Attaching an Internal Microphone

[PANDAPANDELO]

Hey everybody! I just got myself a GS Mini (Mahogany) and it came with a K&K Pure Mini Pickup. Since I'm using the K&K Trinity System in my Martin HD28 with the K&K Preamp for it, I'm thinking into adding an internal microphone and use the Preamp just like it was made to be used: as a blender between the Pure Mini and a Mic.

After a few research and orientation of my friend and Guitar Guru AlohaChris, I decided to go with a AKG c516, since it seems to be powered by 9v (and that's whe power of the Pure Mini Preamp (I guess?).

But now the problem comes: how do I install it inside the GS Mini?/ Do you guys have any recomendation for it? Any tutorial?

Thank you!

Rodrigo Pandelo.

[Gordon Currie]

I have used a mounting clip with a small alligator clip for attaching to the edge of the soundhole or a brace, with a tiny alligator clip that holds the mini mic.

I got this 35 years ago so I don't recall where.

I used this so I could move it around to the best spot.

[alohachris]

Aloha Rodrigo

NOTE: The following assumes that you have already soldered the lead of the c516 to the ring (red wire) of the K&K's stereo endjack. Let me know if you need those instructions too.

Using this Pendulum Audio method (see link below), I've installed many dual-source SBT P/U -internal mic systems using AKG c416 hyper's or c516 cardioid internal condenser mic's.

Working inside the Taylor GS Mini should be much easier than on a dreadnaught - everything is closer. Taylor left the soundhole diameter at 4" (dreadnaught size) which makes it easier to work through the soundhole to locate & add your internal mic in the sweetspot. I'll bet they chose the wider SH just for those very repair reasons. Ha!

First, once the mic is soldered to the endjack, move the c516 arm around inside the guitar to find out where you need to mount it to the bottom side of the GS Mini & where any excess cable might also be clamped to the side as well closer to the endjack.

Once you get the mic logistics set, unclip the c516's arm from its plastic mount at the end. You affix the mount alone to the bottom side of the guitar using strong double-sided Gorilla Mounting Squares, open joint side up/out. I also super glued or taped a very smooth, small 1/4" thick piece of plywood to the plastic mount to make it thicker so the arm can clear any side braces when moving it into the sweet spot. Once the mount is affixed, just slide the arm joint into the mount & it locks in. (It's plastic-fragile so be gentle).

Of course, once it's in the mount, you'll know exactly where to move & place the gooseneck mic right in your guitar's sweetspot at the 4 o'clock position, about 1/2-3/4" below the top, just inside the soundhole about 1/2," & facing up at the high E & B strings - for the trebles.

Go to this site & print this out & save! (It's hard to find the link now that Pendulum Audio has retired):

http://njwebsite.net/pendulumaudio-4...KGinstall.html

Alternative Approach to mounting a used c516 with a missing or borken mount

Assuming you are buying the c516 used? If your mount or clip is broken or missing, you may have to use side clamps to affix the mic cable from the endjack & run it up the bottom side of the guitar til you can mount the arm & gooseneck it in place. Check first to see if the arm still has it's clippable plastic mount attached.

If the mic still has its plastic mount, then it's easy. You just unclip the arm of the mic from the mount, & double stick tape (use strong fresh Gorrilla double-sided mounting squares, 1-3) it to the bottom side. Hold it down tightly for a minute or two. Then just clip the mic's arm into the plastic mount & place the gooseneck where you need to.

If you no longer have the plastic mount (or it broke like mine did recently), then you have to use small plastic, pre-taped clamps to affix the mic cable, arm, etc. to the bottom side on up to the sweetspot location. It's a little tricky to place the mic in the sweetspot using this method without its mount, but easy once you get going with the correct clamp placement above the bottom side's kerfing. Everything will clip into place.

You only need to use 2-3 side clamps with the c516 because of its long arm (maybe fewer with the GS Mini). Just pull off the paper from the clamp. Hold it down to where you want it on the side for a minute or two, (just above the guitar linings or kerfing on the bottom is nice & tidy). Then, just clip the mic wire or mic arm into place of each plastic clamp.

Here are the clips I recently used on my c416 with the broken mount:

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Adhesiv...05MN2QHK&psc=1

These are the clips that Doug Young used:

https://www.radioshack.com/products/cable-clips


Here is the mounting tape I used:

https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Mount...787PGKWR&psc=1

Ro, there are many types of pre-taped clips that will work for this. Let me know if you still have the plastic mount for the arm of your new c516, OK?

If I can do it with little feeling in these ancient fingers, then it oughta literally be a snap for you. Or you can find a newer, easier or better way to install your new c516. No problem for your creativity, my friend. Just don't break the plastic, Ha!

Hope this helps, Rodrigo! Good Luck!

alohachris

[alohachris]

Aloha Rodrigo,


ASK DIETER!!! Email Dieter for wiring directions for any add-on mic to his stereo endjack & Pure Mini P/U.

Basic Connection? The pickup is soldered to the TIP lead. The mic needs to be soldered to the RING lead. And both are also connected to the ground lead. But........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PABO6WrPjFQ

Ro, Don't screw around with this kinda work. It's easy to do wrong without the right know-how, tools & touch. Don't Wire The Mic Yourself. Have an experienced electric guitar repairman wire your mic to the stereo jack. It's not worth the hassle to DIY.

Let me know how it goes.

alohachris

[Cuki79]

Cheap solution:

I bought few microphones (5£ each). MCKPCM-40H15P-40DB-4798



I fixed them with taped clips as Doug Young (he showed them somewhere on the AGF) and soldered myself. Actually the clips cost more than the mics because I had to buy 50!

Of course it will need a high-pass filter to avoid feedback. It works perfect for me.

In my case, the most important is to position the capsule outside the soundhole. The tone is way better than inside.