adding under saddle pickup to A12?

[lewddude]

so, this is not something I have any experiance doing, but have done some research. I noticed that most of the fishman matrix model pups are a straight long wire, and the Avalon has the split saddle... is there a specific model of under saddle pup I should use? How does one install square peg into round hole? Go easy on me please, I am really not an idiot... Really.

Thanx for your support!

[singlereed]

You need the split saddle version of the pickup - you actually get two separate transducers. If it is a Legacy model, you should find it is ready drilled and there may even be wooden shims under the saddles that you can simply remove to save filing the saddles - this was the case on one Avalon I had. Alternatively, I put a K&K passive pickup on one of mine, this has three small contact pickups that stick on the underside of the bridge. I installed this on my Avalon and am pleased with it.

[lewddude]

Thanx, I was wondering about that! I will look for a split version. Oh, and yes it already has the drill hole, and shims. Will install easy! Thanx for you help!

Ron

[Loki]

We had a split pick up installed on a L series and had it removed because of the impact on the pure acoustic sound.

No such problem with a K&K pwm.

Just for info.
Good luck with the right solution for you.

[singlereed]

I have owned many guitars with under saddle pickups and I have never noticed any loss of acoustic tone, even when I have fitted them myself. I am sure a bad installation could spoil the tone, but unlikely in this case, just remove the shims and pop the transducers in. If you do have to file down the saddles make sure you keep the base flat. NB transducers come in 1/8" or 3/16" width so make sure you get the right ones.

[Gerald]

Get a K & K pure mini - cheaper than most other pickups and vastly superior in tone - seriously, it has an amazing tone. It sticks inside the guitar under the bridge, not under the bridge - much better!