I recently installed a K&K Pure Mini pickup in my BT-03R baritone. I'm posting this in case anyone is thinking about the same thing, or if in the future anyone is searching for info about this combination!
Why did I decide on the K&K Pure Mini? Well, I already have one in my OM-09, and in a Yairi from the mid-80s. I like how they sound, and I figured plugging into existing outboard gear would be straightforward.
And, I decided to install the K&K Pure Mini myself. The main reason being the removable endpin on the BT-03R. If I'd had to drill out the hole, I probably would have taken the guitar to a pro.
So, reading the instructions, watching a couple of YouTube videos, and working slowly --- the installation of the pickup was really pretty easy.
How does it sound? It sounds really good. I was a little concerned that the baritone might end up a little boomy – but it's not at all. The pickup sounds even across all of the strings. Overall I'm very happy with the results. I've tried a couple of scenarios –
- BT-03R guitar through a Boss TU-3 tuner, an Ernie Ball volume pedal, and into the instrument input of a Fishman Loudbox mini.
- BT-03R guitar into a K&K preamp, and into the ¼ in. line input on the back of a Fishman Loudbox mini.
I also run my guitars into a Bose L1, I haven't tested that yet.
For the future, I'm thinking about getting a Mesa Rosette preamp to use with all three of my K&K equipped guitars. I like the effects loop feature for my volume pedal and possibly a reverb or delay, and the tuner out, and the full featured tone shaping. Plus, the 1 megohm input impedance to match the K&K pickup. The Fire Eye Red-Eye also looks like a good candidate with an effects loop, but a little simpler on tone shaping. Any thoughts on these two or other preamps?
Well done on the K&K, I just got one installed also. It's funny, the pickups are so popular, but not many people pair it with the K&K preamp. I wonder if their preamp isn't as good as others?
You know, I really like my K&K preamp. It sounds excellent. I think it's just a little short on features. I'd particularly like an effects loop for my volume pedal. And also, on the K&K preamp, the controls are on the "side" rather than on the "top". I think this make it a little inconvenient for putting on a pedal board.
Good job, Keith.
BT03R is a great instrument.
I love baritones and always travel with it when I play out.
Since you brought up reverb, I recommend the MXR M300 reverb pedal. (Mid-priced, as these things go. $199)
Spring, plate, room. Actually 6 modes.
Tangentially, I saw Tommy Malone, solo concert last week. He played a baritone exclusively all night. No other guitar.
Queequeg, thanks for the comment - I'll keep the M300 in mind. Any insights on preamps?
Quote from: Keith C on July 20, 2022, 09:23:21 AM
Queequeg, thanks for the comment - I'll keep the M300 in mind. Any insights on preamps?
I used to have a few of my guitars outfitted with K&Ks. They need a preamp imho, particularly if you go through the house board/sound system. I used a K&K preamp and it was pretty good. Also had an LR Baggs Para DI. Nothing wrong with that one, either. I think I was just experimenting with different possibilities back then (quite a while ago.) Ultimately, I settled on a Fishman Platinum Pro EQ.
Now I'm playing with active onboard electronics so I'm no longer using a preamp. But the Fishman was the bomb. I kept that one and the other two are gone now.