Reviews for MSP ( Magnet Sandwiched Pickup ) for acoustic instruments, new installation mic!

This post features a customer’s beautifully recorded kalimba performance using the MSP Contact Pickup . The piece is John Lennon’s “Imagine,” played on a 34-key chromatic kalimba, captured through a clean line recording. The MSP Pickup is a magnetic contact pickup with an internal magnet built into the body. If the kalimba’s bridge or keys are made of magnetic metal, the pickup can simply be attached by letting it snap into place—no tools, no modifications, and no hassle. Because many kalimba players own multiple instruments, the MSP Pickup is also highly economical . It can be moved from one kalimba to another in seconds, making it an ideal choice for performers who switch instruments frequently or enjoy exploring different tonal ranges. The result is a natural, resonant kalimba sound that is easy to record in studio settings or for online content. | 123sound.jp (MSP pickup company site) | 123sound.jp SHOP | #MSPPickup #Kalimba #KalimbaRecording #ContactPickup #JohnLennonImagine ...

 In this post, we feature a live performance where the ukulele was amplified using the MSP Contact Pickup . The video shows a ukulele and guitar duet, with the MSP Pickup attached to the ukulele to transform it into an electric stage-ready instrument. The MSP Pickup is a patented contact pickup (Japan & U.S.) that attaches to the instrument using a magnetic system. This design allows players to mount it easily on the soundboard without damaging the instrument. Unlike built-in ukulele pickups that require drilling holes or internal installation, the MSP Pickup is an external, non-invasive option . There is no need for special tools, permanent modifications, or instrument customization—simply attach it and play. For performers who want to amplify their ukulele naturally and safely, the MSP Pickup offers a simple, reliable solution for live stages. | 123sound.jp (MSP pickup company site) | 123sound.jp SHOP | #MSPPickup #UkulelePickup #ContactPickup #AcousticAmplification #Uk...

This post introduces a wonderful example of the MSP Contact Pickup used in a live ensemble performance. In a 300-seat concert hall, a trio of harps and a contrabass performed together, each harp equipped with an MSP Pickup to ensure a clear, natural amplified sound throughout the venue. A video of the concert is featured above, showcasing how well the MSP Pickup captures the warm resonance of multiple harps even in a large hall. Its patented magnetic mounting system (U.S. and Japan) allows players to attach the pickup securely to the soundboard without altering or damaging the instrument. We also included a close-up performance video where the MSP Pickup is clearly visible on the harp. Unlike the wide hall shot, this angle makes it easy to see exactly where the pickup is mounted. The MSP Pickup continues to be a reliable choice for harpists and acoustic performers seeking professional-quality sound reinforcement in both small and large venues. | 123sound.jp (MSP pickup company site...

Our longtime customer, Shiho Watanabe , has graciously shared her impressions after more than a decade of using the MSP Contact Pickup . This pickup—secured using our patented magnetic mounting system in both Japan and the United States—allows musicians to attach it directly to the soundboard without damaging the instrument. The MSP Pickup is designed to capture the natural resonance of acoustic instruments such as harps and hammered dulcimers, producing a clear, expressive tone even in live environments. Its durability and ease of installation make it a reliable companion for performers who need consistent, high-quality amplification. We will feature Ms. Watanabe’s performance videos from a café concert, where she used MSP Pickups on both harp and dulcimer. We hope her experience will help other musicians discover how the MSP Contact Pickup can enhance their own sound. Comment from Shiho Watanabe I have been using the MSP Pickup for more than ten years, and it has become an essent...

Making Beautiful Acoustic Sounds Heard — The MSP Pickup in Concert Attaching a microphone to delicate instruments like a harp can be challenging, but with the MSP Pickup, installation is surprisingly easy. Because it uses a magnetic mounting system, you can simply insert the inner magnet through the sound hole and attach the MSP Pickup to the front surface — no tools, clips, or damage to your instrument. In concert settings where greater volume is needed, or when balancing sound levels between ensemble instruments, amplification becomes essential. The MSP Pickup offers a reliable and natural-sounding solution for such situations. Another advantage is visibility — since the MSP Pickup requires no mic stand, the performer’s playing remains clearly visible to the audience. It also reduces the amount of equipment musicians need to bring to a performance. We were delighted to receive feedback from the cellist featured in this video: “For years I’ve been looking for a good microphone for ...

Giving the Kalimba a New Voice — Using the MSP Pickup for Electric Expression The kalimba is often played as an acoustic instrument, but with the right gear, it can be transformed into an electric instrument, expanding its expressive range with effects and layers of sound. This time, we’d like to introduce a great example of that transformation. The video below was kindly shared by Yuu Souda (Earth Musician), whom we’ve featured before on our blog. In this setup, he attached our MSP Pickup—a contact microphone that captures the natural resonance of acoustic instruments—to his kalimba, then routed the sound through an effect pedal. This allows a single kalimba to produce deep, layered tones with rich spatial depth. The MSP Pickup is a patented magnetic contact piezo pickup, designed and manufactured in Japan. Its unique feature is a built-in magnet that allows it to be easily attached to any ferromagnetic metal part—such as the keys or bars of a kalimba—without any modification or damag...