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

The Chromatic Kalimba presents a unique challenge for amplification. Unlike standard models, its keys are often arranged in two or three tiers, with complex internal structures that vary by maker. A common question for players is: "Can a single sensor effectively capture the nuances of both the upper and lower tiers?" Recently, a customer visited 123sound.jp with their favorite chromatic kalimba and a mini-amp to explore this very question. Testing the Tiered Structure Because the keys and the pressure bar are separated into different sections on a chromatic model, there is often a concern that the volume of the lower tier might drop significantly. For this experiment, we worked closely with the customer to find the most effective placement. We made sure to attach carefully using our magnetic system, positioning the pickup in a way that allows it to sense vibrations from the entire body of the instrument. Real-World Observations To our pleasant surprise, the sound remaine...

The Biwa is a traditional Japanese short-necked lute, known for its powerful, percussive accents and delicate, lingering resonances. However, capturing its complex soul through amplification has always been a challenge for performers—until now. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Sumire Kaoru, an innovative player of the Chikuzen Five-String Biwa, to our studio. We conducted an experiment to see how the MSP Pickup by 123sound.jp could handle the unique structural demands of this historic instrument. Reference articles: Revolutionizing Biwa Amplification: A Special Session with Kaoru Sumire A Seamless Blend of Magnetism and Tradition One of the most significant advantages of the MSP Pickup is its magnetic mounting system. For an instrument as precious and rare as the Biwa, permanent modifications or drilling are out of the question. Video Highlights: 0:44 Introduction to the Chikuzen Five-String Biwa. 1:53 How to attach carefully the MSP Pickup using magnets. 4:30 Gear setup ...

Today, we are excited to share an insightful review video from Mikako Sakamoto , a professional harpist and certified instructor at the Miyabi Method Music School. As an expert who brings the beautiful tones of the harp to audiences, her perspective on gear is truly eye-opening!   In her video on the "Nezumi Harp Channel," Mikako covers everything a harpist needs to know: 02:21~ Introduction to the MSP Pickup 06:24~ Guide to choosing an amplifier She starts by discussing a fundamental question: "Why do we even need a microphone or an amp?" Understanding the importance of gear is the first step to a great performance. 💡 Real Feedback from the Field What impressed us most was Mikako’s practical take on the MSP Pickup. She highlighted two major benefits for performers: "It doesn’t get in your way" : Unlike vocal microphones on stands, it doesn't interfere with your hand movements. "The mic moves with you" : Since it's attached directly to...

We’d like to introduce a creative way to use the MSP Pickup, as demonstrated by musician Yu Soda. By attaching the MSP Pickup to a Kalimba and connecting it to effect pedals, Yu Soda expands the instrument's natural sound. Instead of a simple dry tone, this setup allows for: Added Depth: Using reverb or echo to create a more spacious feel. Layered Sounds: Using delay to build up rich, rhythmic textures. Versatile Expression: Achieving a fuller sound that goes beyond a standard Kalimba. Simple and Non-Invasive Setup The MSP Pickup is a contact piezo pickup with an integrated magnet. If your Kalimba has magnetic metal parts—such as the pressure bar or bridge—you can easily mount the pickup. Because it uses magnets, you can move or remove it in seconds without any adhesives. Just remember to place the pickup gently onto the metal parts to protect the internal sensor. It’s a great tool for anyone looking to experiment with their sound! | 123sound.jp (MSP pickup company site) | 123sound...

  テーマ： MSP パーカッション関連情報 Today, we are thrilled to feature SEIGO , a versatile musician who is active internationally as a composer, producer, and performer. Recently, his original music was featured on Kamakura FM's Seaside Cafe 82.8 . During the recording process for these tracks, SEIGO used the MSP Pickup to capture his bongo performances through overdubbing. You can listen to the radio archive here: About SEIGO SEIGO wears many hats in the music industry, from producer to educator. Stay connected with his latest projects through his social media channels: SEIGO（@seigoes） / X 　 https://x.com/seigoes Instagram Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you. www.instagram.com   Seigo Maruyama 楽しいものならナンでもアップ！ www.youtube.com   Pro Tips for Percussion Setup When using the MSP Pickup on percussion, the goal is to find a "sweet spot" that captures your ideal tone without getting in the way of your performance. Since drumheads ...

"Is the MSP Pickup really that easy to install?" This is a question we hear from musicians all over the world. We know that when you're ready to play, you don't want to spend hours fumbling with complicated gear. Today, we are excited to share a raw, "no-stop" video from one of our customers! They filmed the entire process from the moment they opened the box to the first notes played, showing exactly what it’s like to set up the MSP Pickup.  What’s great about this video is that towards the end, the user pairs the pickup with a wireless amp system. It’s a perfect example of how practical and versatile this setup is for real-world performance. Note: The specific kit shown in this video is a version exclusive to the Japanese market and includes some components not available for international shipping. However, the core MSP Pickup technology remains the same worldwide! Experience the simplicity for yourself—no drilling, no hassle, just pure sound. | 123sound...

