Are contact mics any good ?

[gitman]

Does anyone here have some experience re this type of microphone when stuck on an acoustic archtop ? They have been around for quite some time, some are really pricy but I've yet to find a tone-report/discussion re their performance with an archtop. Curious if these might be an alternative to a clip-on mini-mic .....

[MarkA]

I have used an Ischell contact mic for many years on my archtops and other guitars. I prefer an Audio-Technica clip on mic and usually can use it. If I find feedback issues I use the Ischell which I think sounds very close to the acoustic sound of the mic with less feedback. I got mine from Djangobooks.com. Takes a little trial and error to find the best spot for placement on your guitar but well worth it.

[Rodney Gene]

Yes they absolutely can be.

In my experience, placement and the preamp choice (acoustic based tonal centers) is a big support. A contact mic and acoustic preamp is always good to have around IME.

There is a bit of piezo-ish to the top end to my ears, but it is generally not noticed when playing. You can hear it in a DI though. We used to make these by the dozens from elements bought at Radio Shack. Constant experimenting. They are an environmental solution and a robust 100+ year old tech. Good to have a proper one on hand.

MarkA mentioned Ischell, those are excellent mics and have their own preamp with HPF. About as good as contact mic 'natural sound' tech available.
One last factor is the putty you use (BluTack for me), too much and you can greatly reduce output. And almost any movement of the mic position will alter the frequency response to some degree.

[AllanAllen]

My Eastman has a K&K 3 contact archtop system. I don’t like it, sounds like a piezo. An SM57 on a stand would be an improvement.