Dieter’s Sound Bites

General questions about acoustic amplification

Do I need a preamp? This is the big question that many players have. Here is a rundown that hopefully shines some light on the subject of preamps.

I have feedback problems, phase issues etc.: This podcast describes why acoustic instruments may experience feedback and how to avoid it. I also talk about phase issues and what characteristics you can expect from the Pure pickups.

Piezo pickups/microphones: How do piezos work? Here I try to provide, in layman’s terms, how a piezo pickup works and the major difference between microphones and pickups.

Pure XLR preamp distorts: This troubleshooting podcast explains how to properly adjust this preamp, when to use the XLR and when to use the ¼” output.

Sweet spot: How do I locate the sweet spot on my instrument? Here I try to explain what is meant by “sweet spot” and the procedure I recommend for finding the sweet spot position for a transducer.

Which amp do you recommend? There are so many amp manufacturers and models available that I can only scratch the surface of this topic. Hopefully you'll get some ideas on what to look for.

Why use a designated pickup, not just Big Twin or Twin Spot? We get this question more often that you would think, here is our take on this subject.

Questions about the Pure Pickup

Undersaddle vs. Pure Pickup: This podcast tries to describes the tonal difference you get from an undersaddle pickup system versus a bridge plate system like the Pure Mini.

Difference in volume in two guitars with Pure pickups: This podcast explains why the Pure pickups may produce different output volume in different guitar models.

Pure sounds bass-y or midrange-y: A couple of troubleshooting podcasts, explaining why the Pure has too much bass or midrange in some situations.

Questions about specific instruments

Balalaika: This podcast talks about the use of a Twin Spot, its options and installation techniques.

Banjo: Here I talk about the Banjo Twin system and its mounting technique on open and closed back banjos.

Bouzouki: This podcast talks about the use of a Big Twin pickup system, its positioning options and installation techniques.

Cello: Here I talk about the Big Twin mounted in a way that's specially suited for the cello.

Dulcimers: Also includes Kotos and all sizes of Dulcimer-like instruments. This podcast talks about the intricacies of installation, sweet spots, and the pickup options you have depending on the size of your dulcimer.

Floating bridge versus pin bridge: Explains the difference of the two types with respect to the use of a pickup. In other words, why a Pure Mini is not the ideal choice for a floating bridge guitar instrument even though it is great for a flattop guitar.

Guitarra Portuguesa: Talks about the Big Twin and the Twin Spot. This podcast explains the pros and cons of different installation options.

Hand played drums bongos, congas etc.: This podcast talks about pickup options and installation techniques as well as EQ-ing and mixing suggestions.

Harp: Here I talk about amplification of concert harps and Celtic harps -- all styles and sizes. I also cover some custom system options that we can do by special order.

Harp Guitar: This podcast talks about the intricacies of amplifying harp guitars in general. It explains how to choose the right system for your harp guitar and the options you have.

Mandolin: Here we talk about the two Mandolin Twin models, the Internal and the Fusion. We also cover options in case neither of the designated systems would be feasible for your instrument.

Oud: This podcast talks about the Twin Spot classic as a simple and well functioning retrofit system and also covers an internal mounted pickup option that requires more advanced installation work.

Piano: Here I talk about the installation of the Pure Piano system in both grand and upright pianos, and its sonic fine tuning procedure in order to get the best tone an key balance.

Resonator guitars: Here I talk about the Pure Resonator pickups (Biscuit Bridge and Spider Bridge models) and what to expect from them. Also covered are some custom upgrades that are available through the K&K custom shop.

Sitar: This podcast covers the intricacies we learned about picking up a Sitar with the Big Twin system.