Supernatural acoustic preamp

2019年，新岡老師為Ayers Japan Custom-made guitar注入了嶄新的元素 – 預設安裝Supernatural acoustic preamp。這項新產品的來頭可是不少，因為它就是由Maton Guitar的前CEO，也是Cole Clark Guitar創辦人之一的Bradley Clark先生全力開發的一個木結他拾音系統。Supernatural acoustic preamp是一個為了在專業舞台表演的結他手而設計的木結他拾音系統。它採用雙拾音系統(dual input)，兩個拾音器均由Bradley Clark自家的開發，包括安裝在下弦枕下的"Discrete Power Pickup"，和貼在面板下面的"Large super high quality piezo"。兩者的聲音輸入後再由Equalizer和獨家的DSP技術去除所有雜音。最後經過任何的音響系統出來的聲音也達到正如它的名字一樣是「超級自然」(Super Natural)

而安裝在在Ayers Japan custom-made guitar系列的Supernatural acoustic preamp也是特別設計的，它們都是Bradley Clark先生跟據不同桶型的Ayers guitar的聲音特性而調整。因此它不但能夠全面反映不同結他的音色，也能有效防止feedback出現。

以下是Bradley Clark先生解釋Supernatural acoustic preamp的原文節錄：

Innovator of Supernatural acoustic preamp, Bradley Clark explain the system in his own words:

“Two sensors are inputted and mixed with sophisticated EQs curves using DSP tech. The preamp remains an analogue system. Four such mixes and EQs are saved, and loaded into the preamp to be recalled by the player by means of a simple scroll button on the soundhole control plate. It’s like changing gears…to suit the power requirement.

The battery and PCB are mounted to the guitar’s internal heel block to minimise the system’s impact on the instrument, and for ease of installation. No large objects mounted on the guitar’s substrates and no large routed holes in the guitar are a good idea. We wanted to minimise the weight and plastic used.

In my experience, to get serious power, there are three precepts: Large Super-High quality piezo. Small strips are not serious… being around 1/20th the power.
To be effective that Power needs to be loaded up under the strings… as string pressure alone is not enough for good sound transference… And piezo strips tend to ‘flap about…’ And if you listen carefully, you can hear that effect. Especially if you are a hard player.
And there needs to be mass on the non-sensing side: The wood of the saddle slot is insufficient, and often insufficiently flat to provide the performance I was looking for.”

Supernatural’s Discrete Power pickup comprises a special brew of brass pins which listens to the under saddle, but also the soundboard. Well EQed to the instrument, it is difficult to beat.

The four stored mixes and EQs cover most venues, sound systems, PAs, and accounts for playing styles.