Collection: K&K Sounds
K&K Sounds
At Chicago Music Exchange, we proudly offer a full lineup of K&K Sound acoustic pickups—one of the most respected and most-searched brands in the world of acoustic amplification. Known for their unmatched natural tone, no-battery design, and highly responsive transducer technology, K&K pickups have become a go-to choice for acoustic guitarists, mandolin players, upright bassists, violinists, and working musicians seeking high-fidelity amplification without sacrificing their instrument’s organic character.
Whether you're searching for acoustic guitar pickups, best pickups for acoustic guitar, K&K Pure Mini, K&K Trinity System, K&K violin pickups, K&K bass pickups, or contact transducer pickups, this page is optimized to lead players directly to the K&K Sound solutions available at CME.
Why Acoustic Musicians Choose K&K Sound
Players choose K&K products because they deliver:
- Natural, microphone-like tone
- Passive designs — no batteries required
- Simple, non-invasive installation
- Superior dynamic response
- Excellent feedback resistance
- Reliable performance for live and studio settings
- Balanced output with rich low end and clear highs
K&K Sound has become one of the most trusted names in acoustic amplification because their pickups feel and respond like real acoustic instruments—not like electric guitars.
A Short History of K&K Sound
Founded by Dietmar Kuenstler, a German engineer and musician, K&K Sound began in the 1980s with a commitment to capturing the most accurate acoustic tone possible using lightweight, natural-sounding contact pickups. Instead of relying on under-saddle piezos—which many players found quacky or brittle—K&K pioneered surface-mounted transducers placed on the soundboard, capturing the resonance of the entire instrument.
From the original Pure systems to modern multi-source designs, K&K has become the standard for players seeking warm, woody, true-to-instrument tone.
Today, K&K pickups are used by top folk artists, singer-songwriters, Americana acts, bluegrass players, and touring professionals around the world.
Most Popular K&K Sound Models Available at Chicago Music Exchange
1. K&K Pure Mini (Acoustic Guitar Pickup): The flagship model
- Three-transducer passive system
- Highly natural and full-bodied
- Excellent for fingerstyle, strumming, studio and stage
- One of the most popular acoustic pickups ever made.
2. K&K Trinity System
- Combines the Pure Mini with an internal microphone
- External preamp for blending
- Ideal for professional performers and studio players needing wide dynamic expression
3. K&K Pure 12-String Pickup
- Designed for 12-string acoustic guitars with enhanced balance and midrange clarity.
4. K&K Mandolin, Banjo & Resonator Pickups
- Twin Internal Mandolin Pickup
- Banjo Twin
- Resonator Pickup
- Archtop Guitar System
These models are widely searched by bluegrass, folk, Americana, and old-time musicians.
5. K&K Upright Bass Pickups
- Trusted by jazz, classical, and touring bassists
- Natural response with strong output
- Works well in loud settings with reduced feedback
6. K&K Violin & Cello Pickups
- Surface-mounted transducers capture the full resonance of orchestral instruments with clarity and accuracy.
7. K&K Preamp Models
- Pure Preamp, XLR Preamp, Quantum Trinity Preamp
- Designed to match the impedance of K&K's passive systems
- Adds headroom, gain, EQ shaping
Artists & Influencers Who Rely on K&K Sound
K&K pickups are used by many top acoustic artists, including:
- Antoine Dufour
- Andy McKee
- Trevor Gordon Hall
- The Milk Carton Kids
- Sierra Hull
- Multiple Nashville touring acoustic guitarists & bluegrass performers
Influencers and YouTubers who frequently discuss or demo K&K systems include:
- Acoustic Guitar Magazine
- Peghead Nation
- Music Is Win (often referencing pickup comparisons)
- Marty Music (acoustic upgrade guides)
Their demos continue to drive search interest for K&K products.
K&K Pickup Specs & Variations
- Passive transducer system (no battery required)
- 3-head transducer arrangement (Pure Mini series)
- Dual-source systems (mic + pickup)
- External preamp with EQ
- High headroom output
- Soundboard-mounted vs. bridge-mounted designs
- High feedback resistance
- Lightweight, non-invasive installation
These specs make them especially appealing to singer-songwriters, bluegrass musicians, indie-folk players, and acoustic performers who value authenticity over piezo brightness.
Price Points for K&K Sound Products
Reflecting current market trends and CME inventory:
- $99–$129: Violin, mandolin, resonator & banjo pickups
- $139–$199: Pure Mini, Pure 12-String, Pure Classic
- $249–$399: Trinity System (with microphone & preamp)
- $99–$199: External preamps & XLR units
CME carries the most popular and highest-demand K&K models searched by players upgrading their acoustic rigs.
Why Buy K&K Sound from Chicago Music Exchange?
- One of the best selections of K&K acoustic pickups in the U.S.
- Expert staff who understand acoustic installation, tone shaping, and pickup pairing
- Fast shipping and top-rated customer service
- Trusted by professional musicians, touring players & studios
- CME also offers wide support for acoustic guitars, pedals, amplification & accessories
Your acoustic deserves the best—and K&K Sound remains one of the finest modern solutions for natural acoustic amplification.
K&K FAQs
Are K&K pickups better than under-saddle piezos?
Yes—K&K’s soundboard transducers produce a more natural, microphone-like acoustic tone with less harshness and more warmth.
Do I need a preamp for K&K pickups?
Many players run K&K passive pickups without one, but a K&K preamp provides optimal impedance matching, EQ control & headroom.
Are K&K pickups good for live performance?
Absolutely—K&K systems are known for strong feedback resistance and stage-friendly clarity.
Which K&K pickup is the best for most acoustic guitars?
The K&K Pure Mini is the most popular and widely recommended model.
What’s the difference between K&K Pure Mini and Trinity?
The Trinity adds an internal microphone and external blend preamp for advanced tone shaping and studio-quality detail.
Do K&K pickups work for non-guitar acoustic instruments?
Yes—they offer highly rated pickups for mandolin, banjo, violin, cello, upright bass, resonator, and more.
K&K Acoustic Guitar Pickups
K&K acoustic guitar pickups are revered for their transparent, natural sound, capturing the true voice of your instrument with unmatched clarity and depth. At Chicago Music Exchange, our K&K pickup collection highlights these innovative systems, which allow guitarists to amplify their acoustic tone without sacrificing the nuances, warmth, and resonance that define their playing.
Unlike conventional pickups, K&K systems use a patented bridge-plate transducer design that picks up vibrations directly from the wood, rather than relying on magnetic strings or under-saddle piezos. The result is a tone that feels organic, dynamic, and incredibly expressive, perfectly suited for fingerstyle, flatpicking, or light percussive playing. Whether you’re performing live, recording in the studio, or streaming a session, K&K pickups deliver a full-bodied, natural response that faithfully translates every subtlety of your touch.
Installation is clean and unobtrusive, preserving the aesthetics and resonance of your guitar while providing versatile amplification options. This collection includes pickups compatible with a variety of acoustic models, from small parlors to dreadnoughts, offering instruments a sonic upgrade without compromise. For players who demand authenticity, clarity, and musicality in their amplified tone, K&K acoustic pickups remain the gold standard—bringing your guitar to life exactly as it was meant to be heard.