Review of B Band Technology

Hands up if you hate piezo pickups? Ok, maybe hate’s a bit strong, but if you’re fed up with that thin, plasticy acoustic sound, then the B-Band pickup could be just what you’re looking for.

So, what’s a B-Band? Well, B-Band manufactures pickups for acoustic guitars, violins and double basses. Simply put, B-Band pickups do not use piezo-electric films or transducers. Instead they use a patented high-tech electret film. You can think of the way B-Bands work as similar to how a condenser mic works. And B-Bands have the advantages of a condenser mic over a dynamic mic. The low mass of the condenser’s diaphragm allows it to respond accurately to sound waves and results in an uncoloured sound, while the heavier diaphragm of a dynamic mic is less responsive and results in a more coloured sound.

Every acoustic is different, and has a tone of it’s own. The tone can be different between two guitars of the same model, so when you’re trying to amplify your instrument, you want something that’s going to pickup it’s individual sound. That’s what B-Band are aiming to do with their pickup systems, and that’s what they’ve achieved: a sound that’s more acoustic than electric.

If you’ve tried like I have to mic your acoustic up through a PA at gigs, then you’ll know that you’ll know that you’re at the mercy of many factors: quality of the PA, mic placement, and the stumbling drunks knocking your mic stand are to but name a few! Despite these things, a mic is still the best way to pick up the “acoustic sound” of your guitar. At least that’s what I thought until I tried a B-Band fitted acoustic.

I’ve been putting the Tanglewood TW115AS CE , pictured above, through it’s paces at gigs both home and abroad, and I have to say, I’m mightily impressed. It’s fitted with a B-Band A3.2 system, with a 4 band EQ. Along with the Treble, Mid and Bass, there’s a Presence control which I’ve found when backed off a little, gives the guitar a deep, warm wooden tone. Perfect for that Delta acoustic sound. The controls are all extremely responsive, giving you that flexibility needed when playing live.

The B-Band made my guitar sound like I wanted it to, an acoustic guitar. So next time you’re in the market for an electro-acoustic, check to see if it’s B-Band equipped. It may be worth your while.

Reviewed by "Mr Wheatley"

If you fancy trying out some electro acoustic guitars with B-Band technology, have a look at some of these.

Washburn EA16 BP Electro Acoustic Guitar

Washburn EA16 MBL Electro Acoustic Guitar

Washburn EA18 TS Electro Acoustic Guitar

Ibanez AEL10 BK Electro Acoustic Guitar

Ibanez AEL20 VV Electro Acoustic Guitar

Ibanez AEL40SE RLV Electro Acoustic Guitar

Ibanez AW120CE RDV Electro Acoustic Guitar

Tanglewood TW145A SC Electro Acoustic Guitar

Tanglewood TW115AS CE Electro Acoustic Guitar

Tanglewood TW155AS Electro Acoustic Guitar

Just what is B-Band Technology?

Departments