New James May Ultra Tonic?!
 

Folks, I've been mostly absent the last year from the forum (with a few exceptions of selling gear) due to the pandemic. However, I just noticed (thanks Cuki!) the new JME UT pickup design with the single sensor and passive volume control.

Frankly, this new design with easier installation is really genius for folks who prefer passive pickups but want feedback resistance!

For instance, I just got an inexpensive used RainSong for future gigs and travel and I installed a K&K. Sure, it sounds great as expected, but I am KICKING myself for not spending the extra money on the new UT design.

Why? Because with the UT design I would have the built in passive feedback control for use with the band.

Depending on how things go in the future, I may be ripping out that K&K.

Happy amplification all!

I am keeping MartinGitDave update about pickup... maybe it's time I seek for medical help.

The pupil became the master. I now sit at your feet. Lol

I already post that previously:

What I "think" is great about James new design is:
1) I "guess" that a large sensor annihilate the "position" problem, by adding the contribution from all the points under the large surface sensor, you could get an "average" sensor response which is more balanced in the higher frequencies.

You the would not have to freak out about cancelling or resonant frequencies related to sensors positions.

2) The cost is maybe an over-hyped low end due too the large surface giving a huge weight to the main top mode.

3) James elegant cancelling sensor tames that and make the overall response of the pickup balanced.

PS: Don't yell at me... I did not verify that. It's just my interpretation from a pickup aficionado point of view...

my 2 cents,
Cuki

Well, if your guitar already has a K&K in it, there is an Ultra Tonic conversion available. I have a K&K equipped OM-21 that is about to go into the shop for some work & I'm considering converting the K&K to Ultra Tonic. Check out his website for the UTP V3.2-CK:

http://jamesmayengineering.com/products/

Frank

Dave knows. He had one. I know exactly where it is...

Great to see you Dave! I'm hyped up on all the pickup info I've been seeing lately, as I get ready to rejoin my local open mic circuit with a couple vaccines under my belt (I'm halfway there) and outdoorsy venues.

Good to connect again too! I'm likely to go back into hiding due to work, but I was intrigued with this new one.

Indeed. Thank you Frank.

The UT retrofit model is much easier to install than it is to remove a K&K and install the regular UT - and works just as great -

Thanks, Dave, for your ongoing pickup journey that helps many of us in our individual quest in what we're hoping to hear and accomplish!

I think a single "head" main sensor is a plus. Obscure phasing issues between multiple heads is avoided (the extra bass peak phase canceller head is a feature, not an unintended problem). I liked the Schatten for this reason too. I think the guitar to guitar K&K problems (love and not so much love) is a byproduct of 3 heads.

There is no doubt in my mind that James' latest pickup is more expensive to manufacture and nice step up for a passive SBT design.

Thank you!

I agree for sure. It's great engineering. I feel like I need another guitar just to try this pickup. Lol!

I'd love to try this pickup I have K&k and a Baggs element and been through a bunch over the years . My only hang up is I can't stand volume or tone controls wheels . I wonder if you can get away without that an unsolder it and not install that part ?