Calling guitar geeks

[mat777]

Does anyone know if it's possible to change the pickups in an electro-acoustic guitar? My guitar is a Yamaha APX-5 (earlier version of the current APX500), and it is very nice. However, I have always coveted but never been able to afford an Ovation CSE225 doubleneck - party for the looks but mainly because of the amazing ringy tone when plugged in - halfway between acoustic and electric. I was therefore wondering whether its possible to get and and modify either the pickups or the electrics on my guitar (or get an FX pedal?) to get the desired sound?

What I want the guitar to sound like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-X23FlBB6c#t=24

What it actually sounds like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZVMAHGqwZc&lis...

(yes its that song again. I also realise mine is slightly more muted due to finger picking in that particular video but it still doesnt ring when using a pick).

Any advice would be gladly appreciated,

Matt

[davepoth]

Couple of things.

1) Record it using a condenser microphone close up in an echoey room rather than plugging it in;
2) Have 12 strings instead of six.

To go close you could probably use a reverb pedal and a gentle bit of chorus. It wouldn't completely get the 12 string sound but it would emulate the slight difference in tuning between the sets of strings.

[Bullett]

Your guitar will always sound different because of it's different construction to the Ovation, more warm and 'woody' the 6/12 string thing makes a significant difference and playing it through a Marshall will also impart it's own colour to that sound as opposed to a more pure DI into the PA/recording desk.

Personally I prefer the sound your guitar makes.

[Lotus 50]

As per the post above, the fundamental problem is that the original was played on a 12 string guitar and you've got a 6 string. You'll never get the same sound with a 6 string - although some octave divider pedals may get close (e.g. the electroharmonix POG). The differences between your guitar and a bowl back like the Ovation will make less of a difference than the additional 6 stings.

[mat777]

Hi guys, thanks for the advice. My amp does have a chorus setting so I'll give it a try.
I have an old 12-string lying around but it cost £50 new and as you can see from this sound test on my camera, it sounds a bit st:

http://www.facebook.com/v/10150121382673878