Electrifying a Larry Parlor?

[freestate101]

Some basic questions:

1) Is it done?     
2) Has anyone done it?   
3) Will it negatively effect the value?

Jim

[ST]

Hi Jim,

A couple of weeks ago I heard someone playing a Larrivée Parlor with a b-band pickup. It sounded terrific.

If I had a Parlor I would put a pickup in it (but that's because I tend not to play instruments at home that I wouldn't take to a gig).

As for negatively affecting the value... Well if you go for a pickup system that is not visually intrusive, I doubt that you will hurt the value. In terms of resale, you may not get all the $$$ out of the investment for the pickup that you put into it, but I doubt that you will overall negatively affect the value.

I have passed on several Parlors that came up locally - BECAUSE they didn't have pickups in them. The cost of adding one seemed excessive relative to the overall value of the instrument.

[ducktrapper]

Yes. Yes. Should increase it with the right pick up. My friend regularly plays slide using a maple satin parlor through a Fishman Loudbox. Outstanding!

[Danny]

   I had a PV-09e that came from the factory with the dual pickups Imix I think. It was the thing I liked the most about the guitar.

[Mr_LV19E]

Many use the K&K Pure Western Mini, very non intrusive.

[freestate101]

Thanks guys, I have pretty much decided on the L.R. Baggs "Dual Source" system. It's a bit more pricey than the rest, but it gets good reviews. Have any of you had any experiences (good or bad) with this set-up?

Jim

[Danny]

Thanks guys, I have pretty much decided on the L.R. Baggs "Dual Source" system. It's a bit more pricey than the rest, but it gets good reviews. Have any of you had any experiences (good or bad) with this set-up?

Jim

I've had two Larrivees with it and liked them both. My Martin has just the UST by Baggs and it is very nice as well.

[LaminateBoy]

I'm a big fan of simple. I just threw in an M1 and made it a permanent install. The soundhole is too small to be popping it in and out. It's a major pain so I made the install permanent. It works well. I like the sound.

[johnlg]

My Luthier put a K&K MIni in mine.  I love it.  $150 total.

You can hear it here.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_23A7tUxbKs

[ohiopicker]

I went simple, and installed a transducer on the bass side of the bridgeplate. i use it with a fishman outboard preamp, and
i think it does a great job of amplifying the sound and character of my mahogany/spruce parlor. Total cost, about $75.00.

[carruth]

I have the K&K in my Palour and love it.

[mrrinse]

I have a SD MagMic in my parlour, which is great. I'm also a big fan of combining the M1a and the K&K mini. I can't see it would adversely affect the value unless you go with one with a barndoor pickup which some people (like me) can't stand! Soundhole pickups, like the mag mic or the M1a, are removable in any case should you choose to sell the guitar and keep the pickup.