Some of you may recall posts I've made in the past on K&K pickups. I'm a big fan. Earlier this year I replaced the K&K in my D1A with a Wavelength as an experiment. The maker, Rick Turner of D-Tar, claims excellent tone and increased volume without feedback.

Last night I went back to K&K. Here's a summary of the results of my experiment.

1. Wavelength is an EXCELLENT UST. It does have fantastic (if a bit generic) acoustic tone.
2. In my experience the claims about being resistant to feed back were not true. I had serious low-register feedback on at least three occasions. On one of those occasions, I was forced to retire my D1A for the evening. It's my suspicion that dreadnaughts are more feedaback prone than small bodies, no matter what pickup is installed.
3. The Wavelength's tone varies with string gauage. When I went from lights to mediums, the bass became monstrous, and the trebles started to quack a bit. I mentioned this on the D-Tar form, and part of Rick Turner's response was "here we go again," so I suspect he's aware of that issue. He suggested I make sure that the saddle was seated properly. I did, and it was. It still sounded good for a UST, however.
4. After installing the Wavelength, I thought I could hear a subtle difference in the unplugged tone. A bit more chimey or tinny. But I've got tinnitus (ringing in the ears) so I didn't think too much of it. Now, with the K&K back in, I can definitely hear improved tone, but it is subtle. Just a bit more oompf and fundamentals all the way around.

I have two shows this weekend. I'll report back on how it's doing with the re-installed K&K.

Oh, one other thing. The K&Ks were previously installed with tape. Now they are glued in. I'm a bit worried that this will give me too much low end. I'll report on that as well.

C-ya 'round,
David

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

I’m a big fan of the K&K.

I had the Wavelength in a classical for a while. It was better than most UST's for sure, but it’s still a UST. I also don’t care for having it as soft shim in my guitar. It’s affect on acoustic tone is probably close to nil, but it still bothers me.

I also found it was hard to get a good string balance with the UST. I even sent it down to Rick for him to tweak it, and it was a lot better... but I just really like the K&K.

I still pretty much only use a mic at gigs, but I often augment it with the Mini.

OK, three shows down with the glued in K&K minis. All I can say is: "Why did I wait so long???" It's good to have my D1A tone back, both unplugged and amplified. 'Nuff said. I love this guitar.