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Pickup Install on a D2H

Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 2:34 pm
by rudals1281
Hello!
I want to install a pickup on a D2H but hate the thought of drilling holes on my guitar. (I waited 10 years to get this guitar). I am planning on installing a K&K w/ prephase but please let me know if there is or are pickups that don't need drilling. And what should I do with a guitar strap? I cannot insert one cus there is no pin by the neck. Thanks

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 10:58 pm
by AllThumbsBruce
You can use a K&K mini with the Vintage jack that doesn't require drilling. For a strap, you can tie one to the headstock instead of installing a strap pin at the neck base. I considered those options but ended up installing a regular jack and a strap pin on my D2HG.

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:36 pm
by Hokiebob
What Bruce did is the most common solution.
The mini jack will replace the end pin with no drilling.
Adding a pin on the neck is very common and should not impact the value of your guitar at all. Indeed Collings even has a diagram showing the ideal location for the strap pin.

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 12:24 am
by elambo
Chiming in here to add an enthusiastic vote for the K&K mini w/ vintage jack. I had one and thought it was excellent in every way.

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 12:37 am
by rudals1281
I'll go with the recommendation. Thank you all for chiming in. I may be a bit uptight about drilling into my guitar but I'll avoid it if I can.

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 10:55 pm
by pto
that combo is the way to go. years ago, i purchased a used and superb scgc 34D, with the k&k/vintage-jack combo installed. i hate pick-ups, and removing the k&k's from the bridge-plate was easy, and perfectly safe (per their instructions) - i even did a photo step-by-step. the jack goes without saying - no drilling/reaming had been done by the original owner to accommodate the "vintage" jack.

make sure you follow, or have your luthier follow, the installation instructions for placement of pickups.

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2019 1:01 pm
by Mwyates
K&K with a Vintage Jack is all I use. Have a pro do the install. Collings endpins are glued in.

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2019 7:19 pm
by 6l6
I consider it a plus if I find an acoustic that already has a K&K installed. Saves me the cost of putting one in!

All seven of my acoustics (including my '99 D-1, '13 D2H, and '14 D2HA) have K&K's. The pups were all installed by the pros at Gryphon.

I prefer the added strength and simplicity of the 1/4" jack and that's how all of my guitars are equipped. Couldn't be happier!

Bill

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Posted: Tue Dec 03, 2019 4:26 pm
by rudals1281
Update for anyone who cares:
I just dropped off my D2H for K&K w/ prephase install and a strap button install. I thought about everything but it's just plug and play for me.