Acoustic Pickups
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After many years and hundreds of successful installations my customers have found that the pickups below produce the most authentic and reliable sound. I do encourage you to study both the suppliers websites and speak to me before you make a choice. My advice is free and may save you a good deal of money and hassle! Be very cautious with user reviews on forums, satisfied users write much less than those who may have chosen unwisely!
Highlander
The Highlander range is based around an ultra-sensitive coaxial cable which provides a very neutral and realistic output. It is completely devoid of the abrupt attack or "quack" that many conventional under-saddle pickups suffer from and in conjunction with the hi-fi quality Highlander pre-amplifier offers tremendous sound quality. I have fitted Highlander pickups to many factory guitars including Gibson, Martin, Guild, Taylor, Larrivee, Brook, Fender, Goodall, Collings, Santa Cruz, Takamine, and many others including my own steel-string guitars - all with equal success. Listen to recordings by Martin Simpson to hear how good a simple IP-1 can sound!
K&K Systems
A quite amazing sound from a passive pickup unit. I have been recommending and installing these systems for many years and they continue to impress with their versatility. K&K Sound are the market leader in contact pickups and have received Gold and Silver awards on many occasions. The Pure Mini is a popular choice for steel string guitars, and the Pure Classic is an excellent choice for Classical or Flamenco guitars. Several pre-amp units are available for volume and EQ control, in addition to providing a smoother output. More sophisticated units are available particularly the "Trinity" system which combines the Pure contact pickup with an internal microphone and external preamp-EQ unit.
JJB Electronics
I found this US manufacturer a few years ago and am extremely impressed with the service. quality and value that these systems offer. The technology is the same as that of the market-leader in contact pickups (!) but the quality is superior and the pricing lower offering you even better value. Pickups are available for steel-string and nylon string guitars and also mandolins. The sound quality is awesome!
"Just wanted to write to say that the Highlander is fantastic, a lovely rich acoustic sound,... Live sound can make or break a performance, with Roger's expert advice on Highlander pickups I have finally got closer to the sound I hear in my head and sound-checks are now a pleasure, not a chore! Thanks Roger!"
"Roger Williams has been looking after my guitars since 2003, when he made a great job of fitting a Highlander IP1 to my Martin OM-35. He also remedied a previously (and poorly) installed Highlander on my HJ-28. The quality and detail of Roger's workmanship is second to none and his attentive, knowledgeable approach to the set-ups I prefer is the icing on the cake for me"
