Dean Markley Pro Mag Plus Acoustic Guitar Single Coil Pickup, Smooth Maple Wood Design Active Soundhole Pickup Ebony Finish, Perfect String Balance

### Editorial Review The Markley Pickup, an upgrade from its predecessors, has garnered a mixed reception among users, reflecting a diverse experience with its performance and functionality. Many users praised this pickup for its durable yet thoughtful design and ease of installation. Several lengthy-time users noted that it retains the favorable features of earlier models, including a commendable tonal quality and a secure mounting mechanism that minimizes risk to their guitars. The addition of a plug/clip assembly has also been highlighted as a beneficial feature, providing extra stability while playing. On the positive side, the pickup has been reported to sound impressive when paired with quality amplification, with several users enjoying its tonal character when connected to traditional tube amplifiers. Furthermore, the reasonable pricing of this product adds to its overall appeal, making it a solid recommendation for those in search of an effective sound amplification tool. However, the critiques reveal significant shortcomings, particularly regarding its output strength. A notable fraction of reviewers experienced extremely low output levels, likening the sound to a tinny, electric sound rather than a full-bodied acoustic tone. For these users, the Markley Pickup did not meet their expectations, especially when compared to cheaper alternatives which produced better frequency response. Many even suggested investing in an external preamp to enhance the output, which added an extra cost to what is meant to be a straightforward amplification solution. Overall, the Markley Pickup is a double-edged sword: it excels in aspects of design and usability but falls short in sound projection and quality for a significant segment of its user base. Several users recommend trying the pickup with acoustic amplifiers for better results, signaling that while this product may suit some players, it may not be the best match for everyone. ####