INTRO...

The aim of Ashworth pickups is to reproduce the full natural sound of any musical instrument to the maximum, right from the start, and before any external amplification takes place.

The pre-amp that most acoustic pickups require will always introduce some noise, loss of transient response, and loss of that indefinable quality that distinguishes natural sound from processed sound - especially if a lot of corrective tone-shaping is also needed...

Even though some p.a. /mixer inputs are a poor match for any transducer, an Ashworth needs only a DI box or effects unit (even on standby) in line.   Normal stand-alone amplifiers can be fed directly from the pickup, using a standard jack lead.


Bullet Stick-on transducers pick up all the sound in whatever surface they are attached to. Advantages: tonal variety from different positions, full body sound from focal points (usually on or near the bridge), and quick fitting. Disadvantages can be pickup of mechanical noise (fingering, knocks etc.), and possibility of feedback at high volumes;   however the Ashworth range is much more resistant than most, and may be used with an EQ unit in difficult environments.

Bullet Bridge fitting transducers compare the sound in two surfaces, usually between bridge, or bridge saddle, and body. Advantages are high volume without feedback, almost no mechanical noise, and precise sound. Disadvantages are normally a flat harsh tone, and inferior balance, but Ashworth transducers avoid this with their unique construction and 3-dimensional sensing.

Bullet Integrated bridges are best for solid and skeletal bowed instruments. Ashworth bridges are to date the only ones capable of recreating the true sound of a hollow body within the bridge itself, whilst enabling volume levels to rival the loudest electric instruments (as does a Microstrip in a solid guitar). There is no limit to the frequency range of Ashworth bridges: hear the 9-string Jordan violin, or the Starfish Orca Bass - or the Fender Ashbory Bass...