Got a 72 D-25 while on vacation in Nashville last month. Want a pickup in it Wondering if it would be considered heresy to drill for an endpin jack, to put a K & K or something similar in it, or should I go with a sound hole pickup, or maybe just mic it. ? Wondering what the general consensus is. Input much appreciated.
1972 D-25 To Drill, Or Not T o Drill.
- Thread starter Bill C
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If you have a practical need for amplification then have at it; otherwise, no way. Just my opinion. (And by the way, welcome !)
davismanLV
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It's your guitar, so do what you like. If you need the pickup, then drill and install. Then share with the world. That's my advice. D25's are nice guitars, but not terribly rare or collectable. So make it yours and use it well. 
E-Type
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I put a K&K pure mini in a '70 and a '74 D-25 (which I play plugged in when playing with my band). They can always be put almost completely back to original (I still have the end pins). I would not have done this to a $7,000 1967 Martin D-35 (as tiny things like this can matter), but it is not like D-25s are ever going to be considered top of the line vintage Guilds.
mavuser
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I had my luthier install a soundhole pickup, and drill the endpin jack, in my 1972 D-25. You dont want that wire hanging out of the soundhole. I don't, at least. have at it!
also have a 1962 M-20 with a K+K and the end pin drilled for the jack. But that was in the guitar when I got it (the guitar was also refinished)
also have a 1962 M-20 with a K+K and the end pin drilled for the jack. But that was in the guitar when I got it (the guitar was also refinished)
wileypickett
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Welcome!
If it makes a guitar work better (for me) I have no qualms modifying it, including in ways that would horrify the "keep it original at all costs" folks.
But if your guitar, unplugged, sounds as great as you say, why plug it in? What you'll get is the sound of the pickup, not the guitar.
Of course, some simply find it more convenient to plug in. If convenience is your main motivator, drill away!
But if it was me, I'd put a mic in front of it. The sound will be truer to what the guitar actually sounds like.
If it makes a guitar work better (for me) I have no qualms modifying it, including in ways that would horrify the "keep it original at all costs" folks.
But if your guitar, unplugged, sounds as great as you say, why plug it in? What you'll get is the sound of the pickup, not the guitar.
Of course, some simply find it more convenient to plug in. If convenience is your main motivator, drill away!
But if it was me, I'd put a mic in front of it. The sound will be truer to what the guitar actually sounds like.
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davenumber2
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K&K is definitely more natural sounding than an UST but you’ll need a good preamp to dial it in. It can be “fine” without one but won’t sound its best.
Walter Broes
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drill. You're not defacing it, and it's not a prewar D28
fronobulax
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It's your guitar. A D-25 is not the rarity that an F-612 is. If defacing is a crime then the D-25 would only be a misdemeanor.
Made to be played also applies. If not installing a PU and endpin jack means it sits in the case unloved and unplayed then drill.
Personally I do not like looking at an acoustic guitar and being able to tell that it has a PU so I shy away from soundhole PUs. I also have a story about a mangled rosette and soundhole because the removable PU was removed and reinstalled as needed because the cord got in the way. But that means if I couldn't get along with a mic I'd drill.
Made to be played also applies. If not installing a PU and endpin jack means it sits in the case unloved and unplayed then drill.
Personally I do not like looking at an acoustic guitar and being able to tell that it has a PU so I shy away from soundhole PUs. I also have a story about a mangled rosette and soundhole because the removable PU was removed and reinstalled as needed because the cord got in the way. But that means if I couldn't get along with a mic I'd drill.
Westerly Wood
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Go for it man, if you got the skill. After all, it's just a D25. This model was never meant to cause worry or concern.
HeyMikey
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I’ve added pickups to several very nice guitars that I wanted to play through an amp. No qualms. It’s common practice and unless the guitar is a true rare collectible it will not impact resale value. Some people will even find it more desirable so they don’t have to install it themselves.
As far as what type of pickup you want to install depends on budget and how you intend to use it (e.g., solo, in a band, quiet or noisy setting,) Lots of options available. Spend some time doing research. For example check K&K, LR Baggs, Seymour Duncan or other makers to see what they recommend.
Good luck!
As far as what type of pickup you want to install depends on budget and how you intend to use it (e.g., solo, in a band, quiet or noisy setting,) Lots of options available. Spend some time doing research. For example check K&K, LR Baggs, Seymour Duncan or other makers to see what they recommend.
Good luck!
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E-Type
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Guys in my band tell me that with the K&K, my D-25 still sounds like an acoustic (and importantly, it does not sound like a piezo pickup). That being said, no one will confuse it with using a microphone. I tried using a microphone, but you gotta really mind your movement and feedback will always be a threat. If it is just you and your guitar and you sit on a stool, then using a microphone is worth a try.
Westerly Wood
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K&Ks work great on D25s. Especially the all hog D25 flatbacks. They do sound very acoustic and cut thru nice.
E-Type
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On my arched-back '74, I could plug right into the Fender Acoustic 100 and it sounded great. The flatback 1970 set up the same way was extremely boomy and unpleasant. I got a Fishman Platinum Pro Eq and was able to settle it down completely. I guess I should not be surprised with the difference, the flatback is MUCH livelier acoustically and that translates through the pickup.
Just be careful that you use the right type of drill bit. We had a conversation about that recently, which I'm looking for...
Here it is:
letstalkguild.com
L.R. Baggs M1?
I have been playing with a group and they have done a couple outside gigs. Mostly a country/bluegrass group, but Bob Dylan seems to sneak a song or two into the mix once in a while. I really need to be able to plug in. I have a 50w acoustic amp. I'm playing a D-20. I'm looking at the L.R. Baggs...
letstalkguild.com
I do have some experience with drilling and installing a pickup. I put a piezo in a Blueridge BR 60 I have, and just picked up a step drill bit the other day. Anyone have any opinions on the Journey Instruments pickup? And I have the LR Baggs Venue pedal, so I'm good there.