LR Baggs Anthem Pickup Comparison to K & K Pure Western Mini (PWM)

[@terryfitzpatrick5602]

Gary, I have both my Martin D16GT and D28 equipped with KK Pure mini pickups. On the recommendation of my luthier I also installed the small rotary volume switch. It sits discreetly just inside the soundhole edge and can be very easily rotated at anytime quickly. Saved my bacon several times when feedback started to raise it's ugly head. Can be added to your guitar easily by a competent luthier. Not expensive at all. The guy I used is a Martin Factory authorized luthier.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for that info Terry. I sold the guitar with the K&K. Ultimately I still prefer the LR Baggs Anthem every time. It is so plug and play and more natural sounding with its internal microphone. It is more resistant to feedback as well.

[@GiovannyAlabi1]

Hey Gary, I just installed a K&K ultra-pure mini to mi Gibson J-45 which is the same 3 contacts as K&K Pure mini but with onboard preamp control, the control is pretty much installed on the soundhole as the Anthem but you have the EQ options, Volumen and Phase function, it's fantastic.

[@fenixfp40]

Hi Gary, how are you getting on with the K&K ultra? I’m thinking of fitting one on my Lowden. Cheers

[@treyalexanderhaislip]

Both sound excellent but that Outlaw is pure gold! I actually preferred the tone of the K&K as it really sounded like acoustic "unplugged" playing.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

I have to agree. Of course comparing two different model Martins is not going to tell us which pick up system sounds the best. The Outlaw really sounds nice with the K&K, though.

[@bobburnett4997]

Hi Gary! I bought a DC-18E LRB (natural top) in March and am still really in awe a little bit. I found your channel soon after I took delivery. What a wonderfully responsive, musically versatile and playable instrument. I am enjoying your videos tremendously. Thanks so much! A few thoughts on pick-ups follow - 1) LR Baggs Anthem The LR Baggs Anthem is my favorite pickup, period. I put the SL version in a 2008 Taylor 414 and it's been killer. The Anthem gives huge acoustic sound without the feedback issues. I had an I-Beam in a 1982 Guild D25 but it was way too bassy and feedback prone. 2) K & K Pure Mini I have a little Martin 000RS1 that I ripped the Fishman Sonitone out of (horribly quacky IMHO). I put in a K & K Pure Mini and it really sounded more natural with good depth, but lost some of the airy, woody sound. So I placed an iRig Stage condensor mic inside with velcro and ran the wires internally into the vacated battery box formerly used to power the Fishman. I can plug the iRig preamp directly into the end pin jack using a 90-degree 1/4" connector to access the K & K, then feed the mic wire out of the battery box where it is stored and plug in the mic. The preamp plugs into my Fishman Loudbox Artist and I'm ready to go. The iRig mic inside the guitar gives me back what the K & K lacks. The preamp has a mix knob, volume knob, four tone settings and feedback suppresion all right there at the guitar. When the Fishman Sonicore braided wire came out and I put in a new full-depth bone saddle, this guitar came alive acoustically! I put in buffalo horn pins and use the Martin Retro strings on it. It is the easiest playing guitar I have ever had in my hands. Absolutely love it. Very close to the sound of a Nazareth-made 00015M, but slightly more mellow I think because of the Richlite fingerboard and bridge. The all-solid Sapele is really close to the sound of mahogany. 3) Seymour- Duncan Solo UST (formerly DTAR) I also have an Adirondack-topped Blueridge BR-140A. The sound of your Outlaw really substantiates for me why I bought that Blueridge - very meaty and loud at the same time! I am amazed at how good the S-D Solo is. I have read that it uses the same braided wire piezo UST that Baggs uses for the Element and Anthem. The preamp which is actually located inside the guitar at the end pin jack is powered by two AA batteries and is an 18V preamp. This preamp is pure genius. It is as close to a pure acoustic sound as I have ever heard from any pickup not using a mic. Some say the 18V system gives the preamp signal more headroom. They sell a dual source "Duo" version also which allows for an internal mic, but I'm not sure one needs it - the preamp is that good. I am a fan of both the D18 and the Outlaw. Adirondack is just different and sometimes I crave it. My Taylor with the Sitka/Ovangkol combination is a midrange cannon and superb for any style but excels for fingerstyle use with beautiful overtones. But the D18 is really my perfect guitar. So far I haven't found anything I like better. Leo Kottke was quoted as saying that he liked any guitar - as long as it was mahogany! Keep on pickin' - and postin'!

[@nobanter7284]

This is the best comparison I've heard. I am currently sourcing pick ups and this demo has allowed me to see the difference. Thanks😁

[@gair1944]

I’m glad it was helpful! Which did you like? Or was it a draw?

[@nobanter7284]

@@gair1944 I like the baggs. However, I'm going to set an element first since the instrument modification is the same as the anthem. I have a Taylor 714 with expression II. I think the element may be similar we'll see. I'll let you know.

[@martinjaron3431]

I always enjoy your videos and this one is no exception. Great job. I’ve used both the K&K and the Anthem in the past but no longer. My two favorites now: (1) the Seymour Duncan MagMic SA-6, a sound hole magnetic with onboard mic plus volume and pickup/mic blend controls on the pickup, easy adjustment while playing, and (2) the DTR Wavelength under saddle with onboard volume control. I’d be interested in your impressions of those two pickups if you ever have a chance to try them.

