Pickup Install on a D2H

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rudals1281
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2019 2:25 pm
Real Name: Michael

Pickup Install on a D2H

Post: # 1814Post rudals1281
Tue Nov 05, 2019 2:34 pm

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

AllThumbsBruce
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2019 4:47 am

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Post: # 1816Post AllThumbsBruce
Tue Nov 05, 2019 10:58 pm

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.

Hokiebob
Posts: 125
Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2018 1:22 pm
Location: Mint Hill, NC

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Post: # 1817Post Hokiebob
Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:36 pm

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.
Bob

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elambo
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Joined: Fri Oct 12, 2018 5:48 am

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Post: # 1818Post elambo
Wed Nov 06, 2019 12:24 am

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.

rudals1281
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2019 2:25 pm
Real Name: Michael

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Post: # 1819Post rudals1281
Wed Nov 06, 2019 12:37 am

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.

pto
Posts: 160
Joined: Sat Nov 17, 2018 3:40 am

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Post: # 1822Post pto
Wed Nov 06, 2019 10:55 pm

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.

Mwyates
Posts: 34
Joined: Tue Oct 16, 2018 11:51 am

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Post: # 1823Post Mwyates
Thu Nov 07, 2019 1:01 pm

K&K with a Vintage Jack is all I use. Have a pro do the install. Collings endpins are glued in.

6l6
Posts: 55
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2018 5:29 am
Real Name: Bill
Location: San Francisco, CA

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Post: # 1846Post 6l6
Wed Nov 20, 2019 7:19 pm

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

rudals1281
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue Nov 05, 2019 2:25 pm
Real Name: Michael

Re: Pickup Install on a D2H

Post: # 1866Post rudals1281
Tue Dec 03, 2019 4:26 pm

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.

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