Mandolins inherently produce a sound that is rich in transient detail and upper harmonics. When creating the Radius Mandolin Pickup, we knew we had to design something fundamentally different to capture that response. Our design team focused on reproducing a microphone sound, without any of the problems that come with using a real mic on a loud stage.
Instead of a piezo bridge pickup, we developed an accelerometer with a film sensor that is very similar to a mic diaphragm. With opposing neodymium magnets that suspend and dampen the sensor, this capsule allows the sensor to be free-floating to respond to the most subtle vibrations, just like a microphone diaphragm.
We engineered the Radius as a contact sensor pickup to bring mic-like warmth and natural tone to your mandolin. The pickup mounts externally with removable adhesive and doesn’t require replacing the bridge or permanently modifying the mandolin, so it’s a stress-free installation that preserves the integrity of your instrument. The name “Radius” was a nod to our GM, Bo Radis, who was instrumental in the development of the pickup.
Instrument: Mandolin (not recommended for Octave Mandolin)
Type: Hybrid Contact Sensor
Position: Instrument Top
Active/Passive: Passive
Preamp: No (external preamp required)
Controls: No
Power Source: None
Included: Radius pickup/output jack, clamp adjustment tool, extra adhesives, putty
