Best pickups for IR

[Ash69]

I have a question regarding how to think about acoustic amplification if I’ll be using an impulse response in my signal chain. First of all, I’m new to acoustic amplification so sorry for any uninformed observations or thoughts! Secondly, sorry if this question has already been asked (and answered).

A couple of days ago I got a new (used) Lowden “Pierre Bensusan Old Lady” – cedar over mahogany, with no pickup installed. I’m planning on installing something in it, mainly just for recording myself for practice or sketching out musical ideas. Maybe some day I’ll preform amplified. When I started reading up on acoustic amplification there was a lot of talk about IR and discovered that I could easily download and apply IR on my Line6 Helix LT that I’ve so far only used on my electrics. BTW, thanks for the fantastic Acoustic IR database on http://acousticir.free.fr – hope to contribute to the database when I get a pickup installed! It struck me that IR would be the way to go if I ever wanted to perform live. When reading about different technologies and brands it seems the holy grail is, reasonably enough, how “true” the pickup/system represents the acoustic tone of the guitar. But I'm thinking, if I know I’ll be using IR in my signal chain, wouldn’t the goal be to have a pickup that delivers the best possible signal for the IR processing, and not care a lot about how is sounds before processing? For instance, I read that magnetic pickups don’t work well with IR.

I’ve already ordered a K&K pure mini which is on the way, but I can always return it, or install it in one of my other acoustics if I need to reconsider. My thinking was that I wanted
1) a passive system (don’t want to worry about batteries, and I have a preamp in my Helix)
2) easy (-ish) to install myself and not too intrusive on the guitar
3) not an under saddle piezo (how does that not affect the tone of the guitar when it sits between the saddle and sound board? – and the Lowden has a split saddle to complicate things further).

So guess my question is, assuming I use an IR created using a K&K or preferably create my own IR, is the K&K a decent system for IR? Are there other brands or technologies that are superior if intended for creating and applying IR’s?

[jonfields45]

The K&K is an excellent choice. Sounds good without an IR to many ears and gets better with one.

For a big step up in expense, the James May Ultratonic is more feedback resistant and even better sounding with no IR.

IMO, IRs really shine taking the ubiquitous under saddle piezo transducer and making it sound quite good

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=634568

With a SBT or dual source system (anything plus a mic), the payback for an IR is diminished.

[Gordon Currie]

A K+K seems to tick most of your boxes.

Something to consider is that you may find yourself plugging in somewhere without the benefit of your IR pedal. You'll probably be happy to have an SBT over a UST at that moment!

Jon is correct in that IRs have diminishing returns as the pickup system gets more accurate.

I use a Dazzo with ToneDexter. This fits my needs as I am a performer in a variety of situations - some do not allow for IR, others do. I want the best sound - subject to practical concerns - in all venues.

[Cuki79]

Just note that K&K needs a Hi-Z input impedance pedal (typical 1Mohms). So you can not plug straight into a Radar Mooer for example. Check my website to see the specifications of IR pedals.

http://acousticir.free.fr/spip.php?rubrique10

http://acousticir.free.fr/spip.php?rubrique14

[Ash69]

Thanks for your input. Got the K&K delivered today and based on your comments it seems I can’t go too wrong with it, so think I will go ahead with the install. Will be plugging it into a Line 6 Helix so the high input impedance issue should be taken care of. Next is to build up courage to drill a hole in my precious guitar and figure out how to position the transducers correctly when I have no pin-holes to guide me.

[Cuki79]

Originally Posted by Ash69

Next is to build up courage to drill a hole in my precious guitar

Use a reamer not a drill bit.