JJB-Electronics Artist Series, The Prestige - 330

Passive pickup. 3- Piezo drum trigger contact-type 1/2" dot conductors.

I have installed this pickup, AND the Standard Series PPS- 200 (dual contact model)in MANY (over 20) acoustic guitars, solid-top Spruce and Select Spruce-top, including: Martin DM (also utilizing a Barcus-Berry Model# 1021 End-pin Preamp), Gretsch Historic Series Drednaught and Grand Concert, hand-made John Hargis Drednaught- Martin specs (Hargiss Stringed Instruments- Omaha, NE), Garrison Guitars, Washburn, Regal Dobro Resophonic Square-neck, Copley Drednaught and 3/4 size (very nice selection for this size), Yamaha, Johnson round-neck resophonic guitar, Fender Classical, Guild Jumbo F50, Washburn Jumbo (X 3), an Ode/ Baldwin Style C 5-String Resonator-back Bluegrass Banjo (I am several times National Champion Bluegrass Banjo Picker0, and (the icing on the cake) Composite Acoustics (CA) Bluegrass Performer Carbon Graphic (outstanding results and sound!!) I have replaced some of the less-impressive performance contact pickups I have not been satisfied with (i.e. SoundChecker, Schaller Oyster, Barcus-Berry Hot Dots, BB Jr., etc.) and soundhole pickups (to remove and improve the visual appearance, although I was not disappointed with, and still pleased w/ Bill Lawrence, Fishman, Seymour Duncan Performer, and the tube-type, soundhole magnetic pickups) I have also used them in conjunction w/ Barcus-Berry Model #1440 and 1441 "under the bridge-saddle" Piezo-type, pickups, sans onboard integral preamps. The combination (connecting them together at the output jack) seems to balance the output of the under-saddle pickups and eliminate "hard sounding individual strings". Contact the maker for info on other artists who might be using them. I own and operate a classic state-of-the-art independent recording studio in East-Central Kansas and have been performing professionally since 1968 and have tested and tried MANY different pickups through the years.

Output level is strong and excellent working quite well without preamplification, however, the external addition of more control (volume, tone, notch-filter, effects, compressors,limiters, etc.) certainly enhances and increaes the performance of the Prestige 330 model and the Standard Series Model PPS-200. High stage volumes through a larger (more powerful amplifier) tend to increase the likelihood of harmonic feedback if you get too close to the amp. I recommend using lower-powered amps (10 watts - 40 watts) I have several amps which have worked quite well with both models. Fender SideKick 25 and 35, Kustom KGA10, and Crate GXC 40 Stereo amps. 10" or 12" speakers seem to give the best sound reproductionand clarity. Tone is well-balanced across the sound spectrum and very naturally acoustic and "open-sounding". I play Americana/ Traditional Country / folk/ Bluegrass/ and acoustic/rock styles of music and the cleanliness of the tone allows the sound to be heard, even through the louder electric guitars and drums. As with most other acoustic pickups, high volumes and close-proximity playing to the amplifier increases the likelihood of harmonic feedback. The addition of external sound modification, of course, reduces this problem. Used with common-sense, the results are excellent.

I believe I will continue to use these pickups, heaven forbid, loss or theft. I've been playing over 45 years. I have found that the addition of onboard controls and preamplification (or outboard) enhances and gives the added control which improves the overall performance. I have been using these pickups since 2007 and waited until now for this review to obtain feedback from the people I have installed them for in their instruments. I like to use SuperGlue Gel and apply them directly to the soundboard backplate under the bridge. The best places seeming to be at the end (treble strings and bass strings) of the bridge saddle (for the Standard Series PPS-200) and the other trigger (on the Prestige 330) between, and just below the 3rd and 4th string pegholes on the bridge backplate inside the guitar. Comparison to alternative pickups has been made earlier. Direct application under the bridge saddle gives, almost, too much output and tends to overdrive the preamp. Its takes about 1/2 hour to 1 hour to install, depending on which model. Models are also made with passive volume and tone controls, but, I have not installed these in any guitars, yet. I like the obscurity of these due to the "look" of not having a pickup, and have been very satisfied with the volume and tone control from the amplifier and controlling directly. Adjustments can be made, accordingly, and the feedback issue is thusly approached and avoided when close enough to the amp to avoid it. I am very pleased with these pickups. The workmanship is excellent and they are well-made and very cleanly made (soldering and dipped in neoprene. The Prestige 330 comes w/ endpin jack and the PPS 200 with side mount 1/4" jack. From the results achieved with the BB 1021 endpin preamp, I will probably start installing more w/ the integral preamp endpin 1/4' jacks. These are comparable, I believe, to the K&K Pure Country Models. $49.99 for the Prestige 330 and (GET THIS!!) $19.99 for the Standard Series PPS 200 models.

Passive, triple transducer, pickup system.
Attached to bridgeplate inside the guitar.
Similar to K&K Pure Western product.

Installed in Yamaha FG720S-12, 12-string.
Only modification was replacing endpin with a 1/4" endpin jack. Requires drilling out the hole to 1/2".

As a passive unit, the output is pretty good. I'm plugging directly into a Lexicon Pro Omega (USB audio interface). I get decent sound levels with the gain at about 50%.

I do not have any preamp so the sound is as natural as the pickups are going to get, and it is about as natural a sound, I think, as you can get from an acoustic pickup.

The lows are a bit overpowering at times, but with some EQ, I'm sure it can be tamed.

Overall, the sound is clean and clear.

I would buy this product for another guitar, as a replacement, whatever. For what it is, and for the price, it is the best value, and pickup, on the market.

I've been playing for 30+ years but always acoustic and have no "plugged in" experience. I've been wanting a pickup for my 12-string and have researched a number of products. I did not, however, have any opportunity to do any comparisons.

