K&K Sound Systems Pure Western

Passive transducers. Three transducer disks you super-glue, or use sticky-tape to secure under the bridge inside the guitar. The idea is to spread them across the bridge area to pick up vibrations equally.

Installed in a Gibson J-40, a guitar with a big, mellow sound. From reviews on this site, I went with the Pure Western since I wanted something passive and easy to install. Sound quality was paramount since the guitar is my favorite sounding instrument I was hoping to capture it through the pickup.

Output level is quite high for a passive pickup. I play acoustic singer/songwriter material with mostly strumming. While I took great pains to position the disks (drilling small holes beneath the saddle to slide toothpicks through so I could get the disks directly underneath), the sound is good on the bass side, but the treble side has a very unusual tinny, almost mechanical sound to it. It is completely unusable without major EQ'ing. I have run the guitar through a Fishman Aura processor and get semi-decent results, but that mechanical sound on the high end remains. Perhaps it is the nature of the guitar...but I consider it unusable and am auditioning new pickups at this time.

I've been playing over 30 years and have owned any number of guitars. I do my own luthier work to set up my guitars and many were purchased as damaged disasters that I've repaired. I have found I prefer pickups that have a mixing feature between a microphone and undersaddle transducer, so perhaps that colors my view of this pickup and its sound since I look for a balanced REAL sound from a pickup as if the guitar was being mic'd. I chose this one due to great reviews, its relatively low price, and no need to cut up the guitar to install it. However, I am not at all pleased with it and will be replacing it as soon as I find something else that works well with this guitar.

Passive 3 way contacts mount under bridge plate

Installed on a 2005 Gibson Advanced Jumbo

Awesome sound. I have used lots of different pickups on various guitars and this one is by far the best sounding one...and the least expensive, go figure. It is warm and full with no piezo quack, no feedback, and can get plenty loud and keep sounding very pure. At first I thought it was too round and warm until I turned up my high freq on the P/A and it totally came to life. The signal is there you just have to turn it up a little compared to my other pickups. I also just put a Baggs I-Beam in another guitar and found it to be a little too bright and sounded like a microphone inside the guitar which is not so good. This K&K sounds like a microphone outside the guitar. I installed it myself in minutes with no problems. I also like the fact that it is passive so no battery to fool with. It really sounds killer through a Baggs Para-Acoustic DI but it is not totally necessary and I would still give it a 10 without that.

If it were stolen that would mean they probably took the guitar as well and I would by another AJ and put the exact same pickup in it. I am very happy with this rig. It is an excellent match for a big guitar. Been plying 40 years. I have played Fishmans, Baggs, EMG's, B-Band, and this is definitely the best. Second place would be the Baggs M-1 and third would be the Fishman undersaddle with the onboard EQ coupled with an Audio Technica condenser mike run through a Fishman pocket Blender. That's a lot of gear to hassle with so why not just get the K&K?

Passive pickup; glues to underside of bridge plate

Installed in Guild A-50 as a replacement for Fishman Matrix active; no further mods required. The usual complaint about the Fishman: quacky, harsh saddle transducer tone.

The output was good; when I added the Pure Preamp it increased considerably. The sound quality of this pickup and preamp together is really amazing, and for the price (around $200 for both) it's unbeatable. I've played scores of writers nights around Nashville with this guitar, and other guitarists--many of whom play instruments with much more expensive pickup systems--routinely comment on how good mine sounds. It also sounds excellent through my jazz amp setup (Clarus 1R and Raezer's Edge Twin 8). This pickup is one of those rare products that really does exceed expectations.

I would definitely get another. I've been playing for over 25 years, in almost every popular style. Currently I also own a Martin D-17 (with a Pure Western Mini), an American Double Fat Strat, a Japanese Strat with EMGs, a Japanese J-bass, and a Baby Taylor. If there's a shortcoming to this pickup it would be the installation method--getting those sensors in just the right position before the super glue sets up is quite tricky! It's doable, though, even for someone who doesn't normally install pickups. (I've put in two of them now.)

Previous submissions describe it.

Custom-built hand-crafted Armbrust thin-line cutaway and 1962 Gibson SJ-25 "Southerner Jumbo". See my previous review submitted in March 2004.

