Kk transducer pickup

[Mandodan12]

I recently bought a K&K mandolin twin transducer pickup. I have been plugging in directly into my amp (which has an EQ setting and 3 effects). I think the sound is OK, but could be better. should I get a preamp? and if so, what qualities should i want in one? i don't want to spend more the 100 bucks on one, is there a recommended brand/kind? I want to be able to have a really clean sound (how my mando sounds acoustic but louder) and also i want to be able to put some distortion on and delay and other cool effects. what is ya'lls advice?

[250sc]

If you can't find a Raven (not likely in your price range) pick up a K&K. They make pre-amps too. Send Dieter an e-mail and he'll make a recomendation.

The Baggs, Para Acoustic DI is well respected and you might find a used one in your price range.

What kind of amp are you using?

[John Flynn]

I am in a similar situation and I am looking at the Baggs Gigpro. It is advertised to have the same basic cicuitry to the Baggs Para DI, but it is under $100. I used to have a Para DI and it was great. I should have kept it.

[KNP String Band Mando]

I have a McIntyre transducer pick up, and had the same problem. I needed a preamp, but didnt want to spend more for that than i did on the pick up. I ended up going with a microphone preamp, and it works great. this is actually the same one i got ART Studio Preamp (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ART-Tube-MP-Studio-Mic-Preamp?sku=180581) it works well and can be adjusted the way you want it. Also is handy because you can have XLR cable out, if you play with a PA that does not have 1/4in inputs. there is a more expensive models with some more settings. My friend has that and works very well. Also great preamp for dynamic mics if you ever end up going down that road.

[Tim2723]

I think there are two things that are fair to say:

1) It's difficult to get a true acoustic sound from any pickup. #Those who are especially particular about the acoustic sound most often use microphones.

2) Any pickup, or at least the vast majority of them, will benefit from a preamp.

The K&K is sold to match their pickups, but if you can spend a bit more, the Para DI gets really high marks from many experienced players here.

Have you tried the effects you mentioned with a mandolin? A great many popular effects are based around the sustain of the guitar; they are time-dependent. Mandolins generally don't have enough sustain to really make use of many effects. I only mention this in case your preamp budget is being limited by the desire to buy stomp boxes as well. The preamp should be your first priority if that's the case.

[theBlood]

I've been using the K&K twin in an f-hole Eastman for 3 or 4 months. The signal is surprisingly strong compared to the putw system I have in my guitar. Its also a bit shrill. I use the para DI and also the D-tar solstice for preamps.

The signal coming out of most acoustic pickups is not impedance matched with the inputs of most amps or mixers. Its not just a gain issue. Without a preamp most non-magnetic pickups will sound brittle and unpleasant.

One thing I like about the K&K is the fact that it doesn't translate the fretting noises as loudly as my Rigel, which is ridiculously loud in that regard. (!)

John