signal from your guitar pickup to the PA system. I personally have a Boss DI 1 box that I use for recording purposes to boost my acoustic guitar (or electric guitar) signal through the DI box then into my computer setup if I wish to record using the acoustics onboard pickup, but the box can also output to a PA if desired.