Quite simply, doesn't get any better than this short of using a top-quality mic. No hassle. Just tell the soundman to set everything flat at the soundboard and if your guitar has a good sound and his equipment is up to snuff, then you'll sound great. No need for pre-amps, batteries, etc. Just plug and play. Doesn't get any easier or better than this!

I've ben playing for over 40 years and play a lot of different styles, finger picking, strumming, flat picking, "chicken plucking", flailing, hammering, pounding, etc. Whatever I choose to do on my guitar sounds just as good amplified as it does unamplified. I've played a lot of "open mics" in the Niagara Peninsula in the 3 years since I've installed this pickup and invariably someone (usually another seasoned or "Pro" musician) asks me how I'm getting such a great sound out of my guitar. My answer, "K&K Pure Western". No muss, no fuss, no bother. You owe it to yourself to get one of these. It's a 20 out of 10!

Pickup features: Preamp
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass:
Position: neck
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change: Update to my previous review

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation: Have been using the Pure Preamp for more than a year now and it has become my preamp of choice. I a/b'd with a Baggs PADI and the K&K Pure preamp is cleaner and make my guitars sound better - more natural. I still use the Baggs, but ONLY if I have feedback, which is maybe 1 out if 5 shows. Then I swap out the Pure for the PADI.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: Ecellent preamp. Still whish it had notch filter, though. Then I could sell the Baggs PADI.

Pickup features: Passive Under bridge
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Taylor 414
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Strummer , learning how to fingerpick/flatpick
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: High output plenty of power anf fullness of sounds
Tone: IT has a very full tone , not too bassy as some reviews say .I used the tape on mine and it gives a great sound.
Sonic evaluation: Pretty simple set up Straight into my tascam 424 4 track no pre amp just set the fader about half way and I'm ready to go .Coupled with a mic at the 14 th fret and it sounds like a million bucks

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I like to strum although I have been getting into more flat picking/finger picking .The pick up does a great job of picking out the individual notes

Comments: I would replace it if it were destroyed .Think I might get one for my other guitar just cause it would be great to add. Been playing for 15 years finally have the set up a I want a great bright clear sounding acoustic and a very responsive pick up could not be happyer. THe folks at the factory sent me a cd of some sound samples which really help with my decision .I looked at all kinds of passive undersaddle pick ups and everyone has their opions but this one produccess a true to life sound .Installing it was fun took about a hour just get every thing together first and read the instructions 4 or 5 times first . The trick for me was lining up the tape whilst looking through the pegs holes .Anyway you won't be dissapointed I brought one of the "seconds" which claimed to have a cosmetic blemish but i'm damned if I could tell......

Pickup features: passive bridgeplate pickup
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: acoustic steel string
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s):
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level:
Tone:
Sonic evaluation:
For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: Hello, this is Dieter from K&K. I thought that I should write this in order to clarify some issues regarding higher stage volume. The Pure Western IS capable of quite substantial stage volume. Rock bands like Tom Petty are using it. But I highly recommend the use of a soundhole-plug if you play the Pure with a band.
The Pure has a very strong bass response, stronger that most other pickups. This may cause boominess if you don't know how to counteract this. Some players set the EQ to a center position and wonder why the Pure sounds so "bassy". Please be aware of this fact and simply turn DOWN the bass especially in higher volume situations.
There is another issue which has to do with input impedance. Most acoustic amps are geared towards undersaddle pickups and have extremely high impedance inputs (5-10 megs or more). This technically beefs up the weaker bass response of undersaddle pickups.
With the Pure this is overkill ! But again, if you simply turn down the bass, it should be fine with most acoustic amps. On my Ultrasound I.E. I have to turn down the bass ALL THE WAY. But then it sounds absolutely great !
Of course there are guitars which are more prone to feedback than others. I did not yet find out why. We installed Pure pickups in many guitars and we had I.E. some Taylors and Martins which played very loud before feedback. On the other hand, undersaddle pickups still beat the Pure in respect to stage volume. This is why we introduced the K&K PowerBlend Pure system, a combination of our undersaddle pickup and the Pure. The best out of both worlds.
The Pure is foremost designed for natural tone. If your main goal is high stage volume please consider the PowerBlend Pure system rather that the Pure alone.

