Re: K&K vs Dean Markley pickup
The internals of the K&K, JJB (and several others) are really just standard piezo discs..... you can get them in different sizes. Absolotely NONE OF THEM , to the best of my knowledge, are originally manufactured "for" mandolin, guitar or even for instruments. They are manufactured in China (occasionally Japan or Korea) for general purpose use - as sensors, alarm buzzers, sounders and so-on. This is a huge market, tens of millions a year, and it is "why" they are made. They are then adapted by being "potted" (encapsulated) in various ways and wired up to suit instrument use.
Raw disc:
Yes - getting the impedance right is the biggest factor in making them work well. A very high 'headroom' also helps as these little things kick out quite a healthy voltage, especially on mandolin or on a banjo head.
Gibson F5 'Harvey' Fern, Gibson F5 'Derrington' Fern
Distressed Silverangel F 'Esmerelda' aka 'Maxx'
Northfield Big Mon #127
Ellis F5 Special #288
'39 & '45 D-18's, 1950 D-28.
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