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No one has mentioned sound hole mounted pups. I have one in one of mine. A Baggs. I don't plug in as often as I use to but I was pretty happy with the sound. I see some pretty heavy hitters using them.

Danny --- I have wondered the same thing ever since I started following this young man's career

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Ken Cierp

http://www.kennethmichaelguitars.com/

Thanks for the answer Danny. I thought about the adhesive sheet that StewMac sells for pickguards, but, it states that it's for finished surfaces only. Maybe someone could put a little shellac or some other small amount of finish on the bridge plate? I could see where that might pose a slight challenge to do on a finished guitar. It would be easy enough to do on a new build that you planned on using the K&K/JJB on though.

I am very interested in the JJB but the possibility of it eventually breaking or me just wanting to try something else is there. So personally, I think I would rather use a more reversible method for attaching it.

I'm not sure how many have installed K&K Pure or JJB systems, but the K&K installation kit comes with film adhesive sheets for what the makers characterize as temporary installation...so no need to substitute other materials that might further degrade performance. K&K notes that about 40% of output is lost by using a film adhesive versus CA for installation, which is most definitely a problem for more heavily built instruments or those suffering from volume or projection losses due to other reasons, as the K&K works best when installed with CA on fairly responsive instruments. We recommend against using the passive K&K and JJB systems for instruments like the older US-made Guilds or those instruments overdue for a neck reset.

When we install the Pure, we shellac the bridge plate (as we also do for all 'peel and stick' adhesives inside the box, such as wiring hangers, battery bag Velcro pads, or preamp/volume units) with a couple coats of 1 pound mix shellac padded on to seal the wood and reduce glue penetration and porosity. While we have had no real issues cleanly removing glued K&K and JJB sensors, one or more of the disks may be damaged, so we carefully separate with a fresh razor blade, and hope for the best. If shellac is used to prep the bridge plate, we've found that separation and cleanup on the bridge plate is a little easier, and there is no noticeable impact on pickup performance. We inform customers that permanently installed K&K and JJB sensors are generally removable without damage to the instrument, but will likely not be reusable after removal...our priority is on avoiding damage to the instrument, so about 25% of removals see some damage to the brass disk or plastic cover. Even with pickup sensors that show no obvious damage and appear to function normally, we do not have the ability to detect hidden damage, so strongly recommend against reuse.

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A constellation only takes shape when one maps the whole.
- Beth Brower

I like the element from Baggs. I've played in really aggressive bands at church and secular gigs as well and the element equipped guitars were the only ones that wouldn't squeal and growl like an angry wild boar. The simple, two dial volume and tone sound hole control is easy to get to but clean and out of sight. Even more appealing is the MiSi version that requires no 9 volt battery inside the guitar. It has a rechargeable nicad disc battery mounted at the end pin or volume controls and it recharges with an included wall wart charger that plugs into the 1/4 end pin jack. I think since you mentioned that your friend will likely only plug-in twice a year, this would be a great option for him and would avoid the potential dead battery leaking inside the instrument.

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jw ( o)===:::

I should have mentioned that you can get other pickups with the MiSi (my sigh)system, it's not limited to the element under saddle one.

http://mi-si.com

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jw ( o)===:::

Well that makes sense. A sharp razor blade and a careful hand should make short work of removing the transducers . The only reason this would be removed, in this case, would be PU failure in which case damage to the unit is not an issue.

Just curious if you've had any experience with the active JJB? That's what I ordered but the control (sound hole mounted) looks to be by no means Baggs quality. In fact looked a little cheesy. I'll let you know when I get it in my hands.

Thanks you all. I know this topic has been discussed at least once a year but it is a good topic.

Danny,
I look forward to reading your feedback and opinion on the JJB. That's the same one I think I'm going to try as well.

Woodie,
Thank you very much for your helpful insight into the removal of the pickups. It's comforting to know that you can remove them without damage to the guitar itself.