Pickup features: Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: 1995 Taylor 422
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Fishman Matrix
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Blues and all others
Reason for pickup change: Fishman never had string to string balance

Perceived output level: Suprising high output for a passive pickup
Tone: Natural and balanced
Sonic evaluation: Trace 30 watt and Crate Acoustic 125

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Play all styles of music. This pickup works great with all acoustic styles.

Comments: Would replace if destroyed and will purchase this pickup for other guitars I own.
Been playing 35 years.
The natural sound is increable.
It was a somewhat harder to install on the pinless bridge Taylor.
This guitar has never sounded this good plugged in.

Pickup features: Passive contact transducers
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Martin CEO-4
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: N/A there was no pickup on the guitar when i bought it
Other pickups on guitar: Sunrise now
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Acoustic Rock
Reason for pickup change: N/A

Perceived output level: High output ...no need for a preamp
Tone: Extremely bass heavy in my guitar.Totally unbalanced.
Sonic evaluation: Have tried several combinations...straight thru the PA and also with effects...could never get a decent sound from this thing

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play acoustic music at high volumes

Comments: Would i buy it again...definitely not.I'm a little cheesed off that i actually glued it to the bridge.Now i'm stuck with the bloody thing.It's ok jamming around at home thru a small PA but as soon as you try playing with this in a loud pub ...forget it.I tried on several occasions without success.
I've been playing 20 years now and was lured into buying this from all the great comments on this website and other places on the net.I'm very disappointed.I'll be sticking with the sunrise ...not the best sound in the world but streets ahead of this one.Maybe it's my guitar ..i know mine sounds beautiful unplugged and it tends to be a little bass heavy so maybe this pickup might be ok in a small sized guitar.

Pickup features: passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: WM-45
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): banging uptempo
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: loud
Tone: very balnced , with deeeeeep bass
Sonic evaluation: direct into Mackie board ?jbl powered speakers

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable:

Comments: This is an update on my earlier post . I have used this as a duo a few times with no problem but never in a band setting. Well I used it last weekend for a set with a band , drums , keyboard etc . They were runing a mackie board into large powered JBL's and had it pretty loud . I went direct into the board and fiddled with the EQ a bit and off we went . I was jammed up right in front of the drums and had no issues with feedback . It sounded great and the guys in the band thought so to.Now this wasn't a heavy metal band , country/rock but we were pretty loud and I was very happy that I had zero issues as I had no sound hole damper thingy . Great stuff K&K !!

Pickup features: Magnetic Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Samick Custom
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Picking/strumming Rock./Folk
Reason for pickup change: Never had a pick in the first place

Perceived output level: Excellent. No pre-amp needed!
Tone: Very Balanced. Very true to my own guitars sound. I'm extremely impressed.
Sonic evaluation: Samick custom/peavey 130 watt

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Rock/Folk. Pick up is great for my guitar (I think it would suit any as it seems to fairly true to the guitars original sound)

Comments: It's great! Why? It's the best value for money I've seen for a pick up (and I've been checking out a few I can tell you!). I have been playing for about 25 years (scary I know), and have had various guitars (samicks, Takamine, Washburn 6 & 12 strings), and this is the best on board sound I've had. Today I did some recording vs my friends Gibson (sorry, not sure which one) with a pre-installed pickup. His sound in was great with the microphone, but lousy with direct line in from pickups - it was so much more scratchy and metallic. Mine however, had very little variation from the mic sound.
Amplified, I had almost as much volume as his guitar did with a preamp, and no more feedback problems than his. All I can say is, don't be fooled into paying bucks just for brand names. If your looking for a great pick up at a great price, do yourself a favour and check these out.

Pickup features: Passive under bridge-plate transuducer
Impedence or other specs: who cares - it's great

Model of guitar or bass: Tacoma DR-20
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Fishman Rare Earth Humbucker (soundhole)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): finger style / hard strumming roots/alt/whatever
Reason for pickup change: sound quality, what else is there?

Perceived output level: about same as the sound-hole pu w/ built in pre.
Tone: very clear top end, warm mids/ pretty well balanced
Sonic evaluation: to my ears, very transparent in that it sounds alot like my acoustic naturally, just louder. Top end a little briter than the actual sound of the guitar. I run this direct into a board with eq pretty much flat, still need more playing time to see if it performs better with low roll-off switched in or out with the bass turned down.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I think its great for fingerstyle as the high end really cuts w/o being quaky like piezos. Best quality is the realatively uncolored sound, along with high output, high gain before feedback.