[@nickspearience]

I’ve got a j35 with a cut-through saddle, and not enough real estate on the bridge plate for a K&k mini or my trusty Trance Amulet. I was seriously looking at the MagMic. You dig it?

[@WarrenMovies67]

Another great video mate... “Finger in the hole” - a classic. Warren :)

[@gair1944]

Yup. I said it and cracked myself up!

[@deniscrispin6865]

I honestly think that your lr baggs anthem sounds excellent I'm thinking the same for myself I also have a D 28 1978by the way great video thanks for taking the time

[@gair1944]

Thanks Dennis. I love the Anthem and how plug and play it is

[@p.s8950]

I like the K&K pure mini by its self. Control at the amp. Nice...

[@tomehCanada]

Thanks for the excellent review. Pezio pickups are all "honky" in the midrange. Have you tried the MacIntyre feather?

[@DavidGraves-zo9cc]

Great video. I’ve been struggling with the same kind of equation. I have the anthem in my 3rd best guitar and the equivalent of the K &K in my best guitar. The anthem does a better job with less fuss. However through a Grace Bix preamp and some EQ the K&K style pickup sounds about equal. The pickup I am using is a Journey very similar to the K&K but to my ears even better than a K&K. Now working on some more elaborate EQ to see what further improvement I can get. Got to say your Bose PA is a step up from mine and brings out the best in 2 excellent sounding guitars. Nice playing a well.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for sharing your insight. The K&k style pickup is worthy but as you said it needs more help to sound its best.

[@marcdubois8601]

With th Knk... whyt dont you block the soundhole for your feedback problem?

[@gair1944]

It’s not a magic bullet to stop feedback. Wasn’t for me.

[@marcdubois8601]

@@gair1944 I wanna be sure about sometings. You're saying that you block the soundhole and still have feedback!?!?

[@gair1944]

@ yes , the guitar can still be resonant. Depends on how loud and close you are to the amp

[@marcdubois8601]

That's a question.

[@chrisminer5884]

Does the preamp accept phantom power?

[@gair1944]

I don’t remember. Sold the guitar and didn’t need the preamp anymore

[@jasonj9258]

I demoed the K&K back to back with the Anthem at a local shop where both were installed in the same guitar. I went into shop expected to purchase the Anthem, however, the k&k was much richer and natural sounding. The only upside to the Anthem was the sound hole controls but just my luck, the shop has a k&k with sound hole passive volume control - yes, they make these. It’s now installed and I have never experienced a more satisfying amplified acoustic tone or feel. I plug into a Baggs Para Acoustic D1 and beyond that it doesn’t matter what I plug into, whether a SS acoustic amp, vintage tube amp, or direct into a powered PA system, all brilliant. The k&k also cost 1/2 price of the Anthem, so all around very pleased with purchase

[@gair1944]

That’s great you found what works for you!

[@jasonj9258]

I totally agree with your conclusions on the D18 setup, sounds like best to leave the Outlaw safe at home anyway, but would encourage you to look into the volume pot for your k&k, since you already have endpoint jack it would be a simple addition. Having the volume rolled off at pickup might fix that pop you demonstrated.

[@larrydering1598]

Gary, I have the k&k mini style in my Taylor 814ce because I suffered with the ES-1 system for too long. It sounds great but I haven't had to deal with stage volume yet. I run into the Fishman Aura Spectrum preamp. I just purchased the LD Maui 5 column system and played pretty loud and close without feedback. The Spectrum has a feedback control so that helps with notching out problem frequency. I love the baggs anthem system but I'm still on the fence about changing the pickups.

[@vitorhugomachadoeuclides2748]

Is it true that K&K sounds better, but does it make up for the stress with feedback? Or a feedbackbuster help to solve? Is the K&k preamp decent and does it help?

[@gair1944]

The k&k pure XLR preamp helps a lot. I still prefer the Anthem because it is way more plug and play and doesn’t need any outboard preamp.

[@vitorhugomachadoeuclides2748]

I've also been chasing a guitar as practical as possible.But I've only found a really effective system with this plug and play philosophy in the Taylor brand. Do you agree?

[@jasper_north]

Gary, I have a D18 with a K&K pure mini. I plug it into an ACUS amp but I think I need a pre-amp… it sounds a bit muddy. What (simple) pre-amp you think I need for my gear? Thank you.

[@gair1944]

I am not an expert on preamps but I've used a few that were good. With the K&K, I found the K&K Pure XLR Preamp sounded good. They have since released a more fully featured preamp that looks useful: K&K Pure XLR Preamp Mach 2

[@jasper_north]

@@gair1944 Thanks again Gary…lovely.

[@MrTele57]

You’ve a good right hand touch. Years of gigging .. greetings from old pro in Ireland.

[@poulbjrnberg378]

I use K&K pickups in my bulgarian tamboura and plug into a L.R. Baggs Venue preamp. They work fine together and it sounds absolutely great. The Venue has a connection for external power supply and a notch filter against feedback - that is not a problem with the tamboura, but is a good thing when I use it for guitar.

