For acoustic guitarists seeking to amplify or record their instrument, the quest for the best acoustic guitar pickup often leads down a winding road of experimentation and compromise. Many players, content with the pure acoustic resonance of their guitars, might never consider plugging in. However, for those venturing into amplified performance or studio recording, maintaining the natural tone of their acoustic guitar becomes paramount. My journey to find that elusive natural sound led me through a variety of setups, ultimately culminating in a deep appreciation for the K&K Pure Mini pickup system.
The Amplified Acoustic Conundrum
My exploration of acoustic amplification began with a Fender Acoustasonic amplifier. Given my long-standing admiration for the classic Fender tube amp sound, I held high hopes. Unfortunately, the Acoustasonic fell short, failing to capture the warmth and nuance I expected. Moving on, I experimented with several Fishman Loudbox amplifiers. While a step up from the Fender, the Fishmans, to my ears, exhibited a certain harshness, a “bitey” quality that detracted from the natural acoustic tone.
Seeking alternatives, I delved into the world of acoustic preamp pedals with DI outputs, including the Fishman Aura system and the Tech21 Acoustic Fly Rig. The Fishman Aura, aiming to model various guitar body styles and tonewoods, sounded promising in theory, but in practice, the results were underwhelming. The Tech21 Acoustic Fly Rig proved more versatile and portable, suitable for smaller gigs. However, its DI output still didn’t quite deliver the sonic purity I was after.
Alt text: Close-up of a K&K Pure Mini acoustic guitar pickup expertly installed on the bridge plate of a high-quality acoustic guitar, showcasing the discreet and internal nature of the system.
Then, I discovered the AER Compact 60 amplifier. Acquired during a store closure, my model happened to be the Tommy Emmanuel signature edition, subtly enhanced with refined effects. I primarily utilize its excellent reverb, finding it perfectly complements the amplifier’s core sound. The AER Compact 60, when paired with a quality pickup like the K&K Pure Mini, truly shines. It amplifies the inherent voice of the guitar, retaining its natural character at higher volumes – precisely what I had been searching for. Its DI output offers added flexibility for recording or connecting to a PA system. Taking advice from Tommy Emmanuel himself on amplifier placement further optimized my sound, solidifying my satisfaction with the AER. While AER’s dealer network might be less extensive, for those prioritizing exceptional acoustic amplification, it’s an avenue worth exploring, especially in tandem with the K&K Pure Mini.
The Purity of Recorded Acoustic Tone
For recording, the K&K Pure Mini continues to impress. Plugging directly into the Hi-Z input of my Apollo interface yields a pristine, uncolored signal, captured directly to disk. This clean foundation allows for extensive tonal shaping using plugins. I can emulate various preamp characteristics, add studio-quality reverb, or even create stereo widening effects by doubling the track. The resulting recorded sound rivals, and in many cases surpasses, the results I’ve achieved using a pair of NT5 microphones. While I currently own guitars equipped with other pickup systems that necessitate microphone recording, my goal is to transition all my acoustics to the K&K Pure Mini, eliminating the need for microphones in most recording scenarios.
Conclusion: Embracing Natural Acoustic Sound
Many acoustic guitarists find complete fulfillment in the unamplified sound of their instruments, and that’s perfectly valid. However, for those of us who venture into amplification and recording, sacrificing natural tone is unnecessary. Investing in a K&K Pure Mini pickup unlocks a world of authentic amplified and recorded acoustic sound, ensuring you, like me, will be a very happy player. If you are seeking the best acoustic guitar pickup to truly represent your instrument’s voice, the K&K Pure Mini is a choice that consistently delivers.