Comments: Here's a note I sent off to the manufacturer......
Just got my Pure Western transducer yesterday, and had to immead. install it. Install went w/o a hitch (15 min), I glued them direct to the bridge plate. The instructions were clear and well written. Since I was using a soundhole pickup, I was able to AB them through my PA system. I was originally thinking about using both to blend the best qualities of both. I pulled the soundhole PU out. No comparison! While the Fishman was quite good, the PW killed it. I love the warm/transparent quality to the sound. And where-as I had to tweak the EQ a bunch to get the Fishman to sound good, the PW pretty much sounded great right out of the chute. Thanks for an awesome product and making it available at such a great price on EBay. These are going in all my friends guitars. Thanks!! Matthew Miller

Pickup features: Passive under-bridge pickup (not under-saddle)
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Simon and Patrick SP6 Spruce
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Fishman Rare Earth (Single coil)
Other pickups on guitar:
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock/Folk mainly, but some a variety of other stuff too
Reason for pickup change: Always found the Fishman a bit too "electric" in tone for my taste, but a clash in my main playing environment made it impractical and this was the main reason.

Perceived output level: Not less than half that of my Rare Earth, so hot enough to use as is
Tone: Very realistic and natural. Only need a slight EQ tweak and that's more because of the tone of my amp!
Sonic evaluation: I use my S&P with a Roland AC-60 and an LR Baggs Para DI (see other review)

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: One of the best things about this is that you get a realistic strummed sound. That has been the hardest thing to capture with any pickup/amp/EQ combinations.

Comments: This pickup is certainly worth the money and well worth replacing if stolen. If you don't believe how good it is you can listen to samples on the K&K site. I was a bit skeptical, but that sort of sound is what you can expect with a decent guitar. I listened to other manufacturers' audio samples after I bought this and was not so impressed.
It doesn't get a 10 because it's not quite good enough to send you over the moon, but it does give a very good sound at a very good price.

Pickup features: Passive, bridge plate transducer
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Martin D-1
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Fishman Active Matrix undersaddle transducer
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): I use a rhythmic style using a combination of my thumb, fingers, and fingernails.
Reason for pickup change: I found myself having to adjust my playing style to accommodate the qualities of the Fishman undersaddle pickup - very frustrating while playing live.

Perceived output level: K & K's Pure Western is very hot compared to the Fishman...great output level for a passive pickup.
Tone: The tone is exactly what I've been looking for. It is extremely balanced, very natural and allows me to play any style I choose without a change in tonal quatlity.
Sonic evaluation: I play at a local coffee shop through the house (Peavy) PA system. I use a Fishman Pro EQ to adjust for the type/size of the speakers. I do use a soundhole cover to eliminate feeback that only seems to be an issue with larger loudspeakers that are positioned too close to me.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play a mix of blues, fcountry, folk, rock, and jazz. The Pure Western is the best match for my style of playing - rhythmic fingerstyle.

Comments: I've been playing for about 16 years and have had my Martin D-1 for 10 of those years. I installed the pickup myself using the excellent instructions provided. The use of superglue created some anxiety, but I practiced the installation without superglue several times before the final (and successful) installation. I wish the three transducers were somehow connected to make the installation easier.
If the pickup gets damaged then my guitar will likely be damaged also...so I would certainly replace both. For under $100, this pickup is an excellent choice for anyone. I have yet to find a pickup that sounds as natural as the Pure Western. It truly sounds like my guitar. What more could I ask for? I plan to install the Pure Mini Western pickup in my Larrivee Parlor next.

Pickup features: Passive under the bridge-plate (internal) 3-piezo pickup
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Armbrust custom-made
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: electret-condenser mic
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: unknown
You musical style(s): finger-picking, "flailing", plucking, back-finger strumming, etc.
Reason for pickup change: Too much hassle with the electret-condenser mic/pre-amp/batteries/mounting thing. All that takes away from the spontaneity of a live performance. Too many things to worry about.

