Help with rush decision on pickup for OM-03R

[fishman]

I have an OM-03R and have been asked to perform at my church a week from Sunday (7/28).  I'm trying to decide if I want to get a pickup system installed next week.  The K&K pure western mini is well thought of and the price is right, but unfortunately the closest dealer is 2hrs away, if they have it in stock.  So I'm left with the following options:
1) Order the K&K for express delivery (extra cost) and hope I get it in time.
2) Look for an alternative that's available locally (Guitar Center being the 'best' option). Suggestions?  I'm not really interested in a sound hole pickup because I want to keep it looking unmodified.
3) Mic it or borrow someone else's guitar.

If I order and get it by Thursday, I think I can get it installed locally, or I might try it myself.  The only really scary part is drilling the end jack.  Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks, Rob

[brandon]

if you are really honest with yourself and decide that you havent done enough homework and research to decide which pickup is right for you then i think i would just mic it or borrow someone else's. im not saying you havent done your homework but thats just a big decision to rush into. glad you are using your the talents that God blessed you with in church!!

[dberch]

if you are really honest with yourself and decide that you havent done enough homework and research to decide which pickup is right for you then i think i would just mic it or borrow someone else's. im not saying you havent done your homework but thats just a big decision to rush into. glad you are using your the talents that God blessed you with in church!!

+1. Mic the guitar and take your time on this important decision. 

[fishman]

Thanks for the feedback.  My amplification needs will likely always be pretty basic.  Everyone seems to gush about the K&K passive systems.  Having the capability to add external preamp later would be a plus.

The main reason I'm even considering putting in a pickup system is because I want to sound as good as I can with minimum hassle.  Since I've never performed amplified, what do I need to keep in mind when performing with a mic (placement, volume etc.)?

Rob

[brandon]

if you have a good sound person running the service then you should have minimal worries with sound mixing and such. if you use a condenser mic then it will pickup the guitar very well without having to as close to the guitar. just play around and find which set-up gives you the bset response with the least amount of feedback.

[saintandsinnerguy]

I say mike it.....that's the only way I go in church (in our bluegrass group.)  I don't like the idea of putting in a pick up and the sound hole ones sound bad to me.  I have felt that the microphone gives me the most authentic sound.  Just my 2 cents.

[AtlasHeating]

I put the KKK pure western in my L-03 with un- inspiring results ... until I started using a pre-amp. I purchased the LR Baggs Para DI.
Drilling the endpin may not be a problem for you because the newer Larrivees have it already drilled out. Just unscrew the endpin and now you have a 1/2" hole ready for your endpin.
On my OM-03R I put in a fishman soundhole pick up with a mic. This guitar sounds great when finger picked and a little electric when strummed. Both guitars sit well in the mix.

[bluesman67]

I put the KKK pure western in my L-03 with un- inspiring results ... until I started using a pre-amp. I purchased the LR Baggs Para DI.
Drilling the endpin may not be a problem for you because the newer Larrivees have it already drilled out. Just unscrew the endpin and now you have a 1/2" hole ready for your endpin.
On my OM-03R I put in a fishman soundhole pick up with a mic. This guitar sounds great when finger picked and a little electric when strummed. Both guitars sit well in the mix.

What do you use for an amp?

[AtlasHeating]

I almost always use a sound system with a monitor. My son has a Peavey KB-60 but that is more of a bass amp. My other amp is a tube amp for electric guitar.