Hi all, I have a Goodall mahogany D with a K&K mini western installed, it sounds great. I need to move the Goodall, but I still need a guitar with a p'up. Therefore I'm thinking of having a K&k put in my Collings D1A.

Has anyone had the k&k mini western installed in their D1A? How do you like it?

Thanks!

Sorry, I didn't see your post unitl now. I have a D1A with K&K mini installed. I love it! Extremely natural sounding. Have occasional low register feedback (a.k.a. Dreadnaugth Boom) that is easy to control with phase switch on the K&K Pure XLR preamp, or by using graphic EQ at 200-240hz.

Did you make a decision already? Tell us about it! Pros? cons?

Thanks,
David

Having owned 15 Collings, and been through the usual list of suspects for pickups (active, passive, undersaddle, soundhole, mini-mic, the whole nine milimeters), I now use K&K pure western mini pickups in the two guitars I gig with (a CJA and an OM1A cutaway short scale). The two guitars sound entirely different, and the pickups accurately reflect those differences. I have found no pickup that is simpler, more economical, less invasive, more transparent, and easier to use than K&K. If I still had a D1A (I love 'em, but the CJA was just a freak of nature), I would not put anything but a K&K in it. to this point, they have the product that more simply and most certainly reflects the sound of the guitar you bought.

I dropped off my D1A Varnish to have a K&K Pure Mini installed based upon what I've read here. I've always used Fishman matrix with a crown mic (ala Mr. Kaufman) and the blender box. I'm wondering if I'll need the pre-amp?? Also, do you guys think the K&K mini would work well in a much smaller box (aka O1A)?? Thanks.

Hi Philco3, The short answer is "No", you don't need the preamp. However, if you want to get the best tone from your K&K pickup, their preamp is the answer. It's the perfect match impedence-wise, and helps to bring out the natrual sound of your D1A. When I plug my D1A in without the Pure preamp, it sound just a tad more like a fishman, and just a tad less like my D1A. I've read posts where others have noticed this as well. That's a direct result of improper impedence matching. With the preamp I hear wood and so does everyone else. I get commments on it all the time.

Plus, you have the added benefit of some very effective EQ and volume controls within easy reach.

They have two versions, the main difference being the more expensive one has XLR out and phase reversal. Approx. $150 for the XLR/Phase model and $90 for the basic belt clip model.

See the first two on the left:
http://kksound.com/preamps.html

I've also read comments expressing concerns about durability comopared to, say, a Baggs PADI. Pooh. I've got both versions (original and XLR) and have over 100 shows on each of them. Even the boxes are holding up. If your Pure ever breaks, send it to Dietre at K&K. I'm betting he'll repair it for free and mail it back. Great guy.

Hope this helps,
David

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dberch,

DITTO....
I've got it in my two 'performing' dreads...D1Asb and D2HABa, and yes, the preamp is great and the EQ/Volume controls are very convenient.

Dieter, from K&K, are right here in Coos Bay, Oregon and he did the install for me. He is very helpful and will work with you over the phone so give him a call.

Kia Manuia,

Dale

I just got a K&K installed in my new D2H. I chose the K&K due to the minimal invasiveness and I wanted something that would work without a battery. As far as the sound, I was not expecting much since I've never been happy with the plugged in sound of an acoustic. In short, I was blown away by the sound. It sounds great! I haven't gigged it yet, so it's early to predict how it will work at gig volumes regarding feedback. I have been using it without a preamp and it really is the most natural sounding acoustic pickup I've ever heard.