[@scottbalsai]

Yes, I hear you. I am about to put a K&k in a Taylor 714 CE Cedar I just recently bought. The Taylor pickup is not bad but it has a little balance problem in that guitar as the A string is a bit hot. So I thought using the K&K with it might allow me to turn the Taylor one down or not use it at all if I like the K&K more. However, I won't have the problem you have with the volume because of the guitar chords I bought from Taylor over ten years ago, They came with a volume control on the end so one can turn them off and on. This helps with volume and with unplugging without noise. Sadly they don't make those any more, but perhaps you could contact Taylor about them and see if you can by chance get one. I have had two for over ten years now and they are still going strong. Not much crackling when I move the volume knob, but that can happen on any electric volume knob. Maybe a little cleaning and it's gone. Been great. They also have a good transparent sound as well. I love them. D'Addario presently makes one with a mute switch, but alas no volume knob. I don't know why they stopped making them. They are two of my most appreciated pieces of equipment. Here is a video of me using one of them on my 12 string guitar. drive.google.com/file/d/1wz_eSzYZofiQc41LapHBX8fr72WjGDKM/view This a Google drive link so it should be safe. It Is also on my website on the "Videos and Related Links" page as a video of Tambourine Man near the top of the "You Tube" videos section. www.acousticreflections.net

[@mainsblanches8793]

Commun problem with undersaddle pickups but a good luthier would put a little wood shim under the saddle and work on it to adjust volume ajustements so that the hot sting could be rebalanced with the others.

[@tomduckworth8335]

Really tha to baggs sounds great. I have a k&k pure mini plus a mic in a Taylor jumbo. I use a small preamp/mixer that clips to my belt. Many times I have to back the mic way down. I just put some lyric mics in a couple of OM sized guitars. Running them through a NUX optima air then into a session di. I agree it nice having some control on the guitar. I would like to hear a lyric combined with their new hi-go system.

[@gair1944]

Hey Tom, I am having a Baggs HIFI installed this week. I doubt the Lyric would work with it. That would however be awesome if it could be done.

[@j.merkus]

Wow! I love that sound of that K&k set up! Even without the preamp it sounds great!

[@larrnew]

Only to the untrained ear…

[@Majnun74]

I’m sold on the K&K (for my Epiphone EJ-200). I guess I need a pre amp?

[@gair1944]

It will work ok Without a preamp but sounds better with the k&k pure XLR preamp in my personal experience

[@icarocosta4302]

my friend, do you think that the anthem make a huge negative influence on the unplugged sound because of the huge contact with the top of the guitar and the piezo? thanks from brazil!!

[@gair1944]

All of my Martin acoustics with anthem Pickups sound “great”acoustically. Would they sound better without the Anthem? I think the difference acoustically (if much at all) is way smaller than the benefit of having the best sounding pickup for amplified tone. I have anthems in three acoustics right now and they all sound amazing acoustical and amplified.

[@icarocosta4302]

@@gair1944 thanks for answer me, i got the lr baggs lyric in my acoustic since last 2019, but i want to impruve....just afraid of this factors. love my unplugged sound

[@gair1944]

@@icarocosta4302 You can always save your saddle. Have a new saddle cut for the Anthem. If you're not happy, you can always put it back with the original saddle

[@MattPriceGuitar]

Wow, really helpful comparison and honestly they all sound great. I have an Anthem SL in my Larrivee dreadnaught and my Cordoba classical. I'm thinking of putting the k&k in my new 00 size Larrivee which I plan on playing exclusively finger style. My pedalboard is an LR Baggs PADI with a Morely volume pedal in the effects loop. That pedal has a minimum volume knob which I set for my strumming volume with the heel down, then I use full volume toe down for finger picking. The minimum volume knob is switchable so it acts like a mute switch in the heel position.

[@gair1944]

Hi Matt, I am glad this was helpful. The PADI should be great with the K&K. I'll admit the K&K is the least intrusive and has its merits. It is not my favorite PU but with the PADI and volume pedal, you should have all the flexibility you need.

[@muso1948]

I had a K&K in a Martin D28 and it always sounded like I was amplifying the INSIDE of the guitar. It was prone to feedback and tapping noises if my fingers touch the top. I made a copy of D28H and fitted an undersaddle Baggs Active Element pup, coupled with a Baggs Para DI preamp (both bought used off ebay) and it sounds great. Yes the undersaddle interferes a little with the sound coupling between the saddle and the bridge and I had to attenuate the volume balance of each string using very thin tape, but it is a very useable and reliable system.

[@MrTele57]

I too found K and K pretty but not as useable at volume in small stage situations . Gonna try the Anthem soon.

[@loop-t-loops1035]

Are you comparing the guitars (price, cutaway, sound, etc.) or the pickup systems ? Not a fair comparison to begin with as the K&K Pure Mini is just a transducer pickup. The Anthem system is a under saddle pickup AND a microphone. It also costs more than DOUBLE the price of the Pure Mini (minus the additional external preamp). K&K also makes pickup and mic combination systems which I think would be a more comparable comparison, although the K&K stuff does seem to be more expensive overall.

[@gair1944]

It was intended as a pickup comparison. Yes the Anthem has a mic but I didn’t want to put anything intrusive inside the guitar that had the k&k. Sometimes I compare “what I have” not what is most analogous.

