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Thread: Best way to attach K&K pickups

  1. #1
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    Default Best way to attach K&K pickups

    I am installing a K&K twin spot internal in my bouzouki and am wondering what is the best way to attach the transducers. Does the supplied tape work OK or is it better to use epoxy or CA glue?

  2. #2
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    Supplied tape is good, thick CA is better IMO, I wouldn't use epoxy.

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    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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    Registered User Mandobart's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    blu-tak putty.

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  8. #5
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    I used regualr super glue in my 000-18 they sound fantastic but if you plan on removing them it is possible after beign glued but it is very easy to ruin them as well. Qustion are these the twin for mandolin? The K&K website recommends the double stick tape in the description.

    Does the twin spot work well in mandolins? If so I will install them as well in my oval A.
    Last edited by John Bertotti; Mar-24-2019 at 4:11pm.
    My avatar is of my OldWave Oval A

    Creativity is just doing something wierd and finding out others like it.

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  10. #6
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    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    The twin spot is recommended for the bouzouki; there is a different one for the mandolin. It did come with the double stick tape, but I am not concerned with removing it. Once the hole is drilled for the 1/4" jack it is there to stay.

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    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    The K&K twin for mandolin is specifically made for mandolins and is thicker than their other pickups. While any would work, these work well. The tape will not hold long. If you don't want to glue them in Bart's blutac would be a good option. I have also use 3M double stick tape that is quite thick. Be careful with it tho and stick it to something like a flannel shirt first, it is really sticky and will still stick quite well after a little less sticky is left. It will come off, but not easy.
    THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE JUST FOR YOUR SMILE!

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  13. #8
    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    If its to stay I would use super glue. Did you ask K&K they are good about responding.
    My avatar is of my OldWave Oval A

    Creativity is just doing something wierd and finding out others like it.

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  15. #9
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    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    I did leave a note on the K&K web site but have not received a response yet. Since I don't care about removing it and I have some gel CA I will use that unless K&K recommends something different since that seems to be a majority concnsus.

  16. #10

    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    I used blu-tak recently, because of that last thread, and 5 min epoxy in the past, both worked well.
    Davey Stuart tenor guitar (based on his 18" mandola design).
    Eastman MD-604SB with Grover 309 tuners.
    Eastwood 4 string electric mandostang, 2x Airline e-mandola (4-string) one strung as an e-OM.
    DSP's: Helix HX Stomp, various Zooms.
    Amps: THR-10, Sony XB-20.

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  18. #11
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    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    I installed a Twin Spot on a harp I have and at first tried Blu Tak. I was not happy with it, didn’t stay, and had a heck of a time getting the residue out of the wood grain when I changed my mind. When I re- mounted I used the supplied tape. Over a year later no issues. According to them, the tape is removable. Really, to me it looks not so much like tape, but rather some kind of contact cement in a peel off tape form.
    Don

    2016 Weber Custom Bitterroot F
    2011 Weber Bitterroot A
    1974 Martin Style A

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  20. #12
    Registered User amowry's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    Another vote for medium CA. I also sand the back of the pickup lightly to rough it up first and promote adhesion.

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  22. #13
    Registered User Greg Mirken's Avatar
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    Default Re: Best way to attach K&K pickups

    Any adhesive method other than CA will attenuate trebles to a greater or lesser degree [and volume too, probably]. I would rather have them there and roll off if needed. If those frequencies aren't in the signal, there's no way to add them.

    Greg Mirken
    Shade Tree Fretted Instrument Repair, retired
    Nevada City, California

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