Does anyone know if the K&K Pure Mini pickup will fit on the bridge plate of a 2003 Larrivee Parlor? If it will fit, is it going to be difficult to do the install through the smaller sound hole? Thanks.
Buck
You have essentially answered your own question. It will fit on the bridge plate, but as you point out, the hard part will be negotiating the installation through a reduced-size sound hole unless you have small hands.
Quote from: bsnelson on October 05, 2011, 12:15:03 PM
Does anyone know if the K&K Pure Mini pickup will fit on the bridge plate of a 2003 Larrivee Parlor? If it will fit, is it going to be difficult to do the install through the smaller sound hole? Thanks.
Buck
Yep..exactly what I have installed in my All-KOA P-03...had my local luthier do the install however...wouldn't attempt the install..drilling the cable hole in the wedge or attaching it inside under the saddle....and I've got small hands. Sounds great/natural through my Ultrasound DS2 though....I'd recommend that p.u.
I wondered the same on my F-IV which has a smaller sound hole and the bridge is farther away from the sound hole than on my L, so I took a piece of cardboard and did a mockup - cut a hole the same size as project guitar and marked where the bridge would be and did a trial run - turned out to be no problem - so try that to assure yourself - no drilling for end pin needed as Larrivee's, at least later ones, already have a 1/2" end pin hole. See my thread for pics and link to instructions :
http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=37843.msg343602#msg343602
I also like the pickup - works great.
It should fit with no problem. Over the years, there have been reports now and then of small bridgeplates (not in parlors but in other Larrivee models) so it would be worth double checking. I think it is less of a problem with the modern elements than the older large ones. Also, I'm not sure when use of the oversized endpins started. It is easy enough to drill the hole. But... my standard suggestion is, if you are the least bit apprehensive, there are pros out there who would love to do it, need the work, aren't that expensive, and are worth every dime paid. I'm a K&K fan.
Ed
I have the K & K installed in my PO9. Works a treat. The luthier who installed it, said their was some contortions during the installation.
I'd never be able to install one myself in a Parlor. I had a hard enough time fitting my hand inside my 000-50 with an enlarged soundhole. :bgrin: But it was worth it. The K & K is a very good choice in my book
My guitar tech has a special contraption he make may years ago with a wire hanger, some sheet metal and cups, that fits inside. He just applied the glue, slides it in and uses a mirror to set. One, two, three, done!
I had K&K's installed in my 2 guitars by the tech who works at the store where I bought them. The additional cost for installation was not that much and well worth it in my case. That said, I would have no hesitation in installing them myself in the future.