[@etherjazz]

Thanks for this comparison. I have both K&K and the LR Baggs Anthem in my guitars. The Anthem is new for me - just got it - but I'm really impressed at how good it sounds. I like the K&K because it's so simple, but you definitely need a preamp to control the volume and possibly do some EQ. That's OK in a studio, but a real hassle performing. I agree with your assessment 100%. The Baggs is the better solution for gigging.

[@gair1944]

Glad to help. Is this Steve Carr from. Are amps by chance?

[@etherjazz]

@@gair1944 Nope 😞

[@JRandallS]

Some context might help me make up my mind. If you're solo, then this info is good enough, but if you're playing with a band at all, then all bets are off. I've found that a maple back and sides guitar will typically be much easier to bring forward in a mix of other instruments, even though it lacks the richness of rosewood etc. If it was me, I play which ever one inspired me to connect to the material better, which ever one inspired me to be creative the most.

[@gair1944]

Randall, thanks for sharing some great insight. You made great points. I do play solo (or in a reasonably quiet and volume contained Duo) So the Anthem is vastly superior for my needs and sounds better.

[@SergeUnplugged]

Thanks for the honest review Gary, still on the fence what to get for my oo-18

[@gair1944]

I have to fight to get the best sound from the K & K. I find it challenging. I prefer the Anthem for the ways it is musical, plug and play and very natural. Not sure if it will fit a 00-18 however. You might need to confirm with a luthier if you are considering the Anthem.

[@jasper_north]

Playing not in a band, just singing and playing in a tiny bar... with my D18. KK or BAG?

[@gair1944]

For me, the answer is always Baggs Anthem. Plug and play. Sounds better.

[@jasper_north]

@@gair1944 thx Gary.

[@acevent5759]

What about the LR bags pro ? And can you keep up with a band while playing with a group.

[@seaniliffe]

I had a popping problem with my baggs anthem, I unplugged the jacks from the control inside the guitar and re plugged them in, it solved the problem, maybe try that on your other pick up?

[@justinrobbins7026]

Great info. I have a Seagull Artist with the Anthem and love it

[@gair1944]

The Anthem remains my all time favorite acoustic pickup. Very plug and play and sounds great.

[@jertexjertex7880]

Can you use a different preamp that will do a better job of controlling feedback? I'm trying to decide right now on whether to install the K&K or the Anthem and feedback control is one of my biggest concerns with the K&K, but I really like the sound.

[@gair1944]

Wait a couple weeks. Baggs is releasing a new pickup like the K&k with internal sound hole volume and tone controls. Very promising and sounds a obit better to me than k&k. Not sure about feedback yet.

[@jertexjertex7880]

@@gair1944 wow, thanks for the info, I'm in no hurry so I will definitely see what baggs has available with the new pickup.

[@gair1944]

@@jertexjertex7880 I’m intrigued and excited too

[@gair1944]

@@jertexjertex7880 pS there are some foot pedal preamps that have notch filters for feeeback. But they usually rob some tone in my experience

[@jertexjertex7880]

@@gair1944 Hey, Gary, now that the HiFi is shipping (if you can find it), I'm going to replace a cheap, Fisher Sonitone pickup & preamp in my Breedlove and I have a question for you: if you were going to replace a piezo system in your guitar with the HiFi or the K&K, would you leave the piezo under the saddle for simplicity or would you replace the saddle altogether? The guitar in question is a Breedlove Oregon series with solid Myrtlewood back & sides & spruce top. I have the Anthem in my Collings & I'm happy enough with it that I'm going to leave it alone for the time being.

[@IAM_Reedy]

Like you I have high end acoustics that are working guitars. Between the two pickups the K&K is just too much of a hassle live. Difficult to dial in on a loud stage without feedback. The external pre amp is a must and it is problematic. I’ve had it fail numerous times. That said the Anthem is rock solid. I have it installed on multiple guitars worth over $7k each. Feedback has never been an issue and it should be installed by a luthier who knows what they are doing… this is super important! If you are a backyard tech you could easily mess up the tone of your guitar with the element pickup installation. The downside to a pickup… you will never replicate the tone of your guitar with a pickup. So don’t try. If you are a working stage musician and you need a pickup the Anthem wins… hands down, which is why it is an industry standard. The K&K is just not road worthy or worth the extra hassle and uncertainty. I’ve even had the wires going to the three pickups break and fail. Sadly the K&K is not a gig friendly pickup; unless you are running in-ears, have a guitar tech and a backup guitar with a backup outboard preamp. I’ve been dead in the water three times with the K&K pure mini pickup… no more… I refuse to use it.

[@gair1944]

Thanks Robert for sharing your very sensible and valuable experience. Working guitars and a great stage sound that is inspiring for me as a musician and for the audience! That is my goal. The Baggs Anthem for me has been the golden ticket. It’s not perfect but it is always musical, easy to use, plug and play and sounds great.

[@IAM_Reedy]

@@gair1944 another key thing and the ability to play live? Change the battery! Pre amps work best when they have power 😂 If you are a gigging musician change that battery before every show. Yes, I’ll say it again… before every show! It’s cheap insurance. I can’t see justification for having $6,000 Collings and complaining about a $5 battery. 🤷‍♂️ If a player steps on to stage with a close to dead battery it’s their own fault when distortion hits… don’t blame the sound engineer. Never understood the dead strings and forever battery argument.

