The K&K Sound Pure Mini is a pickup system designed for steel-string acoustic guitars, intended to amplify the instrument’s sound while preserving its natural tone. The system consists of three transducers, a cable harness, and an endpin jack. Installation involves securing the transducers to the guitar’s bridge plate, and mounting the endpin jack. The documentation emphasizes careful preparation and adherence to the provided instructions to avoid damage to the instrument or the pickup system.
System Components and Overview
The K&K Sound Pure Mini package includes three identical transducers, a cable harness, and an endpin jack. The transducers are designed to be installed under the guitar’s bridge plate. According to the provided materials, the transducers are interchangeable and their placement order (high e/b string, g/d string, low e/a string) does not affect performance. The system aims to provide a balanced and full-bodied sound reproduction, capturing the nuances of the acoustic guitar. It is noted for its ease of installation and potential for minimal alteration to the guitar, allowing for relatively easy removal if desired. The pickup is designed to be feedback resistant and produce a clean, clear sound output.
Installation Procedure: Pin Bridge Guitars
For guitars with pin bridges, the documentation recommends utilizing the included jig for accurate transducer placement. The installation process involves several steps:
- Unpack all components: The package contains the three transducers with a cable harness, the endpin jack, a manual, putty, double-sided tape, and a jig.
- Gather necessary tools: Required tools include superglue gel (cyanoacrylate), an electric drill, drill bits (at least 3/8" and 1/2"), an endpin reamer or 1/2" Forstner bit, and pliers or a wrench for endpin jack installation. A flashlight and small mirror are also recommended for visual inspection. Fine sandpaper or a razorblade may be needed to prepare the bridge plate surface.
- Prepare the jig: Remove the protective foil from the jig, putty, and double-sided tape.
- Test fit the jig: Use the jig to determine the optimal position for the transducers. A test run without glue is recommended to practice placement.
- Transducer placement: Hold the tip of the white pin between the thumb and forefinger, ensuring the golden part of the pickup faces up. Move the jig inside the guitar through the soundhole. Use a golf tee inserted from the outside to locate the corresponding pinhole on the inside.
- Secure transducers: Apply a small amount of putty to the jig above the intersection of the saddle and the high E string. Place one transducer on the putty, golden side up, and press it securely. For the G/D and A/E string pickups, position them between the strings.
- Endpin jack installation: Use the electric drill and appropriate drill bits to create a hole for the endpin jack. Follow the manual’s instructions for measurements and placement. Install the endpin jack using pliers or a wrench, ensuring a secure fit.
- Connect the harness: Connect the cable harness to the transducers and the endpin jack.
Installation Procedure: Pinless Bridge Guitars
The installation process for pinless bridge guitars is similar to that of pin bridge guitars, with the addition of a few specific steps:
- Follow steps 1-7 from the pin bridge installation procedure.
- Utilize double-sided carpet tape or a similar adhesive to secure the transducers to the bridge plate.
The documentation cautions that removing superglued pickups may cause damage to the pickup itself and that handling sharp tools can result in personal injury.
Drilling the Endpin Jack Hole
The documentation from Cavalier Pickups provides additional detail regarding drilling the hole for the endpin jack. It recommends applying masking tape over the existing strap button screw hole and punching through the tape to mark the center. Using a variable speed hand drill with a sharp 1/2" bit, slowly drill out the hole, ensuring it is as close to 90 degrees to the guitar body as possible. The source suggests testing the drill bit on scrap wood first and recommends seeking professional assistance if there are doubts about drilling skills or tools. The use of progressively larger drill bits or a drill press is also mentioned as alternative methods.
Jig Positioning and Transducer Alignment
The jig is used to find the correct position for the transducers. The documentation details a method for ensuring the jig sits flush against the bridge plate. A cardboard template is cut to a specific shape and used to mark the string hole spacing. The template is then placed into the soundhole, and pencil holes are made corresponding to the outer E string marks. Dowels or bamboo skewers are inserted into the jig’s E string holes to test the fit and ensure the template sits flush against the bridge plate. Adjustments to the cardboard template can be made if necessary.
Important Considerations and Disclaimer
The documentation includes a disclaimer stating that following the installation instructions is mandatory and that K&K Sound Systems Inc. is not liable for any damages arising from the installation or removal of the product. It also notes that removing a superglued pickup may cause damage and that handling sharp tools can result in personal injury. The documentation advises users to read and understand the section on removing superglued pickups before proceeding.
Specifications
The K&K Sound Pure Mini is described as a guitar accessory designed to accurately amplify the sound of an acoustic guitar without altering its natural tone. The system utilizes three transducer sensors installed under the bridge plate. The documentation does not provide detailed technical specifications such as frequency response, output impedance, or sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
The documentation includes a frequently asked questions section. One question addresses the optimal position for the jig inside the guitar. The answer reiterates the importance of a test run without glue and provides a method for locating the correct pinhole using a golf tee.
Conclusion
The K&K Sound Pure Mini is presented as a user-friendly solution for amplifying acoustic guitars while maintaining their natural sound. Successful installation relies on careful adherence to the provided instructions, proper tool usage, and attention to detail. The documentation emphasizes the importance of preparation, accurate transducer placement, and secure endpin jack installation. While the provided materials offer a comprehensive overview of the installation process, they lack detailed technical specifications regarding the pickup’s performance characteristics.