Alvarez undersaddle pickup replacement

[Hector Trevino]

I am looking at an Alvarez Model 2555 from the 90's. undersaddle transducer is dead, no output (good battery and connections) when i bypass onboard preamp- go directly from pickup to amp, no change. I think its Dead. the problem/ question: I am looking for a replacement transducer, this guitar has a wide saddle slot (.210) with a plastic "holder" for the 6 little individual saddles. all of the transducers i see out there seem to be way too narrow for this wide slot. If possable i would like to find a "close fit" replacement.- passive transducer about .200 wide for 2.125" string spacing. Thanks for any help, and keep on frettin'

[Antonio Cotichini]

You can try the Shadow SH-066. It's a little wider (8mm), the kind Ovation usually install.

[LARRY KLOSE]

Or abandon the existing under saddle transducer in place and use something like a K & K on the soundboard. It will probably sound better than any under saddle. I'd google them to find out if the output is appropriate for the onboard preamp; they're quite helpful.

I just put one of their "Twin" mandolin pickups in my F5 and it sounds great.
http://www.kksound.com/index.html

Larry

[Greg Mirken]

I agree with Larry, Non-standard proprietary undersaddle pickups are a big pain. Ditch it (actually just leave it in there disconnected) and put in the K&K Pure Western Mini.

[Antonio Cotichini]

Oh, yes! I'm a big fan of the KK. I've installed them on all of my guitars, taken away Fishman and all the rest. I didn't suggest it just because Hector asked for something looking similar to the old pu. If it's your own guitar go absolutely for the KK Pure Western. If it's a customer one, ask him if he wants upgrade to that better one. I've purchased the "Twin" for a new mandolin I'm building with a friend luthier, and can't see the moment to hear it. Larry, your F5 has F-holes, how could you install the KK inside? My mandolin is gonna have oval sound hole, so it will be easier.

[Hector Trevino]

Thanks to all for good info. and advice. At the recomendation listed i installed the K and K Pure Mini- All I can say is WOW!!! for a ply top guitar, this thins sounds Great! Thanks to all.