[@gair1944]

@@IAM_Reedy in this regard the Anthem has a push button battery level indicator via 5 small leds in the control ring. I just check my battery often and when it gets to two LED’s I change the battery! I have not had a battery failure ever with Anthem in over 6-7 years of using them. I regularly get a few months of battery life from a single 9v battery. Works for me.

[@jackbandel]

@@gair1944 same here Gary. I gig regularly and change the battery in my Anthem SL about once every 6 months. I just check it every string change. Haven’t had one go out on me ever. The guy that changes the battery before every gig is just flushing money away.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@IAM_Reedy Gair, I agree with you totally on the dead strings thing. When I played for a living, I had a fresh set of strings on my D-35 for every gig. I used a Duracell battery in my pre-amp, though, and never had an issue with the battery going bad or with distortion being introduced. Do the new pre-amps eat batteries?

[@DenisVolga]

Spruce/Mahogany and Adirondack(!)/Rosewood(!) comparison - its like comparing bananas and apples. D18: what a beauty...

[@gair1944]

Both of these guitars are mahogany back and sides.

[@DenisVolga]

@@gair1944 Of course, D1(!)8. The Adi one: dont know how/why i came up with rosewood. Sorry:a late night commentary. Still, adi is so different (loud, bright,..) Im not criticizing you: any comparison is a messy thing, everyone hears/sees/prefers differently. Please excuse me for disturbing you.

[@gair1944]

@@DenisVolga Hi Denis, No bother at all. Please share and post anytime you like. I just wanted to clarify that both guitars were Mahogany. I agree the Adirondack top guitar performs and projects different from the sitka top on my D18. But all I could do to compare PU's from the guitars I own. In this case, the K&K was in my Adirondack topped guitar because I didn't want to alter it acoustically in any way. I profoundly prefer the ease of use and overall sound of the Anthem PU. I've had that pu in at least 6 guitars. It always sounds good and is very easy to use. And the battery lasts and lasts!!

[@TheSingingDoctor325]

Both sound good but I agree wtih your assessment. I have an Anthem SL in both my D18 and D35 and they each sound wonderful plugged no matter where I'm playing.

[@Materva-hv6sz]

Have you tried a Bartlett guitar mic? I'm looking that as an alternative to pick ups

[@douglascox8517]

HI GARY DO YOU PREFER THE K&K XLR PREAMP OVER THE RED EYE PREAMP CANT DECIDE WHICH ONE I WANT I JUST HAD THE K&K MINI INSTALLED IN MY GRUHN CUSTOM D18 ADI TOP SINKER MAHOGANY. THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT

[@gair1944]

Douglas, I had the Redeye and I really like the preamp, but I do feel the K&K Pure XLR with its 3 band EQ allows you to shape and sculpt the sound better for the K&K pickup. I would definitely start with the K&K for the best match and tonal performance. Tons of players swear by the RedEye with the K&K. I didn't quite find that combination to be as magical as I had hoped. It was good but I think the K&K Pure XLR is a better choice.

[@gair1944]

PS: message me at [e-mail] ...I may be letting go of mine.

[@bens.4961]

I just got a Gruhn Custom 0000-18! 🔥

[@gair1944]

@@bens.4961 GREAT guitars! Is that one of their Sinker Mahogany guitars? I heard Vince Gill demo one. Blew my mind

[@douglascox8517]

@@gair1944 have you tried the lr baggs voice print and if so how was it

[@ironman1290]

Just bought a $4k Martin D28 Dreadnaught. I’d like to get the K&K and use it with my Baggs Venue DI preamp. 1st off: Would you know if it’ll work without the KK or say GraceDesign preamp? I’m not talking bout the microphone/transducer combo. Just the transducer pickup how would it sound with Baggs Venue? Great video btw. Cheers!!!

[@gair1944]

Hi Edward, Nice score! I am a Martin dread lover for sure. The K&K Pure Mini work with a variety of preamps. Yes it should work great with the Venue. I had a Venue for quite a while and liked it a lot except the tuner. I hated the tuner. I've use the K&K with Red-Eye, (very good sound), Fishman Platinum Pro EQ (Also a great preamp), Venue and the K&K Pure XLR Preamp. I think it sounded best with the K&K preamp. That said I am going to install an Anthem in my Martin Outlaw. So I will be removing the K&K Pickup and will sell the preamp. I like how plug and play the Anthem is,. and it sounds great in three Martin Dreads I currently own.

[@ironman1290]

@@gair1944 Hi Gary. Sorry to bother you. How would compare each pickup on feedback issues? I sit when I gig w/ a QSC 10in wedged in front of me. I don’t mind using a rubber feedback buster in the “sound” hole (lol) for use of the KK but if you’ve changed your mind for the better end result maybe I will go with the Anthem instead.

[@gair1944]

@@ironman1290 No bother at all. I can't say exactly what would work with a QSC K10 directly in front. (great speaker) Overall, I find the Anthem is more resistant to feedback. the Low end from the K&K needs to be tamed and is very prone to feedback in my experience.

