Dieter's Podcasts

Dieter is K&K's president, co-founder, and chief engineer. He designed all the pickups, preamps, and microphones we make so he knows his stuff. In these podcasts, he shares some of the knowledge he's gained over the years.

Archtop guitar: Here I talk about the Pure Archtop and the Pure Floating Bridge system, what sound you can expect to get and what special situations you may encounter using them. Right-click to download: Archtop Podcast

Balalaika: This podcast talks about the use of a Twin Spot pickup system, its options and installation techniques. Right-click to download: Balalaika Podcast

Banjo: Here I talk about the Banjo Twin system and its mounting technique on open and closed back banjos. Right-click to download: Banjo Podcast

Bouzouki: This podcast talks about the use of a Big Twin pickup system, its positioning options and installation techniques. Right-click to download: Bouzouki Podcast

Cello: Here I talk about the Big Twin mounted in a way that's specially suited for the cello. Right-click to download: Cello Podcast

Difference in volume in two guitars with Pure pickups: This podcast explains why the Pure pickups may produce different output volume in different guitar models. Right-click to download: Pure Volume Differences Podcast

Do I need a preamp? This is the big question that many players have. Here is a rundown that hopefully shines some light on the subject of preamps. Right-click to download: Preamp Podcast

Dulcimers: Also includes Kotos and all sizes of Dulcimer-like instruments. This podcast talks about the intricacies of installation, sweet spots, and the pickup options you have depending on the size of your dulcimer. Right-click to download: Dulcimer Podcast

Floating bridge versus pin bridge: Explains the difference of the two types with respect to the use of a pickup. In other words, why a Pure Mini is not the ideal choice for a floating bridge guitar instrument even though it is great for a flattop guitar. Right-click to download: Floating vs. Pin Bridge Podcast

Guitarra Portuguesa: Talks about the Big Twin and the Twin Spot. This podcast explains the pros and cons of different installation options. Right-click to download: Guitarra Portuguesa Podcast

Hand played, drums bongos, congas etc.: This podcast talks about pickup options and installation techniques as well as EQ-ing and mixing suggestions. Right-click to download: Drums Podcast

Harp: Here I talk about amplification of concert harps and Celtic harps -- all styles and sizes. I also cover some custom system options that we can do by special order. Right-click to download: Harp Podcast

Harp Guitar: This podcast talks about the intricacies of amplifying harp guitars in general. It explains how to choose the right system for your harp guitar and the options you have. Right-click to download: Harp Guitar Podcast

I have feedback problems, phase issues etc.: This podcast describes why acoustic instruments may experience feedback and how to avoid it. I also talk about phase issues and what characteristics you can expect from the Pure pickups. Right-click to download: Feedback and Phase Issues Podcast

Maccaferri: Talks about the two pickup options, Pure Maccaferri and Pure Floating Bridge. Right-click to download: Maccaferri Podcast

Mandolin: Here we talk about the Mandolin Twin Fusion and the Mandolin Twin Internal. We also cover options in case neither of the designated systems would be feasible for your instrument. Right-click to download: Mandolin Podcast

Oud: This podcast talks about the Twin Spot classic as a simple and well functioning retrofit system and also covers an internal mounted pickup option that requires more advanced installation work. Right-click to download: Oud Podcast

Piano: Here I talk about the installation of the Pure Piano system in both grand and upright pianos, and its sonic fine tuning procedure in order to get the best tone an key balance. Right-click to download: Piano Podcast

Piezo pickups/microphones: How do piezos work? Here I try to provide, in layman’s terms, how a piezo pickup works and the major difference between microphones and pickups. Right-click to download: Piezo Podcast

Pure sounds midrangy and bassy: This troubleshooting podcast talks about the phenomena that cause these issues and how to fix them. Right-click to download: Pure Troubleshooting Podcast

Pure XLR preamp distorts: This troubleshooting podcast explains how to properly adjust this preamp, when to use the XLR and when to use the ¼” output. Right-click to download: Pure XLR Troubleshooting Podcast

Resonator guitars: Here I talk about the Pure Resonator Biscuit Bridge and Pure Resonator Spider Bridge pickup systems and what to expect from them. Also covered are some custom upgrades that are available through the K&K custom shop. Right-click to download: Resonator Guitar Podcast

Sitar: This podcast covers the intricacies we learned about picking up a Sitar with the Big Twin system. Right-click to download: Sitar Podcast

Sweet spot: How do I locate the sweet spot on my instrument? Here I try to explain what is meant by “sweet spot” and the procedure I recommend for finding the sweet spot position for a transducer. Right-click to download: Sweet Spot Podcast

Technical specifications of piezo transducers: Have you ever wondered why none of the serious transducer manufacturers provide spec sheets? Right-click to download: Tech Specs Podcast

Undersaddle vs. Pure: This podcast tries to describes the tonal difference you get from an undersaddle pickup system versus a bridgeplate system like the Pure Mini. Right-click to download: Undersaddle vs. Pure Podcast

Which amp do you recommend? There are so many amp manufacturers and models available that I can only scratch the surface of this topic. Hopefully you'll get some ideas on what to look for. Right-click to download: Amp Podcast

Why use a designated pickup, not just Big Twin or Twin Spot? We get this question more often that you would think, here is our take on this subject. Right-click to download: Designated Pickup Podcast