Perceived output level: Output (passive) is high enough to be handled by any decent soundboard and bring the guitar's sound up to viable levels.
Tone: The natural beautiful sound of my guitar with all its intricacies but loud enough for live gigs.
Sonic evaluation: My friend, luthier Jack Armbrust (crafting quality guitars since the early 1960's, website http://ca.geocities.com/jaluthier ) created this guitar for my aging hands. It is a "thin-line" cutaway with red cedar top, mahogany sides, back and neck, moose horn nut and saddle and an unknown Columbian hardwood for the fretboard and bridge and an ebony "ankh" inlaid into the spackled mahogany headstock.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: folk, folk-blues, modal-tuning instrumentals, ballads, re-worked pop sendups

Comments: I've been playing for almost 40 years. I love the sound of good well-built acoustic guitars made from quality woods but hate what electronics too often do to their sound. I have a '62 Gibson SJ25 that I bought in 1967, my "Grande Dame", which has just about the sweetest sound of any guitar I've ever heard. I tried using it on stage with a Bartolini and other sound-hole pickups and was always sorely disappointed. I've played and listened to any number of those guitars with the "under the saddle" piezo pickups and found them all sorely wanting. They all sounded dry and unnatural (yes, and even "quacky"). Well, after installing the K&K Pure Western into my Armbrust (make sure you follow the company's instructions... Kind of intimidating dealing with the "permanent installation" using crazy glue but when all is said and done, not that big a deal), I will soon be installing the K&K into this fine bird. You may get as natural a sound with other pickup systems that incorporate active electronics, mixers, batteries etc. (although after reading all the reviews on this website and listening to a bunch of MP3's online of various guitars such as Taylors, Larivees, etc., recorded with IBeams, Baggs and other systems, as well as the K&K, I put my money on the K&K), but you won't find anything this hassle-free (just plug it in) that sounds this good for under $100 or maybe even $200 or $300. It won't make a bad guitar sound good and it won't replace Niemann mics in a studio (it won't turn lead into gold either), but if you're playing live gigs and have a good or great sounding guitar and want its tonal characteristics reproduced faithfully at gig levels without worrying about pre-amps, outboard EQ's, batteries, etc., THIS is the one. Just tell the soundman to set everything "flat" and if his equipment is any good, you'll sound great.

Pickup features: Transductor Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Martin D - 15s
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced:
Other pickups on guitar: Rare Earth Humbucker
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Fingerpicking, open tunings
Reason for pickup change: Needed more acoustic tone for mids and treble.

Perceived output level: Louder than the Rare Earth, equl to an Active Matrix.
Tone: Blanced mids and clear treble, boomy somewhat muddy bass. But, no quack.
Sonic evaluation: Straight to a SWR California Blonde.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Good for Fingerstyle and open tunings, will work good on large body guitars. May sound better on smaller body guitars.

Comments: I would get another one. I have been messing with acoustic pickup combinations for over 6 years, played guitar for over 30 years. This pickup will probably sound good alone on acoustic amps with weak bass, as it has great low end. Also, it will probably sound good in small body guitars. On a large body D 17s, with a SWR amp, you need a magnetic pickup for the bass (no getting around it). Without a magnetic pickup, you will get massive muddy boom. Nevertheless, This is the best sounding acoustic pickup for under $100. Furthermore, it is passive and has about the same output as my active Fishman Rare Earth (both chanels on the SWR are at the same gain setting). It can get to high volumes without feedback if you turn down the bass. Installed easly in less than 20 min. Someone wrote "Try it for yourself and see". I did, and was blown away. I wish K & K would build a passive systm with a combination magnetic pickup and the Pure Western so that we can crank up the acoustic without feedback.

Pickup features: passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Avalon Dreadnaught
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: me
You musical style(s): scottish/irish traditional/rock
Reason for pickup change: had no pickup

Perceived output level: output about equal to most pasive pickups, loud for an acoustic transducer
Tone: very well balanced, good definition, nice strong bass fundamentals without being overbearing, strong mids, warm highsI
Sonic evaluation: I am playing an Avalon (made by Lowden) Dreadnaught. Spruce top and rosewood back. playing currently through a Gibson goldtone amp (not ideal for acoustic stuff I know) It really does sound like the real acoustic coming through though. beautiful sound - It really lets the wood sing.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: I play a blend of traditional celtic music and indie rock. This pickup is a great match for that, but I think It would work great for any style of acoustic guitar. It really lets the guitar do the talking and doesn't get in the way of pure acoustic tone.