[@cfire99]

@@gair1944 did you ever put an Anthem in the Martin Outlaw? If so how did it effect the unplugged tone?

[@richhansen8874]

​@@gair1944was that with a feedback killer or no?

[@hobonickel840]

Damn it ... didn't expect to see someone weilding an Outlaw when I stumbled into this vid lmbo ... very nice! very nice indeed. Thats my dream dread!! I think Martin was drunk that night 😂 .. them specs!

[@gair1944]

Point well taken!

[@Darltornjacket]

I agree with you. Thanks

[@gair1944]

I realized I have a very clear and strong bias, but the Anthem simply sounds great, is easy to use, is more feedback resistant and the batter lasts for a super long time. ...and it sounds great.

[@bens.4961]

Would you ever consider an anthem in your outlaw? I’ve got a nice Martin CS 0000-18... having a hard time deciding between these two. 🤔

[@gair1944]

Hi B Smith, I am on the fence about putting the Anthem in the Outlaw 17 but I am tempted to try it because I honestly hate the K&K Pure Western Mini. It lacks air and sweetness in upper mids and treble, even when I use the K&K Pure XLR preamp. The Preamp helps, but you cant beat the onboard controls of the Anthem not to mention the sweeter sound that the TruMic gives. I put an Anthem in my D-18 Standard with Fiddleback Mahogany and it still sounds amazing acoustically. So I always recommend the Anthem.

[@randyranderson]

K&K with pre amp sounds way better to me.

[@mikesucho]

Does it continue to pop after the first one? Could just be static build up in it.

[@gair1944]

I don't honestly use the K&K Preamp unless I am playing the one guitar I have with the K & K. The reality is the Baggs Anthem is so superior, easy to use and plug & Play, I've pretty much given up on gigging the guitar with the K&K. It's too much hassle and lacks sound hole volume control that I find useful.

[@Brenners2010]

Thanks for this video. I'm hoping to get an Anthem pickup installed in my new Sigma guitar over the next couple of weeks. I'm wondering what kind of acoustic amplifier I should purchase? I was thinking about getting the Fishman Loudbox Mini but I was wondering could you recommend me an amplifier or perhaps a PA system that would be suitable to use in a small pub? Kind regards,

[@tedtanner]

For the price, it's hard to beat the HK Polar. Perfect for small gigs. Very balanced and natural sounding for guitar & voice. And you can get the volume and coverage you need without the feedback & harsh obtrusiveness of some PA systems & acoustic amps. The Allen & Heath Zed 10 FX mixer sounds stellar with the HK Polar.

[@fenixfp40]

The K&k with pre-amp sounded the best to my ears.

[@gair1944]

Thanks for listening and sharing your preference. Definitely a great combination.

[@JaedenLuke]

3:06 Lolololol

[@akgeezer]

Once again, I enjoyed your video presentation. I know you prefer the Anthem, however here in this demo, I find they both sound excellent for my use. The problem I am having is which is better for live loud band performance. I am hearing contradicting opinions with the reviews on KZbin. Some say the K&K has lesser than or no feedback issues compared to an Anthem or Lyric in loud venues. Others say the opposite. Our church worship songs are often contemporary and transcend into loud band performances. So, playing acoustic becomes a challenging task. The two guitars I have been using the most both have under saddle Fishman piezos. I run them through a NUX Optima Air Impulse Response / Preamp pedal that really gives me a truly good acoustic tone. However, I've just bought a Recording King RD 328 that has no pickup. I would like to use this too. So, what's your opinion on which is better for loud performances?

[@gair1944]

I have always found the k&k to be the most feedback prone and there are no onboard controls if you need to dial it back. All acoustic pickups will have feedback challenges at Loud levels. I use a baggs align eq that has a single knob feedback feature that quickly finds the offending frequency as you sweep the range of the knob.

[@josealvinpalas4454]

I think the lr sounds more natural and clear,,,compared to thekk's, fishmans and takamines,,andi think the ap5 pro sounds really good too..but i think the lr sounds better thn any other pickups around. And thank you very much for the video,,at least i can have a really good choice which one to buy,,cheers!!!

[@gair1944]

I completely agree. And the LR Baggs Anthem is simple and easier to use without needing any external preamp to sound better like the K&K.

[@josealvinpalas4454]

@@gair1944 one more thing.. lr sounds punchy.. almost the same sound as unplugged.. thanks a lot sir.

[@geamax1]

Brother best conf on the Anthem Set the gain screw of the mic to minimum and the blend know to 100mic.

[@BadMofoMusicCritic]

I didn't like the kk preamp, much prefer my result with into the redeye on my kk equipped guitars. throw an eq in the loop of the redeye (and maybe a tuner with muting) and you are pretty well set.

[@gair1944]

That works but just too many pieces of gear to get a sound I like. I abandoned the PWM entirely in favor of LR Baggs Anthem PU's. Plug and play. Don't need a Preamp or EQ.

[@BadMofoMusicCritic]

@@gair1944 fair enough. you sure have some nice guitars and seems like you know what. you like. Are you concerned about the unplugged tone affected by the under saddle strip? that was my concern many years ago when I went kk. Now I'm older and don't care as much for some reason lol.. the issue is my talent level, not the guitars haha.

