LR Baggs Radius as internal mount versus the K&K Twin Spot

[mossmanl]

greetings all. I performed the requisite search of topics related to K&K pickups and read them all (or ones I could locate).

I am considering internal pickups for a custom build A-style mandolin.

My question - how would you compare the K&K Twin Spot with the LR Baggs Radius? which would you install and why? I know the basic technical differences between the 2, just looking for practical experience with both as a comparison. I currently have the Radius. Just played a gig on a very hot, windy Iowa summer day and was glad I had the pickup.... it sounds pretty good for a pickup - I always prefer a good mic but there are those times... .

If you would go for the Baggs, how would that pickup be permanently installed in the interior..? Also, any concern for these internal pickups causing a damping effect on the soundboard ?

thanks in advance for your replies.

Larry

[Dan Co1e]

I have been hanging out waiting for someone to reply as I am interested in this as well. I just purchased a used Baggs radius from a cafe member and was thinking of getting a K&K twin spot and A/B the two before I do surgery on the internal organs.

Then again, I might just get the Tapastring stereo endpin jack and mount them both internally and call it a day (overkill I know)...

[Folkmusician.com]

It has been a while since I A/Bed these. At the time I recall a slight preference for the Radius, but I should revisit. I mostly install the Radius for customers. This is no easy task to get in the correct spot up and over the tone bar. If you are doing it yourself, this alone is a good reason to go with the K&K.

For the Radius, I drill the end pin out, cut and re-solder the wire (watch the capacitor). I also add two layers of shrink tubing for stress relief (we don't want the wire breaking off in there).

From here, the fun part is getting it inside. Try not to give in and simply stick it by the F-hole. While it will work this way, it should go on the other side of the tone bar. If you have ever installed violin sound posts, you have a good start for installing a Radius pickup internally.

I don't think anyone will notice an acoustic difference with/without the pickup.

[Roger Kunkel]

I've owned and used both. The Radius sounds too mid-rangey to me. I had to eq it to reduce the pick thump. The K&K twin sounds very natural without any extra eq.

[Mandobart]

I've never used the Baggs, but the twin head piezo type like K&K or JJB are easy to install, and light enough that I've never heard any change to the acoustic tone with one, even when used on a fiddle. The need for eq depends a lot on what you're playing through. Since I play a lot of different venues with different house PA's I always bring my K&K pure preamp. I use it with everything from fiddle to mandocello and it gives me the ability to get the sound I want.

[Chris Reber]

I just got the K&K installed and had my first performance with it this past Sunday. Sounded very natural running directly into the board. I hooked up using the Radial PZ-Pre as well, and after making some really slight EQ adjustments it sounded wonderful.

I don't have any experience with the Baggs unfortunately, but from what I've read, it seems to get mixed reviews while the K&K seems to get consistently good feedback.