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Kaoru Sumire, a renowned Chikuzen Biwa player, to our studio to test out the MSP Pickup! elec.琵琶　 菫薫 （Sumire Kaoru） Instagram Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you. www.instagram.com Kaoru Inoue Kaoru InoueさんはFacebookを利用しています。Facebookに登録して、Kaoru Inoueさんや他の知り合いと交流しましょう。Facebookは、人々が簡単に情報をシェアできる、オープンでつながりのある世界の構築をお手伝いします。 www.facebook.com The Biwa is a traditional Japanese lute, a beautiful instrument that even many in Japan rarely see up close. It often raises questions for musicians: "What is its standard shape?" "Wait, does it even have a soundhole?" "How on earth do you attach a pickup to that?" To solve these mysteries, we conducted an installation experiment. Check out the results in the video below! What did you think? The mounting position was quite a surprise! In the video, Kaoru provides a detailed review, comparing the MSP Pickup with dynamic micr...

 Have you ever heard of the Valiha ?  A traditional instrument from Madagascar, the Valiha is a tubular zither typically made of bamboo with metal strings. It produces a crystalline, ethereal sound reminiscent of a harp. We are thrilled to announce that Rado Fentsu , a renowned Valiha player based in France, recently conducted testing with our MSP Pickup. ■ About Rado Fentsu A professional musician specializing in both Diatonic and Chromatic Valiha. Instagram YouTube Facebook ■ Feedback from Rado Fentsu "I would like to thank you once again for your trust and for giving me the opportunity to test the MSP Pickup. It is a real pleasure to discover your work. After my first tests, I wanted to share my impressions with you. The MSP Pickup is a truly high-quality microphone , easy to use and incredibly faithful to the natural sound of the instruments. On my bamboo valiha, I was genuinely impressed. This is the first time a contact pickup has been able to capture the color, resonan...

 At a recent kalimba event, the PA engineer kindly provided a review after using the MSP Contact Pickup on every kalimba that appeared on stage. Below is a summary of their setup and impressions from the event. この投稿をInstagramで見る うえだみなこ / Minaco Kalimba(@uedaminaco)がシェアした投稿 Pickup & Setup Details Pickup Used: MSP Pickup (123sound.jp) Mounting Method: Attached directly to the kalimba’s bridge and key area using the MSP’s internal magnet (see reference photo). No tools or modifications required. Signal Chain: MSP Pickup → DI Box (BOSS DI-1) → XLR Cable → Yamaha Mixer PA Engineer’s Impressions As this was a one-person PA operation with no rehearsal time, all equalizing and balance adjustments had to be done through headphones alone. Despite the challenging conditions, the audience feedback was positive, which was a relief for the engineer. This was their first time mixing kalimbas using the MSP Pickup, and they noted that there was no feedback at all , and ...

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...

MSP Pickup is a unique contact pickup, developed and manufactured in Japan, that acts like a microphone for your acoustic instrument. Patented in the U.S. and Japan, its original design uses magnets to attach directly to the instrument's resonating body, providing a clear, natural sound without any sticky adhesives. Below is a video that helps answer common questions like "What is a pickup?" and "What is an amp?". The video also includes a sound comparison between our MSP Pickup and a typical stick-on pickup. We hope you'll find it helpful! |  123sound.jp (MSP pickup company site)  |  123sound.jp SHOP  | #pickup #acousticguitar #ukulele  #musicalinstruments #contactmicrophone #comparison #MSPpickup #amplifier

Have you ever tried to record your kalimba at home, only to be frustrated by unwanted noises? Sounds from outside, family members, or even your air conditioner can easily get picked up by a standard microphone, making it hard to get a clean recording. We have a solution for you! The MSP Pickup is a type of contact microphone that captures sound directly from the vibrations of your instrument. This means it's great at isolating your instrument's sound and minimizing background noise. The MSP Pickup's unique magnetic design makes it incredibly easy to attach to your kalimba. You can simply stick it to a metal part of the instrument or clamp it onto the soundboard using the magnets. This allows for quick setup and ensures that you're capturing the purest sound of your instrument. By using the MSP Pickup and connecting it to a mixer or audio interface for recording, you'll find that your recordings have far less background noise and a much closer, richer sound than wha...

この投稿をInstagramで見る 石田昇(@office_amaoto)がシェアした投稿 MSP Pickup: Experience the True Sound of Your Instrument We're incredibly excited to share some amazing feedback from our valued customers about the MSP Pickup , our patented contact microphone designed for musical instruments. What makes the MSP Pickup truly special is its innovative magnetic attachment system , which lets you easily and securely fasten it to your instrument's soundboard. This clever design, protected by patents in both the US and Japan, means you get exceptional sound capture without ever having to permanently modify your beloved instrument. Here’s what one of our customers, percussionist Noboru Ishida, recently told us: A Game-Changer for Percussionist Noboru Ishida Noboru Ishida, a talented percussionist, creates unique rhythms using a watering can – you know, the kind you use for watering plants! He used to really struggle with his previous setup. He'd actually have to drill holes into...