Thinking about making some upgrades (Martin Thinline 332 pup)

So, I bought this acoustic a few years ago....

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/medium/Alvarez_RF20SM.jpg

I wasn't playing acoustic all that much, but I thought I should have one. It's a nice little guitar. Inexpensive, has a pretty good sound, and it's comfortable to play. About a year ago, I decided to add some acoustic stuff for the band I was playing. I tried out a couple of soundhole pups, which I wasn't real crazy about, so I bought a Takamine, can't remember the model number, and it's great for shows. Has all the goodies built in.

I'm getting a solo acoustic thing going, and there are some benefits I could utilize having second acoustic. I don't think I want to put a lot of money into this project, and I've got a buddy that will do the work for me for next to nothing. I'm going to go with a bone nut and saddle, but I'm thinking about dropping in a Martin Thinline 332 undersaddle pickup. Reviews have been pretty favorable, but I wanted to get the TDPRI's opinion and other suggestions. It's a great price, and I can get it all done for less than $100. Any thoughts?

I've had several pickups in my D18. Currently I'm using a K&K Mini Western. It's a nice, natural, non-piezo sound...And it's cheap.

Add an ART MP Tube for a preamp at $30 and you're set to go.

This is what it sounds like (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzDi91xCbfQ).

Please understand that the Martin thinline 332 is specifically designed to match the width of the Martin saddle and slot i.e. 3/32 inch. Most acoustic guitars have a 1/8 inch saddle/slot. A Fishman AG 125 undersaddle piezo is the appropriate equivalent for those guitars.

And for what it's worth I loathe the quacky sound of any of those piezos.

Keep em' coming, guys. This is what I'm looking for. I'll check out the suggestions.

I've had several pickups in my D18. Currently I'm using a K&K Mini Western. It's a nice, natural, non-piezo sound...And it's cheap.

Add an ART MP Tube for a preamp at $30 and you're set to go.

This is what it sounds like (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzDi91xCbfQ).

+1 for the K&K. I put these into a Larrivee I used to have and they sounded great. Pretty easy to install as well. I did it myself and had no previous guitar modding experience. They definitely benefit from a good preamp/eq.

Right now I have an LR Baggs M1 in my Epi Masterbilt and I love it as well. Cuts through a little better in a full band mix IMO, but the K&K would be great for solo stuff.

Happy hunting.

Please understand that the Martin thinline 332 is specifically designed to match the width of the Martin saddle and slot i.e. 3/32 inch. Most acoustic guitars have a 1/8 inch saddle/slot. A Fishman AG 125 undersaddle piezo is the appropriate equivalent for those guitars.


The Martin Thinline 332 is made by Fishman.

Jim

The Martin Thinline 332 is made by Fishman.

Jim

Yes.... That is why I quite deliberately said the Fishman AG125 is the appropriate equivalent for guitars with a 1/8 inch saddle slot as opposed to the less common Martin 3/32 inch slot.

Yes.... That is why I quite deliberately said the Fishman AG125 is the appropriate equivalent for guitars with a 1/8 inch saddle slot as opposed to the less common Martin 3/32 inch slot.

I know. I was just pointing out to others who may not know that the Fishman AG125 is available with both 3/32" and 1/8" undersaddle pickups and is the same thing as the Martin.

Jim

Big K&K Pure Western Fan here. I have them in 4 guitars. I use the Pure Preamp on occasion but the Pure system (passive) works very well most of the time.

k&k pURE - lINKY (http://www.kksound.com/puremini.html)

$100 Parts
$50 Typical Installation