Comments: I would definitly buy it again if it were destoyed. I would highly recommend this pickup to anyone with a great sounding acoustic - for a crappy acoustic it might not work so well as it really lets you hear the guitar as much as the string.

Pickup features: Passive , 3 bridgeplate transducers
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ovation Custom Legend 12 string w/ Optima pre-amp, mid-depth
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Ovation high-output
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Contemp. worship, strong rhythm style
Reason for pickup change: Looking for more natural sound. Guitar sounds magnificent unplugged, but typical quacky sound when plugged in.

Perceived output level: Same as orig. p/u. I left my vol. settings the same on the guitar & at the soundboard.
Tone: Well-balanced, finally plenty of base.
Sonic evaluation: This is Ovation's best guitar/pre-amp combination...no complaints there. I run the guitar through an XLR cable direct to the soundboard. I run the board flat, using the guitar's on-board EQ.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Contemporary worship, anywhere from a rock to a folk-rock feel. This p/u fits in perfectly. Sounds articulate with delicate picking, sounds perfectly natural strumming hard and fast. People used to tell me it sounded like a banjo when I played far up the neck. That problem's gone!

Comments: I'd buy another one of these in a heartbeat.My Ovation presents an unusual situation with it's fan bracing. I've installed I-Beams,but placement is critical and requires an open bridgeplate area.These transducers fit nicely between the braces in my guitar, and since there is no bridgeplate,supergluing directly to the soundboard seemed like a great idea for sound-transfer. Had 3 long talks with K&K's tech. He was glad to talk me through this not-very-straightforward installation. I feel like I have perfected my guitar!! Though I'm an Ovation fan,my $1,500 12-string didn't sound any nicer than a $200 guitar when I plugged in! Now, that beautiful sound that I hear coming from the soundhole is exactly what I hear from the house speakers! Next up is my Seagull S6 CW.

Pickup features: passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez Artwood 1
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: first pickup on this guitar
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): all styles.... folk, pop, country, everything from James Taylor to Sheryl Crowe to Matchbox 20
Reason for pickup change: A friend suggested that acoustic pickups are "the only way to go"

Perceived output level: alot louder than I imagined, especially for a passive unit
Tone: very well-balanced... booming bass and crisp clear trebles and highs. no crackling piezo plastic effects.
Sonic evaluation: I'm still searching for an acoustic amp though I've been plugging into a karaoke machine Yes, that's right! The K & K Pure Western sounds wonderful. Just imagine what it will sound like with a real amp.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: This pickup is well-suited for my playing style, 60's - 70's to current.... Beatles...Croce...Buffet...Eagles...Seger...

Comments: I most likely would buy this pickup again since I haven't found another one that comes close to giving uncolored pure acoustic sound. Sometimes simplicity is the best. I installed it myself directly to the underside of the bridge. This permanant installation provides 20% more performance than using the removable tape. Besides, why would I want to remove it when it sounds better than anything I've heard from the "big manufacturers".
It was relatively easy to install, but if you do it yourself take your time and be careful with your instrument. I listened to several pickups on the internet ie: DougYoungGuitar.com and the K & K products seemed to provide the tone I was looking for. I was apprehensive that this transducer would pick up unwanted banging, booming or thumping sounds from the guitar... Not! no noise problem.
When I get a more upscale guitar like Taylor or Martin I would consider an upgraded K & K product like their Ultra Pure or Trinity systems which include preamps. Until then, the Pure Western suits me fine. I bought direct in case I needed help or had questions.
The K & K people are a pleasure to do business with. If you're looking for "natural" acoustic sound check out K & K and let your ears be the judge.

Pickup features: Passive transdoucer
Impedence or other specs: ?

Model of guitar or bass: Gibson Wm-45
Position: all positions
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: Fishman Natural matrix / Dean Markley Pro mag
Artists using this pickup: ?
You musical style(s): folk rock / pop
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: Seems to be pretty close to the Fishman 's output , 1 1/2 notch on the volume .
Tone: natural with a bit extra on the bottom
Sonic evaluation: Don't laugh .Shure Vocal Master PA + Marsland colums , Yamaha JX 25

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Well I'm not a Clapton , mostly strumming folk /blues/ 60's etc and it works fine

