Official Luthiers Forum!

Michael, I, as well as many others here, would recomend a K&k system. They do the best job of conveying the true sound of the guitar, only louder.
If the client wants controls, my second choice would be an LR Baggs Ibeam. It works pretty much the same way as the K&K but not as good, IMHO. The advantage is that they have a very small thumb wheel that installs inside the soundhole to provide volume control.
If it were me, I'd work pretty hard at talking her into a K&K system with an outboard preamp. It could be hooked to a belt pack and give her all the control she might need.
Hope that helps a bit. Paul

Well, if she isinst on having them on the side (which is too bad IMHO...) I think you could find something by LR Baggs:

You can check out the new iMix onboard here.

Hope this helps.

Al

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I'd like to be able to prove, just for once, that money wouldn't make me happy...

A newbie here, but I've put in a few, well lots, of pickups in acoustics, only one of my own, but working on OM #2 I agree on the K&K, very good sound and an easy install. For a UST I like the DTAR The preamp is in the endpin, a clean looking installation. The Preamp does have provisions to add volume and tone controls, these are simply 100ohm audio taper pots and the appropriate resistor on the tone pot I dont remember off hand what value but Dtar has that info available, that you can mount inside the sound hole or poke them through the side of the instrument, adding wood knobs to match the sides would be a nice touch I think. Adding these requires that you desolder (is that a word?) and remove jumpers and solder your wiring harness into the preamp so it is not for the electronic faint of hearts. It would give the same look as the taylor system from the exterior and is the best sounding ust I've come across, that is of course a very subjective opinion. The preamp also has provisions for a second source if that is desirable. Another option to consider if she insists on the side mount controls.

Hi Michael,

Agree with K&K ... they are also available with onboard volume. Look at the "Ultrapure" and the onboard "Trinity."

Another excellent option for UST and onboard volume/tone control is the Schertler Bluestick.

Best,

Jim

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James Warwick
J. Warwick Guitars, LLC
http://www.jwarwickguitars.com

I've been using LR Baggs Active Element for the last few years.
I really have been happy with it's ability to replicate the natural sound of my
acoustics. I also like that it doesn't alter the guitar permanently, the easy
install, and the volume control mounts just inside the soundhole.
Everything is completely reverseable with the exception of drilling out the
endpin.

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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

http://www.yardsaleunderwear.com
http://www.facebook.com/christopher.cordle

I've used the B-Band A 2.2 with XOM
It works great... IMO just as nice as the K&K

B-BAND A2.2

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Anyone ever try making their own like this?

http://www.liutaiomottola.com/PrevPubs/Piezo/CoaxTransducer. htm

The coax transducer cable is only a buck per inch and the preamp looks
pretty easy to make.

[QUOTE=uncleshish] I've been using LR Baggs Active Element for the last few years.
I really have been happy with it's ability to replicate the natural sound of my acoustics.......[/QUOTE] I am very surprised how much I like my Active Element. It has great output, decent sound and does not easily feedback. For a loud live band mix, I don't think you could do much better. I was very surprised how good and natural it sound for an under saddle pickup.
I think the K&K has a better, more natural sound. If I was playing solos I'd use it, especially the Trinity. I would not used it in a band as I had trouble with feedback.
I owned the B Band A2.2 and I think the Active Element sounds better and is less prone to feedback for less than 1/2 the cost.
YMMV   

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"An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered." G. K. Chesterton.

[QUOTE=SteveS] [QUOTE=uncleshish] I've been using LR Baggs Active
Element for the last few years.
I really have been happy with it's ability to replicate the natural sound of
my acoustics.......[/QUOTE] I am very surprised how much I like my Active
Element. It has great output, decent sound and does not easily feedback.
For a loud live band mix, I don't think you could do much better. I was
very surprised how good and natural it sound for an under saddle pickup.
I think the K&K has a better, more natural sound. If I was playing solos I'd
use it, especially the Trinity. I would not used it in a band as I had trouble
with feedback.
I owned the B Band A2.2 and I think the Active Element sounds better and
is less prone to feedback for less than 1/2 the cost.
YMMV   [/QUOTE]

Precisely what I failed to mention was it's resistance to feedback.
At my cd release party I played with a full band,2 backup singers and a
violinist. The guitars I used were all crystal clear and completely void of
feedback issues. I also use it in my solo acoustic shows and have been
quite pleased. There may be something better but for under $100
shipped it's pretty tough to beat.

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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

http://www.yardsaleunderwear.com
http://www.facebook.com/christopher.cordle

The best pickup I've ever heard live was a B Band UST being used by Gabe
Scott on tour with Bebo Norman in a Mayes OM. The ES system would
probably more similar to the AST.

I second Paul's recommendation for an outboard preamp. The circuitry is
just better than onboard preamps. My favorite is the Avalon U5, but close
second is the Para DI by LR Baggs. Honestly, I think the U5 just adds
some transparent compression. Get a para and a nice compressor (I have
the Barber Tonepress) and you can save a bit on the U5. These are more
like high high end options. A UST or AST into a para di will be a
tremendous system.    

K&K is the way to go. All you have to do is tell them you are a luthier and you'll get 50% the list price. Now that's a deal. I would jump on that michael before they get wise and change their policy.

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

[QUOTE=Dave-SKG] K&K is the way to go. All you have to do is tell them you are a luthier and you'll get 50% the list price. Now that's a deal. I would jump on that michael before they get wise and change their policy. [/QUOTE]

Well, they'll need to verify you are a luthier first otherwise anyone could call them for wholesale pricing. If you have a website or a business selling guitars they will sell it to you. At least thats what they told me.

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Has anyone here tried K&K's archtop pickup system? Looking for some input for an archtop pickup.

Thanks,

Ray

[QUOTE=Ray L] Has anyone here tried K&K's archtop pickup system? Looking for some input for an archtop pickup.

Thanks,

Ray[/QUOTE]

Ray, the K&K archtop system is very good. I've installed several in old guitars and their owners have been very happy. I can't compare to others, as I haven't tried any. Hope this helps.

Best,

Jim

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James Warwick
J. Warwick Guitars, LLC
http://www.jwarwickguitars.com