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I don't understand what the fuss is all about: Martin sells guitars with pickups that are preinstalled. Why would it be a sin to put in an after market pickup or mic? It would probably cost you less that a stock one from Martin.
I have heard great things about the KK Western Mini. However having an under the saddle pickup (piezo) has it's advantages: with a band at high volumes it's less likely to feedback. However it doesn't sound as nice as a condenser.
My friend's Larivee has the best of both worlds: a piezo AND a condenser, with a blend knob to balance the sound.
One other thing to consider: you may want to think twice about putting in a huge preamp control panel in the side of your guitar. If ever you want to remove it you'll have a barn door to fill. The other thing is that these pickups get obsolete real quick and replacing them is a bit of a pain if you've cut into the wood.
I had a fishman installed in my classical and it was fairly non instrusive. Instead of a condenser mic glued to the sound board inside, a tiny hole was drilled under the saddle in the bridge assembly and a strip of wire was laid under the saddle, connected to the preamp unit inside. A 9 volt battery was attached to where the neck meets the body inside, and does not affect the tone at all. The end pin hole was enlarged for the jack, that was the biggest intrusion.
As for Fishman pickups not sounding good, it really depends on the amp. EQ really helps...
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