RE:Best sensor location for K&K when tone bar too close to f-hole

[Dave Richard]

I have a Loar LM-600(F style, with f-holes) on my bench, for installation of a K&K Mandolin-Twin pickup. I have done several K&K installations previously.
K&K specifies that the sensors should be installed at the widest point of the f-holes, basically at the mid 'point'. If there is not enough room, because of the tone bar placement(too close to the f-hole), then the sensor should be moved either direction along the f-hole, until it fits.
OK, here's my question for those with experience with this situation: Moving the sensor, in which direction(toward the neck, or the tailpiece)) produces better tone? Or does it matter?

[Tavy]

I would say as close as possible to under the bridge feet - but you can also plug the pickup in and move one sensor around the outside of the top (just hold it in place) and see how it sounds.

[Mandobart]

This is one reason why I use JJB 15 mm twin head piezo's. They fit better.

[pops1]

When you play this acoustically is the G string loud or soft, I would think (guess) if you want to mellow the G a little go forward, if you want to increase it go back. You can do like Tavy says and use tape or putty on just the bass side to see which sounds best. I have used the smaller K&K sensors, but the mandolin one is made thicker than the smaller ones for a better sound with the mandolin. The smaller ones worked fine, but were a little softer in sound.

[tomttomttomt]

I have the same problem. If I put it ìnside at the center of the f hole, the pickup hits the tone bar and a tiny bit sticks out into the f hole. About 1/8 inch. Would that be ok?

[Tavy]

I have the same problem. If I put it ìnside at the center of the f hole, the pickup hits the tone bar and a tiny bit sticks out into the f hole. About 1/8 inch. Would that be ok?

Probably - but I would move it around on the top and see if there's a better location - can't hurt to experiment?

[Verne Andru]

I use double-sided tape on the outside/top moving the pickups around until the sweet spot comes out. Then glue underneath. Go by your ears.

[pops1]

I have the same problem. If I put it ìnside at the center of the f hole, the pickup hits the tone bar and a tiny bit sticks out into the f hole. About 1/8 inch. Would that be ok?

Mine does the same thing with no side effects.

[Dave Richard]

I spoke with the helpful folks at K&K, who recommended installing the sensor inboard of the bass tone bar(under the bridge foot), if possible. Which is what I did, with the help of a bent rod as an installation tool. It worked out well, and sounds good. I installed the treble side sensor in the corresponding location on the treble side. Thanks for all your replies.

[McIrish]

I have the same problem. If I put it ìnside at the center of the f hole, the pickup hits the tone bar and a tiny bit sticks out into the f hole. About 1/8 inch. Would that be ok?

I had that problem too. I just shifted it toward the neck, still right next to the tone bar. Works fine