Pickup suggestions

[charlies3]

I'm planning on installing a pickup in my new OMV-50 and would like some opinons.    I'm a casual player who rarely plugs in but would like that option.   What I'm looking for is a pickup which requires

1.  No modification to the guitar
2.  Reproduces the acoustic sound as much as possible (i.e. more interested in tone than volume)


From what I've read on the forum and from Larrivee themselves, I'm trying to decide between the K&K Pure Western and LR Baggs Ibeam.   

Questions:

1.  Do I need to go "active" or not.   What do I give up with a passive version of these pickups?   If active, where is the best locations for the battery?
2.  If I pick the K&K, do I have to use the mini?   I don't really like the idea of supergluing the sensors.
3.  Does anyone have any horror stories about installing either of these pickups that they care to share?

[woodruff]

well, i had someone do the work for me but the supergluing actually will enhance the sound vs taping the sensors in temporarily. and really, you will never know any difference with superglue on the inside of your guitar. i mean most guitar builders use carpteners glue anwyay, or some type of glue.

2. i love the warmth of the mini, and most happy about not having to deal with battery worries.
real non-invasive, and the only way someone can tell i have a pickup is the end pin and when i plug in, to which the usual response seems to be: "holy crap, that baby is warm..." all i can say is "i know, and it cant all be the walnut...."

3. i dont know anything about the Ibeam, but used a Baggs Dual source for years which was nice as well. i just prefer passive pup systems now, and sound board transducers vs the usts.....for me, K&K mini has been a boon!

[Fstpicker]

K&K all the way for me too!

Jeff

[dwdelcam]

If you want NO modification to the guitar, you might try am LRBaggs Active M1, since you rarely plug in.  Then you could just remove it until the next time you plugged in.   I am using this on my 1951 00-17 because it requires no mods.  Just tape the cable to the guitar for the gig and go! Very good sound as well.   Volume control right on the pickup.   

[Mr Diddywahdiddy]

Stuff the batteries, K&K mini would be my choice.

[Denis]

Got K&K minis in both my L-03 and the all mahogany parlor.  They sound completely natural and have fairly high output for passive pickup.  No batteries required.  Sounds great pludgged directly into my amp or a board.  Great sound.