JourneyTec vs K&K

Toucan · #1 01-28-2023, 02:34 PM

Please give me the pros and cons of both.

Oldguy64 · #2 01-28-2023, 03:55 PM

I have an Alvarez 5013 with a K&K.
I have an Alvarez PD85S with a JourneyTek.
They both sound like themselves, only louder, plugged in.
The K&K was about $100
The JourneyTek was about $50.

And just to make it a little more interesting…JJB also makes a similar pickup.

Pros: Both sound like the guitar they are in.
The installation is the same for both.
The JJB can be had with a jack that is specifically designed for a GS mini.

Cons: the K&K is the leader in this realm, and it’s twice as costly.

PineMarten · #3 01-28-2023, 04:08 PM

I'm thinking this might do better in the amplification forum.
Though I'm having similar ponderings for the Eastman E1OM I've just picked up, except Journeytek vs JJB for me.
The Journeytek uses larger discs that look like they might be fiddly to fit on some guitars with smaller bridge plates, and the mini jack connection to the endpin might be a potential failure point compared to the others, though I guess plenty of active systems use the same mini jack connectors without frequent issues.

Toucan · #4 01-28-2023, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PineMarten

I'm thinking this might do better in the amplification forum.
Though I'm having similar ponderings for the Eastman E1OM I've just picked up, except Journeytek vs JJB for me.
The Journeytek uses larger discs that look like they might be fiddly to fit on some guitars with smaller bridge plates, and the mini jack connection to the endpin might be a potential failure point compared to the others, though I guess plenty of active systems use the same mini jack connectors without frequent issues.

Funny,the guitar I'm planning to put this in is a E8OM. I've yet to have the strings off to look at the bridge plate.

PineMarten · #5 02-01-2023, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toucan

Funny,the guitar I'm planning to put this in is a E8OM. I've yet to have the strings off to look at the bridge plate.

The photo hosting site I usually use isn't working today, but I took a look inside my Eastman OM with a phone camera today, and while the bridge plate isn't tiny, it's definitely a tighter area than most dreadnoughts. So I think I won't choose the Journeytek for this guitar.

Goat Mick · #6 02-01-2023, 03:00 PM

I jumped on the JourneyTec pickups when they came out and really liked the way they sounded at home when I was testing them. However, I wasn't as happy when it came to an actual gig situation. They just seemed really harsh and easy to overpower amplified to gig volumes. Since, I have gone back to JJB pickups. For my playing style the JJB pickup sounds better than a K&K. I don't care that K&K is more expensive, it's still less expensive than an Anthem or most of the other really good pickups. For my playing a K&K is just too hot and brittle sounding. The JJB pickups sound a bit rounder and more musical to my ears.

PineMarten · #7 02-02-2023, 05:37 AM

Ah, that's my image hosting working again. Here's an Eastman OM bridge plate from my E1OM, and I presume the E8OM will be similar. Definitely tighter than some, I feel I'd be more confident fitting 12 or 15mm discs than 3x 20mm.

jamesr · #8 02-03-2023, 09:55 PM

I have JJB 330 pickups in three guitars: a Larrivee OM40, PRS P20 mahogany parlor, and an Epiphone AJ200. Count me as a fan.

DownUpDave · #9 02-04-2023, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goat Mick

I jumped on the JourneyTec pickups when they came out and really liked the way they sounded at home when I was testing them. However, I wasn't as happy when it came to an actual gig situation. They just seemed really harsh and easy to overpower amplified to gig volumes. Since, I have gone back to JJB pickups. For my playing style the JJB pickup sounds better than a K&K. I don't care that K&K is more expensive, it's still less expensive than an Anthem or most of the other really good pickups. For my playing a K&K is just too hot and brittle sounding. The JJB pickups sound a bit rounder and more musical to my ears.

That's an interesting and informative bit of information there Mick. I have a Journey OF660 CF guitar with the Journeytek pick up factory installed. Sounds very good to me BUT I have never played it at higher volumes.

Excellent insights on the JJB, nice to know they have a high quality tone

Goat Mick · #10 02-04-2023, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DownUpDave

That's an interesting and informative bit of information there Mick. I have a Journey OF660 CF guitar with the Journeytek pick up factory installed. Sounds very good to me BUT I have never played it at higher volumes.

Excellent insights on the JJB, nice to know they have a high quality tone

I currently have JJB pickups in my Taylor 710, Gibson LG2 and my Martin CEO-7. I really like what I’m getting from them.