[@gair1944]

@@BadMofoMusicCritic honestly my guitars sound great acoustically and I care about my amplified gig sound as much. The Anthem is the best I’ve found period. Full stop

[@BadMofoMusicCritic]

@@gair1944 good to know. I may just end up that route as I've never been happy with the sound of the kk, some weird mid range thing happening. and feedback issues etc. I've had situations where I envied another guitarists tone from a cheap guitar and surely cheap ust. Using a high end one and adding the mic makes sense for me I suppose. Thanks for the video and the replies. Cheers from Vancouver.

[@dodgedandle8311]

What can you do: There are soo many combinations out there now it’s almost endless I’ve been using a Maton with their AP5 pro pickup going into a Keeley Aria compressor then into a Strymon Flint then into the Acus strings for 10 Acoustic Amp and it sounds Incredible… But there’s really nothing in it between a lot of this stuff now it Really is just personal preference, I do like the simplicity of the KK and the natural sound and that it’s hidden, a DI with it is no big deal just take the mids out, I wonder what it would sound like going into an LR Baggs parra DI or something similar , I do like some compression on Acoustics as well.. it’s all horses for courses really 👍🏻 Nice playing and Sounds 🌞⭐️👍🏻

[@gair1944]

Thanks for listening and sharing a not your insight as well.

[@marcelchaloupka]

Just put a feedback buster in the sound hole. And use a pedal board power supply

[@123elvislives]

Yeah me to LR Baggs is good Thumbs up from Australia 👍🇦🇺👍

[@gair1944]

Thank you mate

[@tedtanner]

K&K without preamp 4:22 K&K with preamp 6:15 L.R. Baggs Anthem 3:37 & 7:34

[@gair1944]

Thanks for the time markers.

[@tedtanner]

@@gair1944

[@richardpeninger2575]

Both excellent with or without pickup/preamp. Outlaw too much scratchy highs - but sounds great as long as you don't slide. Brighter will be better with naked fingers. D 18 will sound better with pick. IMHO - the K&K is good but too much adapting/trouble needed. I would take the Blonde Outlaw with the pickup you have pm the D 18. I like your playing.

[@jaytc3218]

"I just put my finger in the hole..." outstanding! Now, on to business. All of these systems have pros and cons. Sure, a lot of them have quack issues. Preamp systems are like cars. Everyone has their brand and no one or nobody is gonna tell 'em different. No after-market system will sound as good as a good as a studio mic set-up. So you have to compromise. The ES2 system in Taylor guitars is a major topic of discussion. The people who use it don't exactly rave about it and the people who hate will DEFINITELY tell you ALL about it. I own several Taylor guitars and I don't rave about it; it gets the job done and that's it. But there are people who hate it because it's known for picking up the 60-cycle hum from the ballast in florescent lights lamps, neon lights, etc. I get it. This issue won't ever go away. A few years ago, I purchased an L.R. Baggs Anthem system. One thing that bothered me was the latching mechanism that held the unit in the frame. As many players know, you have to press the top of the unit to change the battery (another issue: if you leave the guitar plugged in, you run down the battery). When I inspected it, this spring-loaded press-in, press-out mechanism just seemed cheap and flimsy and it looked like it would fail. If that happened at some point, I would need to get the exact same unit (providing of course L.R. Baggs would still be making that unit down the road). I would have expected better from a system that cost $300. Then I considered the fact that I would be cutting a big ol' chunk of wood out the side of my guitar. Anyhow, I couldn't justify it and I never installed it. I finally went w/ the K&K Pure. For my purpose, it does the job. Yes, you need an external preamp and volume pedal. But most of us who gig have those already. I think at the end of the day, you just need to find the right balance of sound quality, how invasive are willing to be with these systems, and the value for your money. Which method works best? Under-saddle piezo? Transducer? Microphone? Then, which BRAND of piezo, transducer, or mic goes best with which guitar? Only you can decide that.

[@gair1944]

Sensational Post! That was refreshing to read a post rooted in real-world considerations where there are always compromises and trade-off's. I have four LR Baggs Anthem loaded guitars. None of them involved any cutting. The full anthem control panel fits inside the sound hole. The battery in my aftermarket Anthem installations is in a pouch velcro and taped inside the guitar. 5 years later, that works fine. I have two Martins with factory installed Anthems and the battery box is in the end pin jack area with a quick release latch that has been super reliable and convenient. The battery in most of these systems drains when a cable is left plugged in. So that's not much different from any other PU system. The 9V battery in my Anthem guitars lasts months at a time. Longest battery life I've experienced from any acoustic guitar pickup/preamp systems.

[@paulheartsongs]

K&K sounds great but possibly problematic when at volume. Anthem is an excellent ‘working’ pickup.

[@gair1944]

I complete agree and will behave abandoned the k&k completely

[@paulheartsongs]

@@gair1944 Thanks again for sharing your experience. Yesterday, I was looking for a simple solution for a couple of guitars I don’t use very much, and your video was very helpful in my decision-making.