Comments: Would I buy again ! Big YES. Been playing for about 20 years. Have a few other acoustics , Yamaha, Ibanez , Mansfield and a Yamaha SA-90 ES-335 copy. This sounds just like the guitar it's installed in . I bought it after reading the posts on this board.When I first plugged in I was disappointed .I was expecting the kind of sound you get with a fishman only better but the K+K has no electric sound to it at all . I have a fishman in a cheap Yamaha and it sounds pretty good but after last night it sounds totally electric . If you love the sound of your guitar then this is the pick-up but the old saying "garbage in - garbage out " holds true. Don't expect it to increase or mask the sound of your instrument. I am really impressed with it and cheaper than the fishman and cheaper to install. After reading the installation instructions I chickened out and took it into the shop to have it put it ($30). I look forward to having a chance to use it in public, I am a happy camper!! One thing is that it picks up everything , squeaks , fingers on the body of the guitar, missed hammer ons .My technique needs work , you can't hide with this.

Pickup features: Passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Martin DM
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: None
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Rock, pop, country, bluegrass (hear my style at www.birdhousegourds.com)
Reason for pickup change: My Martin DM had no pickup previously.

Perceived output level: Hot, even without a preamp
Tone: Balanced and beautiful
Sonic evaluation: I've played my Martin DM with this pickup installed through an SWR Workingman 10, a Peavey KB300, and direct to PA. It sounds great through any of these. Like many reviewers, I based my decision to purchase one of these after reading the reviews posted here and listening to the .wav file on the K & K website. It seemed like this was the best way to get a natural sound without spending a lot more. I believe that this pickup accomplishes that, and exceeds the expectation by surpassing a lot of more expensive systems. It sounds banal to say it after everyone else has said the same thing, but this pickup sounds just like the guitar does unamplified. Maybe a little less high end, but that is quickly remedied with just a tiny bit of high EQ. I have Elixir Nanoweb light strings on right now, and the combination of guitar, strings and pickup are great. Total cost of all three was less than $600. I challenge anyone to find a better sounding electrified acoustic without spending at least $1,000.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Acoustic rock and pop, with some country and bluegrass thrown in. I can get a good Union Station sound with this outfit.

Comments: I'm extremely glad that I chose this pickup. The only thing that made me at all nervous was gluing in the pickups with the superglue. It worked like a charm (only once did I have a fingertip glued to the underside of the bridgeplate... got that off quickly!). It would be a disaster to glue the pickups in the wrong place. I decided to go with the permanent installation to provide better signal (you can install it with a supplied piece of tape that allows you to remove it if you want, but the output is supposed to be 20% less). It was a bit of a gamble, but I'm please with the result, so no removal will be necessary. You can hear the style of what music I play by trying out the demo track for "That Girl" at www.birdhousegourds.com. Great job to the folks at K & K!

Pickup features: passive
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Martin OM18V
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: none
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: Just Me
You musical style(s): Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Blues etc.
Reason for pickup change:

Perceived output level: very good output, strong enough that a preamp is not required
Tone: balanced and warm, sounds natural like my guitar
Sonic evaluation: I am plugging directly into a Crate CA112-D acoustic amp and the K&K Pure Western is delivering plenty of volume and a warm tone. There is not any odd noise at all. It sounds just like my guitar, just louder.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: Country, Folk, Bluegrass, Blues sometimes aggressive and percussive. This pickup is a very good match.

Comments: I am very satisfied with the K&K Pure Western and have no regrets. I have been playing for a few years. I installed this pickup myself and although it was tricky it was easy to install. I chose this pickup after hearing about it on The Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum. I would also like say that it was a pleasure buying experience with MaurysMusic.com

Pickup features: Bridgeplate Transducer
Impedence or other specs: passive

Model of guitar or bass: Martin OM28VR
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: too many to list
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: not sure
You musical style(s): acoustic rock / folk rock
Reason for pickup change: I've read many great reviews and I wanted to hear it for myself.

Perceived output level: As hot as a Fishman Matrix - no preamp needed here
Tone: Rich, authentic acoustic tone. Perfect string balance & nothing harsh about it. Very warm.
Sonic evaluation: Mackie 808M - Community CSX25 speakers. No FX, just straight up. This pickup sounds so much like my guitar, its going to take some getting used to.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: 70's acoustic classic rock ala James Taylor, Jackson Browne, CSNY - works very well strummed and fingerpicked

Comments: How long have you been playing? 18 years
What other gear do you own? Martin "kit" OM18
In the past 5 years I've played the Rare Earth Blender, Fishman Matrix, Baggs iBeam and Baggs Element. These pickups all performed well for me, but the Matrix & Element are my favorites of the bunch. The K&K is much more real sounding than both of these.

