K&K Double Helix/Pure Mini Combination System

K&K Sound is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever magnetic soundhole pickup, the Double Helix! The Double Helix is a hum-cancelling, dual-coil pickup for steel-string acoustic guitars. It features a phase switch and a unique tone switch that allows players to easily change from a bright “GLOSS” setting to a more substantial “STEAM” setting.

When we developed the Double Helix, the major requirement was that it should work both on its own and in combination with the Pure Pickup in a way that would enhance the final tone. The Double Helix features two switches, which are easily accessible even during play. One switch is for the phase, and the second switch is for tone.

The phase switch allows the player to adjust the phase of the pickup, so the Double Helix will harmonize with any existing pickup already in the guitar. The tone switch allows the player to choose from two settings: GLOSS, a fine and bright tone that sounds very acoustic, and STEAM, a more substantial and louder tone generally associated with soundhole pickups. Both tone settings are hum cancelling.

In the GLOSS setting, the Double Helix enhances the Pure Pickup’s tone with a light “shimmer” in the high end and a beautiful warm midrange. This combination features a “compression-like” tone that rivals studio recordings. The STEAM setting provides a much more substantial tone, louder, bigger and with superb feedback rejection. It is great if you need to bring the guitar up front in a mix.

The Double Helix can be used as a stand-alone pickup for players who want a simple setup and a plug-and-play amplification solution. Even so, the Double Helix is a top-of-the-line solution that delivers K&K’s signature quality and sound. The tone switch will be an eye opener for players who have used other soundhole pickups. Having a setting for strumming (GLOSS) and another one for melody lines (STEAM) is almost like having a “Les Paul” with two pickups, one for “rhythm” and one for “lead”! All this is done in purely passive fashion, no battery or electronic circuit inside the guitar is needed! The Double Helix Solo also includes an external endpin adapter for players who do not wish to alter their guitar to to install a new endpin jack (see photo 6).

For players who swear by the Pure Pickup, the Double Helix will be a welcome addition to their setup. This combination will achieve what was so difficult to do: to enhance the already great sound of the Pure Pickup!