k&K in a classical

[gluve1]

I have a K&K trinity in my L03R and love it.But how good are they in a classical.

[unclrob]

I let you know in 3 days when I install one in a clients guitar.It has an Baggs Ibean right now an its sounds good but he wants to try the K+K too.I will tell you that the Ibean was a real pain in the butt to get right.

[gluve1]

Please do let me know. I might even have send it to you when I do it. I did install the one in my L03R my self, but the install in a classical looks much harder with the drilling and no pin holes to help get a good location. So definitely let me know how it goes and how it sounds Thanks.

[unclrob]

 

[maLavvo]

I I will tell you that the Ibean was a real pain in the butt to get right.

UnclRob,

Just wanted to clarify about why the iBeam being a pain to get it right? Is it the placing of the beam? I have not tried a K&K, but leaning on getting it for my OM-03.  I know that K&K has a lot of followers.

Thanks in advance.

[unclrob]

Sorry it took so long too get back to this.Well the K+K has been installed using the pin system.Drilling 2 hole's thru the saddle slot and then fitting said pins thru the hole's from inside.Its the same method that I use with the Ibeam.The pain to both of these system is getting the balance right as you can only tug so much on the pins when pulling them thru the hole's,then you still need to get your hand in there for proper contact with the top.Push up on either pu's unevenly your strings sound out of balance.After this last adventure I think that I would advise using an under the saddle pu or buying a classical with factory installed systems be them barndoor type's or just a simple active under the saddle pu.

[rockstar_not]

Sorry it took so long too get back to this.Well the K+K has been installed using the pin system.Drilling 2 hole's thru the saddle slot and then fitting said pins thru the hole's from inside.Its the same method that I use with the Ibeam.The pain to both of these system is getting the balance right as you can only tug so much on the pins when pulling them thru the hole's,then you still need to get your hand in there for proper contact with the top.Push up on either pu's unevenly your strings sound out of balance.After this last adventure I think that I would advise using an under the saddle pu or buying a classical with factory installed systems be them barndoor type's or just a simple active under the saddle pu.

I bought a cheap solid cedar topped classical from Rondo Music that had a built-in Shadow P7 system installed.  I paid $150 total for the thing, pickup included.  Probably the best guitar value purchase I've ever made.  I recently made a non-classical recording using it for the February Album Writing Month challenge where I tuned it to DADf#BE.  Here's that recording - I added some reverb, probably too much.

http://rockstarnot.rekkerd.org/fawm2012/Another%20Sunny%20Day%20-%20Scott%20Lake.mp3

[eded]

You all know there s a classical specific K&K, don't you?

http://www.kksound.com/pureclassic.html

I've never used the classical version.  I have put in around 8 or 10 Pure Westerns (3 element) and never had a problem with the result.  They are the most forgiving (placement-wise) pickups I've ever used. 

Ed

[unclrob]

Thats what I used and they my be forgiving but the final word come's from the owner and he is really picky and it needs to perfect and nothing less.Don't get me wrong he ended up very happy but based on the time it took I would suggest that buying a guitar with a system installed at the factory is the best way to go.Would I do it again yes but only at 5x the price if I couldn't get that then nope,pain in the a**.Installing anything on a classical guitar rates up there with refrets and refinish work.Yes I can do all those jobs but I will charge alot more just for the pain in the a** facter.

[Zohn]

  I totally agree with you Rob. The amount of effort required for installation of the K&K (folks need to realise that the classical version has 4 discs or elements as opposed to the 3 of the steel string model) should make the job expensive and messy, and it is nothing more than right for you to charge more - I certainly would...

Even though I love K&K systems - I have the Trinity in my Eastman and the Pure in my Canteri - I would much rather use an under saddle element (UST) or a mic with a classical. I have heard good results with Fishman and Baggs elements in classicals includink my Tak.

With UST's at least one is ensured of precise and optimum placement inside the saddle slot.

[eded]

That's good to know.  I've never had to (and I don't see ever having to) deal with a classical, but it is still good to know. 

Ed

[rockstar_not]

Thats what I used and they my be forgiving but the final word come's from the owner and he is really picky and it needs to perfect and nothing less.Don't get me wrong he ended up very happy but based on the time it took I would suggest that buying a guitar with a system installed at the factory is the best way to go.Would I do it again yes but only at 5x the price if I couldn't get that then nope,pain in the a**.Installing anything on a classical guitar rates up there with refrets and refinish work.Yes I can do all those jobs but I will charge alot more just for the pain in the a** facter.

I'm glad the guy was happy.  I was going to suggest ditching UST or bridgeplate transducers and go with a body mounted mic like the one from DPA:  http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/products.aspx?c=Item&category=118&item=24343#description

I have a Shadow P7 system installed in my classical - I'm quite happy with it.  It's a UST based system.  They are no longer for sale, as far as I can tell.  My cheap classical came fitted with this system and when I've tried to find the preamp and transducer for sale, they cost nearly what I paid for the guitar with it already mounted.