MIMF

I know this issue gets visited every so often, but since I don't usually install pickups it is hard to keep up with the latest.

A customer has asked for a pickup that preserves the acoustic sound of the guitar. I really like the K&K Pure Mini for a flat top. They had a similar solution for archtops that people didn't care for (and I guess has been discontinued). Has anyone placed a pure mini on an acoustic archtop? If not, what do people like on this board for a good natural sound?

I have $150-$200 to play with.

You should look into the K&K Definity. It works nicely on an archtop.

I've not used one on an archtop, but heck, I even have a pure mini on my upright bass and it works great! Haven't found an instrument that it doesn't do well on...

There are several models of K&K pick ups, and there is a reason for each one. The Pure Western MINI with three elements is designed for a pin type bridge, where the elements are located inside the guitar directly under the saddle. On an archtop guitar you don't have the same type of structure for mounting the elements nor the same function of the parts to excite the elements. I suggest you call the K&K folks and talk with them before you spend money to just "try something". They know their products and they don't bite.

For mandolins I use the Mandolin Twin successfully by placing the elements on the inside directly under the outside ends of the bridge, and I have installed Big Twin pick ups the same way in archtops with good results. WARNING: not all guitars respond the same way.

I installed a Pure Western mini on an oval hole archtop that I built. I glued the piezos in place under the bridge the same as if it were a pin bridge. I didn't use the archtop K & K as this one doesn't have F holes. I am very happy with the sound.

FWIW, K&K doesn't recommend the pure mini on instruments with floating bridges. Something about the difference between the push of a floating bridge and the pull of a pinned/glued bridge. They suggest using the Twin Spot for an arch top guitar. I supposed there is only one way of knowing for sure.