Coming soon: updated Mandolin Twin pickup system
Today I would like to announce the upcoming release of an improved version of the existing Mandolin Twin system. We were working with Austin Clark from clarkmandolins.com who went the extra mile to test several positions and mounting methods on one of his great instruments. He worked together with a high caliber player.
They found out that the very best sound was actually achieved with internal installation of both pickups placed just outside of the bridges feet, which means right next to the center of both f holes. These gladly are also the easiest spots to retrofit the pickups into the mandolin.
Austin wrote this: “I would recommend to luthiers who have trouble mounting their pickups here due to tone bar locations to either build the instrument with the offending tone bar 2-3mm more towards the middle to accommodate the width of the pickup or place the pickup right behind it. I have chosen to alter my design standard for tone bar location since these are the pickups I think have the best sound out there. Changing the position of the bar has not had any affect on the sound that I can tell.”
We are planning to introduce 2 new models which will replace the existing Mandolin Twin. One model for internal mount only - with endpinjack - and a second one with a carpenter jack (outside mounted jack with special clamp shown in the link with a violin pickup). The transducers remain the exact same ones as used in the existing Mandolin Twin. The difference will be in the cable length and the way the cables are fastened inside the mandolin.
With the new upcoming carpenter jack model you do not have to drill a hole for the jack. The pickup cables will go from the jack into the treble F hole and the pickups are mounted inside. This option is great for anyone who wants the best sound but no hole or permanent alteration of his/her instrument.
It will be few weeks until we have them ready to go though, just wanted to let you know ahead of time.
Signing off, the Dieter.
