Official Luthiers Forum!

OK, well it's only urgent as I want to install the pick up ASAP.

So, I got my new K & K mini pickup from Shane (who's basking in the Cuban Sun at the moment, lucky B@$#%*D! )

The package comes with two mounting systems.

First is with double sided tape

Second is with CA

What are you guys using and why? I'm a bit torn. I like the idea of double sided tape as it's not as "permanent" as the CA, BUT, I've also found that double sided tape can come undone which can also cause problems.

So, help me out. What method should I use to install the transducer's

Thanks.

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Rod, I presume that the double sided tape can be replaced since you can access the pickups through the sound hole. CA seems too permanent.

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Rich Smith
Issaquah, WA

Use the CA Rod. You'll get a much better sound from the pickup.

You can carefully remove the pickups if you glue with CA. Sometimes you'll get damage to one of the pickups but Dieter will sell individuals to replace them.

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Bob Connor
Geelong, Australia

Rod,

I've done a number of these and I use the double sided tape to do the initial install, then test them and move them around until I get the desired sound. Then remove the double stick tape and CA them on. I wish I could give you guidance on what placement is ideal, but it varies from box to box. I've used a number of different systems, and for my money, these are as good as any. I still prefer a mike, but most players don't want to set up a miked system, they just want to plug it in and play. Good luck.

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Jimmy Caldwell
http://www.caldwellguitars.com

Ironic that they are such a popular choice in part because it doesn't require any hole drilled through the saddle slot (oh, the horror ), then get superglued to the top. I'm still pulling out Barcus Berry's from the last time glued top transducers were a fad 25-30 years ago.

Really though, the sound and response is different, and the glued approach seems to be greatly preferred. If it's done cleanly to the bridge plate with thick (gap filling viscosity) glue, they they are actually removable. You may damage the pickup in removal, but they can be pulled off. So bridge plates I suppose are okay in my book, though I can't bring myself to put them directly on spruce as would be needed in a mandolin.

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Eschew obfuscation, espouse elucidation.

I put the trinity system in my Small jumbo a while back, I tried the tape and it does not hold much at all, the weight of the wires will torque the little disks off the bridge plate. When I 1st looked at the instructions , I thought what a mickey mouse deal, but after actually doing the install I felt quite different, it actually works well. Practice a few times without the glue or tape to get the feel of things as it is somewhat difficult to get the pins lined up with the holes, also practice all 3 pickups.

I can not give enough praise for this system and often plug straight to the amp without the preamp and the gain is not bad. I will be doing the same system on my wedge Jumbo.

Fred

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Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

I do it with the supplied glue. Stick a couple of bridge pins in the bridge to use as guides. and put on a latex or similar glove. Put a spot of double stick tape on your fingertip, and stick the pickup to it. Practice a few times before you use the glue. They need to be held in place for about two minutes to insure they don't come off when you remove your finger (which will stick a little because of the tape). I put them directly under the saddle and centered on each pair of pins. Make sure you only have two pins installed at a time so you don't line up on the wrong ones. I don't really have an opinion on these pickups as I don't play amplified but they are the only pickups I have been asked to install so I became a dealer for them and have so far installed about a dozen of them without problems.

I've made the little jig they describe that keys off the bridge pin holes and allows you to put the transducer right under the saddle. I've glued them all and have been happy as have the owners.
Have not had to remove one yet. Before I used the tape on the finger technique John mentioned and set a mirror in the guitar and looked through a bridge pin hole to line it up.
TJK

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

Glue them.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Thanks folks. Glue it is

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

I also used their little jig with CA and thought it worked quite well.

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Yup, got er done. That is a very nice pick up system. The owner is thrilled!

Thanks for the help folks.

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

I'm thinking of installing one of these in an oval hole archtop. Any ideas on whether the mini would work OK with the transducers glued under the bridge footprint?

Go to the source; speak to the nice people at K&K. Extension 307, Christy, tell her I sent you.

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Thanks Jeffery.