Charles Wecker
“I use K&K pickups exclusively in my live rig. I’ve found that the natural sound and ease of sculpting the tone allows me to give my full attention to my music not my sound. The best part? They’re so easy to use, they’re almost transparent, and even sound great direct. The sound profile works well when used solo, in a duo, or with a band.
On my guitars I use the K&K Pure Mini, and on my mandolins I use the Mandolin Twin. I also use a version of the Mandolin Twin with slightly longer wires in my octave mandolin. I used under saddle pickups for a long time, and moving to these wonderful transducer pickups creates a much more even, neutral, and musical signal with a significant reduction in quack. I can even use some effects with the pickups. Overdrive on a mandolin sounds fantastic.
I recommend K&K to all of my students, and anyone looking to amplify their acoustic instruments!”
Charles Wecker calls Western Colorado his home, and draws on over 20 years of experience performing, writing, and educating across Folk, Roots, and Americana music to craft lyrics and music rooted in the rural American West. Through his love of playing and teaching guitar, mandolin, and piano he builds community through music.
Charles released his first solo album “Clouds,” in late 2025. The album includes favorites such as “Rusted Clouds,” “Lenticular Clouds,” and a bunch of songs that aren’t actually about clouds. Featuring instrumental and vocal work that draws on a shared history across American music styles the Durango Herald says “He’s a storyteller who straddles a fence with musician on one side, poet on the other.”
Based in the small town of Mancos, Colorado he finds himself running a music studio in-person, locally and remotely, with students from all over the country. The process of teaching helps nourish his creative impulses, hone his skills, and create community through music. He occasionally runs workshops and classes teaching guitar, mandolin, bass, piano, music theory, and songwriting.
His life and connection to the rural West influences his music and songwriting by drawing on the folk, bluegrass, country, and Americana traditions that are so prevalent in rural Colorado. His songs are inspired by a range of subjects including nature, anxiety, and introspection. The Big Takeover says his music is “An inspiring and optimistic vista that makes us want to strive forward rather than glance back.”
His live act is a great chance to hear original tunes, traditional music, and a few old favorites across these styles performed on guitar, mandolin, and octave mandolin. You can catch Charles playing events ranging from plein air art festivals to public radio fundraisers to showcases.
His latest single “Kingdoms” is available everywhere as work continues on his sophomore album.