Pickup features: Passive bridgeplate pickup...not under-saddle
Impedence or other specs: unknown

Model of guitar or bass: Ibanez AW300 spruce top (about $420) with replacement bone nut &saddleu
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: none; stock guitar
Other pickups on guitar: none
Artists using this pickup: unknown
You musical style(s): Fingerpicking: country, classical, Renaissance, blues, rock-influenced
Reason for pickup change: Not a change, but reviews here indicated the K&K is a great pickup system for the money. And they are right!

Perceived output level: Passive and louder than a Fishman under-saddle with 9V boost. Remarkably loud!
Tone: Balanced, cear, percussive and squeaky: just like your natural guitar!
Sonic evaluation: Three 'lobe' shaped transducers are super-glued into place just forward of the bridgepins (under the bridge) on the bridgeplate. And be careful as you do it! I suggest using a rubber surgical glove in case you get super glue on a fingertip. Don't laugh...super glue is really serious stuff in the eyes or on the skin. I have only heard mine with a Fender Princeton Chorus (Weber VST speakers) and it's remarkable. It really does sound like an acoustic guitar just louder. Is the sound perfectly like an acoustic? Of course not because you are hearing a signal amplified and driven through two 10" speakers. But the Princeton is a clean amp and not an acoustic amp. But the guitar is reproduced really well and definitely better than a Fishman under saddle type. The string dynamics (squeak, etc.) are all faithfully reproduced.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: For the closest thing to no amplification, this is the one to get for a modest price.

Comments: At about $100 bucks, this is unbelievable and you will love it! I am pretty particular and critical about my sound, but this pickup delivers! That artificial buzzy sound so common to acoustic pickups is not there. That 'boomy' bass sound so annoying is not there. The Pure Western is really clean, natural, quiet, and fairly easy to install. If you are able to drill out the endpin hole carefully and take your time gluing in the 3 transducers, and have pretty good dexterity, you can install it. If you are intimidated by the job, let a luthier do it. It would be easy to make a mess if you don't have the 1/2" bit and are careless with super glue ("hello...911? I have a problem with my fingers ..).

Pickup features: 3-way passive transducer system
Impedence or other specs:

Model of guitar or bass: Martin D-1R
Position: bridge
Pickup being replaced: Lace sound hole
Other pickups on guitar: None
Artists using this pickup:
You musical style(s): Folk/Acoustic rock
Reason for pickup change: Mag PU sounded OK, but I heard so much about this pickup that I had to try it. Also, I was ordering a pickup for the violin player in my band so I said what the heck, I'll get one for me too.

Perceived output level: Slightly hotter than the Lace, definitely don't need a pre.
Tone: Tone is exactly as my guitar sounds, in this case Martin bass w understated top end.
Sonic evaluation: I play folk/ac. rock with a Martin D1 into a genz-benz shenandoah. I thought the thing wasn't working at first then I realized, OMG, no color! This is the sound, only louder. My band noticed the change immediately. For those used to the artificial sound of other pickups the pure takes some getting used to. In fact, I had to add some upper mids to cut through the band. Warning: if your guitar sounds crappy naturally then this is not going to help at all, garbage in garbage out, grok? I play rather percussively, and I was afraid that the pure would suffer from "bass drum" syndrome, like the i-beam. Not so, very balanced, you get a nice thump with no boom. Also, on the subject of the i-beam, I have played with that one, and the Pure blows it away.

For which styles and positions is this pickup (un)suitable: As before, folk- acoustic rock in a full band type of situation. I think this is the most challenging situation for an acoustic guitar, playing against electric instruments, but I don;t have any issues with this pickup application.

Comments: It would be very hard to steal this pickup, but I would go so far as to say that if I ordered a guitar that came with another pu, I would have it changed out for this one. Like I said before, having played the i-beam I have to say this one is WAY better. I think this is about as close as we're going to get to a mic'd acoustic in a live situation. I have to say that the Pure changed my sound for the better and everyone has noticed the change.