Having said that, I am extremely satisfied with these pickups as they produce about as natural a sound as I can imagine any pickups producing. I was looking for a good reproduction of the natural sound and I feel I found it.

Installation is not too complex. As long as you have the proper tools for drilling out the endpin hole, that part is a snap.

I think the best glue choice is something that won't run and is meant for porous materials, i.e. wood. I used Loctite Super Glue Control Gel. It sets up quickly, so there's no time to slide the transducer around to get it into the perfect spot. However, I used two bridge pins as a guide for proper placement. They stick through far enough you can actually feel the transducer touch between them. Don't put them all in, just two. That way you don't get fooled as to which two you're trying to place the transducer between.

I did many practice dry fits to get the feel of placement. Having your hand inside the soundhole with your wrist bent and your palm facing up so you can hold the transducer to apply the glue, I wanted to practice moving the transducer into place, feeling where it was going to go and then setting it down. Once I was confident, I proceeded to glue them down.

The transducers are a little too big to be able to place side-by-side in a line and still have each one get placed between their respective bridge pins. I place the first one between pin 6 and 5 and then the second one just to the outside of center of pins 1 and 2. The third one I placed in between the first two, slightly forward, creating a slight triangle.

All in all, a good experience all around. Very responsive, and pleasant, customer service. Fast, and free, shipping (USPS priority). Great product. Great price. It's hard to go wrong.

Triple surface
transducer piezo system with premium nickel
plated endpin jack. Simular to K & K at a lower price point

I added pick ups to My Crafter GA-7. This was strictly acoustic, a non pup model. I chose to go with a model that included a chrome endpin jack, this required a little extra work on my part to install.
Overall I believe anyone could easily install their own if they have a few basic tools available. I followed their direction-
Installation of the endpin jack:
1.???Drill or widen the endpin hole to 1/2" using protective tape to cover the area around the hole. This helps to prevent chips and
scratches.
2.???Unscrew the endpin jack's strap mount knob
3.???Take off the nut and washer.
4.???Find out the thickness of your end block and set the nut on the cap accordingly. Once in place, screw the cap against it to
secure the nut.
5.???Insert the jack from the inside into the endpin hole.
Worked easy enough
They then direct Transducer installation ???
It does not matter in which position you install any of the 3 pickups. The installation spots
are identical. Each pickup should be placed between two of the bridge pins.
Once you determine where you would like to mount the piezo's, attach them to the inside of the guitar top
by following these steps;

Place a drop of super-glue on each piezo (one at a time) and hold it in place for about 45 seconds. This part was not as easy as it sounds. I believe I have average hands and average dexterity but with super glue, I found this almost impossible, Either the glue would be dry before I could get the transducer where it was to go to put it in place, or once I glued my two fingers together while trying, I thought their has to be a better way, so I went to the hardware store and studied and found a quick setting but not to quick setting glue, I tried again with the new glue and had great success! They should either suggest a glue or send a small tube along as part of the purchase. I am sure some could do it with the superglue, but I did not have the ability the other glue I discovered was so much better!

I am new to acoustic amplification. Was doing this by necessity as I was asked to play a wedding for about 200 people, they wanted acoustic for the warmth they felt it would lend to the occassion, I installed these pick ups and plugged in running through a Ultrasound DI Plus into my PA system. Set everything to a neutral position and turned it on and started to play and dial in, I messed with settings on the preamp and the PA, as I started to play I noticed something, the sounds I was getting! It sounded very much like my guitar always sounds But a lot louder! I was worried I was going to lose the sound of my guitar and it would sound more like an electric guitar But that was not the case! All of my settings were fairly neutral, I tweaked the lower end just a little and was very happy with the sounds I was getting! Not much of any hiss or hum either just sounded like my guitar!

I have been playing guitar a little over a year, how ever I am 46 and been involved with music and gear with others for many years.

These pick ups are a good deal, the price is reasonable and they seem to do a decent job. I believe If I have the need I would purchase from this place again, They have several different models, they seem willing to discuss with you and help you decide what is correct for your application.

If they would provide a small tube of a decent glue (not to quick drying) Would also like to see a better lock washer, I am not sure how or what style, But when trying to insert the end pin jack through the hole and screw into it to put this in place in the guitar, it was easy for the washer/lock washer to slip off.

I think they have a good product but it is not as of yet perfect, a little more refinemnet then they will really have something, I think they have the pick up part nailed down pretty well, Just a little refinement for assembley, If they do this then they really may have something!

The Prestige - 330 is a passive pick up system that utilizes a triple surface transducer design. This results in a very wide frequency range and very natural reproduction of sound. Each of the three transducers is designed to pick up a specific string pair, but also "listens" to the adjacent area around the bridge.

I installed the Prestige 330 pick up system in my Tanglewood TW-28 dread guitar and in my Eastman AC308 grand auditorium guitar. The installation involved enlarging the end pin holes from 3/8" to 1/2" to fit the 1/4" jack. The transducers are glued to the bridge plate between each bridge pin under the area where the saddle is located. It took me an hour and half total to install the pickups in each guitar. Both guitars came from the factory without pick ups. I went with JJB Electronics based on glowing reviews and the fact that they are assembled in the USA.

The pick up system does an outstanding job of capturing the natural acoustic tone of my guitars. The pick ups have excellent output without using a pre amp. The tone is well balanced and I have no feedback issues. I play a wide variety of music with a flat pick and fingerstyle.

I highly recommend this pick up system. I would buy this pick up system again.

I like how easy it was to install and how great it sounds. I think it compares well to the K&K Western pick up system.

I've been playing guitar for 25 years. I feel that the JJB Prestige 330 is one of the most natural sounding pick ups I ever used.