Is this a proper K&K Installation?

Zhoken · #1 08-28-2017, 01:30 PM

So as as I've mentioned I'm having some trouble getting a sound to my liking out of the K&K pure mini installed on this Martin 000-15m. I'm wondering if any of you who have installed a few can let me know if you see anything off about this installation?

I had this installed by a "pro" luthier (not a music store employee, but a full time guitar builder) while I normally trust his work 100% I've gotten the impression as of late that he might be just "phoning it in" when it comes to my projects (the guy does guitar repair for big Canadian musician and stuff and can sometimes be a bit... dismissive?)

I've also attached a recording I made with the guitar plugged directly into a Zoom h5n with no compression, or processing what so ever. And yes, it does sound better with my redeye preamp, but it I'm wondering what people who know this pickup think of how it's sounding? Is this par for the course when it comes to K&K's sound?

Thanks!

https://soundcloud.com/user-47270832...tin-000-15mwav

jonfields45 · #2 08-28-2017, 01:39 PM

The glue work is a bit sloppy by my standards, but the pickup heads are in the right positions and appear to be glued properly. It looks like whatever putty he used to attach the heads to his installation tool could still be cleaned off. It sounds like it could use some EQ but is otherwise reasonable for that type of PUP.

James May · #3 08-28-2017, 01:53 PM

The sound clip sounds brighter than I would expect, but that's likely due to the low input impedance of the zoom. I'd expect more bass if plugged into the redeye. How's the individual balance from string to string?

Zhoken · #4 08-28-2017, 02:16 PM

Thanks for input, Jon!

Quote:

Originally Posted by James May

The sound clip sounds brighter than I would expect, but that's likely due to the low input impedance of the zoom. I'd expect more bass if plugged into the redeye. How's the individual balance from string to string?

It is indeed quite a deal warmer through the redeye. The individual balance seems alright I suppose. That's not the kind of thing that I'm adapt at discerning though. I made a quick recording of each string one by one. What do you think?

https://soundcloud.com/user-472708321/zoom0065-tr2wav

ljguitar · #5 08-28-2017, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zhoken

Thanks for input, Jon!

It is indeed quite a deal warmer through the redeye. The individual balance seems alright I suppose. That's not the kind of thing that I'm adapt at discerning though. I made a quick recording of each string one by one. What do you think?

https://soundcloud.com/user-472708321/zoom0065-tr2wav

Hi z
I'd love hear it through the RedEye (presuming that's how you will use it live). In fact I'd prefer it. That would tell us more...

I have K&K dual sources installed in 4 personal guitars, but have never recorded them without a preamp (and then only for fun not for serious recording).

K&K dual source, Raven PMB I direct into a Zoom H4 (2008), prepped in Audacity…CLiCk

James May · #6 08-28-2017, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zhoken

Thanks for input, Jon!

It is indeed quite a deal warmer through the redeye. The individual balance seems alright I suppose. That's not the kind of thing that I'm adapt at discerning though. I made a quick recording of each string one by one. What do you think?

https://soundcloud.com/user-472708321/zoom0065-tr2wav

Sounds okay. I'd say the installation is fine.

Zhoken · #7 08-28-2017, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi z
I'd love hear it through the RedEye (presuming that's how you will use it live). In fact I'd prefer it. That would tell us more...

Here you go ljguitar. It's a direct line to the Zoom without any EQing other than the redeye treble adjustment.

Your recordings sound lovely, btw. I would love for mine to come close to those. However the most trouble I'm having is when running the this guitar through my AC-33, it sounds almost as if it's peaking or slightly distorted. I figured I'd remove the AC-33 first and see if everything is working fine, then see about the amp.

I have a very similar guitar with the K&K installed and that sounds (to me) really different through the ac-33. Perhaps I will have to live record both the guitars through the amp for you all to hear what I'm hearing.

But first I figure I should check with you all if the installation is all good and if there isn't a problem there.

https://soundcloud.com/user-472708321/zoom0059-tr2wav

akafloyd · #8 08-28-2017, 03:23 PM

It's difficult to get all the putty off at first, but the installation looks ok to me. I think it sounds fine, too. It's tough to compare with Larry's because he uses the dual source with the microphone, apples to pears. Recording direct also feels a bit artificial, try it through a PA system. You may also need good eq for your liking, my favorite preamp for the K&K is the Radial PZ-Deluxe, it has great eq. Or, maybe you just don't like the K&K in that guitar.

Zhoken · #9 08-28-2017, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akafloyd

It's tough to compare with Larry's because he uses the dual source with the microphone, apples to pears. Recording direct also feels a bit artificial, try it through a PA system

Agreed. I'm not expecting a direct recording to sound natural by any means. These sound files are just to get a sense that the pickup is working as it should. As I mentioned above, the issue I'm having is more with the guitar through my AC-33, but I wanted to first eliminate any potential installation issues.

ljguitar · #10 08-29-2017, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zhoken

Here you go ljguitar. It's a direct line to the Zoom without any EQing other than the redeye treble adjustment.

Your recordings sound lovely, btw. I would love for mine to come close to those. However the most trouble I'm having is when running the this guitar through my AC-33, it sounds almost as if it's peaking or slightly distorted. I figured I'd remove the AC-33 first and see if everything is working fine, then see about the amp.

I have a very similar guitar with the K&K installed and that sounds (to me) really different through the ac-33. Perhaps I will have to live record both the guitars through the amp for you all to hear what I'm hearing.

But first I figure I should check with you all if the installation is all good and if there isn't a problem there.

https://soundcloud.com/user-472708321/zoom0059-tr2wav

Hi Z
Wow there is nothing there to complain about. Great sound, very guitar-like.