OK, I'm not the sharpest tool

[buzzardwhiskey]

A few years ago I tried a K&K pickup in my old Larivee parlor guitar and didn’t much like it. Mind you, I did the installation myself and maybe hosed it. I don’t know. It was kind of furry… it was a long time ago.

So then I started playing out more and I bought a new guitar… and another new guitar… and in between have tried multiple kinds of pickups. I switched to a Fishman Matrix (two quacky) and then an LR Baggs Lyric (too finicky) and then a DiMarzio Angel (too electricy)… and then the lead guitar player in Buzzard Whiskey started using a K&K in his guitar… geez… its sounds great!

So last night I went to a concert and really enjoyed the performance of a forum member (hey Scott) playing his JJB pickup equipped guitar (it sounded fantastic) and it pushed me over the edge… I installed a K&K in my Martin CEO7 today and wham!

Other than glue residue on my fingers it went smoothly and sounds great.

I’ve tried it directly into my Schertler Unico, via a Radial PZ-DI Orchestra Acoustic Direct Box, and finally via a Zoom A3. Too simple. Scoop some mids and it’s plenty good enough, or shelf the lows as well and wow… pro sounding.

[H165]

I've found one key to good K&K performance is to get a tight, non-cushioned bond. The crappy tape they sometimes supply does not meet the goal. For temporary, I use Rhino Grip Double Sided Tape. For permanent, I use 5 minute Loctite epoxy, because this epoxy can be removed with (very carefully and locally applied) heat.

[midwinter]

It was great to meet you! I had a blast playing that show—and I was kind of floored by the number of people who complimented me about my guitar's sound (that never, ever happens). I'm glad you got a K&K working for you, too. I can't wait to hear it sometime.

Originally Posted by buzzardwhiskey

So last night I went to a concert and really enjoyed the performance of a forum member (hey Scott) playing his JJB pickup equipped guitar (it sounded fantastic) and it pushed me over the edge… I installed a K&K in my Martin CEO7 today and wham!

[guitaniac]

I'd think that the Zoom A3 would be a good preamp to use with the Pure Mini. It has an ideal (for the Pure Mini) input impedance of 1 Mohm, plus enough digital EQ power to adjust for a balanced tone at home. Beyond that, you also have the manual three band EQ which can be used for "quick and dirty" adjustments at the gig.

I doubt that the A3's modeling effects will be very compatible with a soundboard pickup, but soundboard pickups tend to need less help (than USTs and mags) in achieving a pleasant tone.


I've personally found that SBT rigs can vary a lot with respect to tonal balance (depending on the guitar, the placement and the type of installation - tape or glue), but the A3 probably has enough EQ power to deal with a worst case scenario.

[Mbroady]

For the price I don't think you can get a more natural sound. Add the mic and a pre and you are in acoustic gig bliss...IMHO


I had guitar (Blueridge BR163) that had the K&K 3 source set up - mini/mic/UST. Wow....it was fantastic for band situations. The system cost almost as much as the guitar but it was worth it.

[buzzardwhiskey]

I played at a VFW last night with the full band and the K&K through my Zoom A3 was brilliant. Scooped the mids and away we went.

[Doubleneck]

Originally Posted by buzzardwhiskey

I played at a VFW last night with the full band and the K&K through my Zoom A3 was brilliant. Scooped the mids and away we went.

I have a K&K and a Zoom A3, did you use any other things in your patch? Did you EQ outside or internally within the patch string?

[buzzardwhiskey]

Hey dude! I hope you and yours are well.

For my CEO-7 here's the breakdown (virtually no EQ at the board or amp):

Pickup Select=Piezo
Bass=10:00, Middle=10:00, Treble=12:00
Balance=100% wet
Pickup Level=10:00

Body type = Double 0

Effect 1 (Model)
OM-28

Effect 2
Para EQ
Freq1=63Hz, Q1=0.5, Gain1=-6
Freq2=320Hz, Q2=2, Gain2=-2
Level=100

Effect 3
Exciter
Bass=6, Trebl=18, Level=100