[@gair1944]

@@paulheartsongs that makes me happy this was helpful! My pleasure sir

[@4jrbirdman]

I am a big fan of the Anthem

[@monkeyfinger7949]

Hi Gary! I believe that you are thinking too much, man. Both are great pickups in my view. Just like electric guitars and amps, you have to choose something, commit to it, and make it work for you. It's not about the gear. It's about your playing. You see players everywhere using all different types of gear and sounding fantastic. After playing for 40 years and owning a lot of different types of gear (and spending stupid amounts of money), I can say that yes, 'good' gear is a must - it changes everything. But you are demonstrating two world class guitars with two world class pickup systems. And the difference is negligible - not important. Certainly not worth agonizing over. Pick either system then, in a workman like manner, find out how to make it work in your chosen setting. I have the Anthem SL in several guitars and it is a lovely, professional grade unit. I just bought the K&K to put in a guitar that has no pickup because I did not want to butcher the saddle area. I will work on making either system sound good by whatever means needed. That is what I suggest anyone else do. Pick one and run with it. Stop agonizing over gear. Buy a few good pieces. Get better at the craft of making music. Having said that, here I sit watching gear demo videos with the rest of you, agonizing over the decision making. Thanks for making this video, it helps a lot to hear your opinions.

[@jasonsgroovemachine]

Here's the problem that I find with people reviewing these pickups. They don't work the same way. They both do the same job, but they do it differently. It's like comparing a wrench to a pair of pliers. Compare something to the Baggs that works like the Baggs does, and same with the K&K. If you're not doing that, you're not getting a real comparison between two similar systems.

[@gair1944]

Great point. No sure if you're taking issue with the review I did or not. But value all input. Thank you. I gig the same way; I play Solo or Duo, through a Bose. With the K &K I need an external preamp, sometimes a sound hole feedback buster to plug the hole and when pushed, still sounds sort of like a Piezo to me. The Baggs Anthem works best for me and always has. It is the most natural plug and play Pickup I've found without requiring any external preamp. and I have an internal volume knob at my fingertips in the sound hole. This is my personal experience. It may not be right for everyone.

[@WarrenMovies67]

I agree. I think amplified, the DC-18E edges it. The sound is more balanced, across the strings and freqencies... It sounds more ‘acoustic’ to me, but we are dealing with very small margins of difference here. But I have been astonished how good my K&K is in my cheap Guild. Keep up the great vids and info mate. Warren :)

[@gair1944]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The K&K is certainly worthy and a lot of professional guitarists use it I simply prefer the plug and play aspect of the Anthem. No fuss, no external Preamp needed

[@Whitty43]

I like the tru mic of the anthem but I hate the element! I think the k&k is a more natural sounding pickup. I own both and k&k is my preference

[@AndykWilhelm]

incubus?

[@cugir321]

I don't understand why K&K doesn't make transducers with a sound hole volume. The K&K is richer and fuller. I have a 5.00 chinese set of three transducers that sound just as good with a preamp. I used them because I read that all the transducers are made the same way. It makes sense when I play them.

[@MrTkeddo]

The outlaw sounded a bit boxy I prefer the sound of 1 and 3 guitars.

[@hobertgordon7465]

I think the K&K sounds better

[@gair1944]

The K&K can be punchier and offers a little more texture to the high string notes. For me however, the Baggs Anthem offers more sweetness.

[@mrkim3257]

You can't compare EQ using two separate guitars.....just can't be done. In fact forget the EQ, you can't even compare those two guitars yet. I don't know how long you've had the sitks topped tobacco jobby, but its clearly older than the outlaw. A good stiff sitka top will take a couple of years to open up, dump some treble and develop bass. You will be waiting 10 years for Adirondack to do the same because its far stiffer....it will be a cannon by then. The guitar you have today may sound okay, but its brittle compared to what it will become in 10, 20, 30.....etc.. where as by that time, that sitka top will be starting to play out, starting to lose the edge of its definition and becoming a little muddy, a cedar guitar would have lost it years before...Adirondack. ...that just keeps playing in....but it takes time. BTW..People commenting on what sounds better than whatever? How can you do that listening over the internet through record and the variouse codex through go knows what devise playing back through lets toss a coin speakers...any feedback you get is completely irrelevant because the listener is simply not hearing what is happening in the room you are playing in. They are only hearing a 'version' of what you are recording, and that version has so many individual variables that you may as well just fart in the microphone. Your feedback needs to come from people standing in the room with you to mean anything at all.

[@bathizargupta249]

Anthem.

[@gair1944]

Absolutely agree 100%!

[@cfire99]

K&K sounds better

[@gair1944]

K&k is fatter but also more feedback prone and lacks some “air”. Both are great. Choose your poison as they say

[@cfire99]

@@gair1944 Hey Gary have you checked out the Ultra tonic pick-up?

[@gair1944]

@@cfire99 No I have not. I found the Anthem and fell in love with the plug and play simplicity and overall tone. Batter life is amazing and it has onboard volume control.

[@cfire99]

@@gair1944 Definitely hear a lot of positive things about it 😎

[@John-wr6yo]

Kand k is hassle free,no batteries. But the rest of my guitars have lr baggs i beams in them . One00018 has the k and k. I have an eastman slope shoulder with the lr baggs hi fi pickup in it. It sounds real good. I wouldnt hit s pig in the ass with fishman products. Junk.

[@gair1944]

Nice report. I don’t own any fishman pickups either but I do enjoy my fishman loudbox Artist amp