Does the KNA NG-2 require any drilling to install?

No, the NG-2 is a detachable pickup that slides onto the bridge tie-block. It is held in place by the tension of the strings, requiring no permanent modifications or holes to be drilled in the guitar.

What is the primary difference between the NG-1 and the NG-2?

The primary difference is the inclusion of an onboard volume control on the NG-2. This allows the player to adjust their output level directly from the pickup during a performance.

What material is the pickup housing made from?

The KNA NG-2 features a case made of mahogany. This lightweight wood is chosen to enhance tonal sensitivity while maintaining the guitar's natural resonance.

Can I use the NG-2 on a steel-string acoustic guitar?

No, the NG-2 is specifically designed for the bridge dimensions and tonal characteristics of nylon-string classical guitars. It may not fit or function correctly on a standard steel-string acoustic bridge.

Is the NG-2 an active or passive pickup?

The NG-2 is a passive piezo pickup. While it includes a volume control, it does not require a battery; however, using a high-quality preamp is often recommended for the best signal strength.

How does the pickup stay attached to the guitar?

The pickup is secured by loosening the strings, sliding the thin wooden tab into the tie-block under the strings, and then retuning. The string tension holds the unit firmly against the bridge.

Does the weight of the pickup affect the guitar's acoustic sound?

The NG-2 is designed to be extremely lightweight to ensure maximum resonance. Its mahogany construction is intended to minimise any dampening effect on the soundboard's vibration.

Is the NG-2 suitable for 3/4 or 1/2 size classical guitars?

Yes, as long as the guitar has a standard classical tie-block bridge, it can be used on smaller instruments like the Yamaha CS40 II or Gear4Music 3/4 models.

What kind of cable does the KNA NG-2 use?

The pickup comes with a detachable cable that connects the unit's mini-jack to a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable, suitable for plugging into an amplifier or PA system.

Can the NG-2 be used for studio recording?

Yes, the NG-2 is suitable for studio work, delivering a natural nylon-string sound. The onboard volume control helps in managing levels directly at the source.

Will the NG-2 scratch my guitar's finish?

The pickup is designed with a wooden housing and smooth edges to be safe for guitar finishes. Because it sits on the bridge rather than the finished top, the risk of scratching is minimal.

What is the typical price for a KNA NG-2?

The KNA NG-2 typically retails for approximately £77. This makes it a cost-effective solution for adding professional amplification to a classical guitar.

Gear article

KNA NG-2 Detachable Classical Guitar Pickup

The KNA NG-2 is a bridge-mounted, detachable piezo pickup designed specifically for nylon-string classical guitars. It features a mahogany-cased sensor and an onboard volume control, allowing for amplification without permanent structural modifications to the instrument.

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Design and Construction

The KNA NG-2 is engineered with a focus on non-invasive installation and tonal integrity. The unit is housed in a lightweight mahogany wooden casing, which serves two purposes: providing an aesthetically pleasing finish that matches many classical guitar bridges and enhancing the sensitivity of the piezo element. By utilising a wooden housing rather than plastic or metal, the pickup maintains a low mass that avoids damping the natural resonance of the guitar's soundboard.

The most distinctive feature of the NG-2 is its physical format. It is designed to slide into the tie-block of a classical guitar bridge, held in place by the tension of the strings. This eliminates the need for drilling holes for output jacks or routing the bridge for undersaddle transducers.

Onboard Volume Control

Unlike its predecessor, the NG-1, the NG-2 includes a miniature volume potentiometer mounted directly on the mahogany housing. This provides the performer with immediate tactile control over their output signal. In live performance settings, this allows for quick adjustments to the gain stage without needing to reach for an external preamp or rely on a sound engineer, making it a highly practical choice for touring musicians.

Sound Character and Performance

The NG-2 utilises advanced piezo technology to capture the authentic frequency response of nylon strings. The sound character is described as natural and balanced, focusing on the warmth of the mahogany casing and the true essence of the instrument. Because it is a surface-mounted piezo rather than an undersaddle type, it captures more of the soundboard's vibration, resulting in a less compressed and more organic tone than traditional factory-fitted electronics.

Compatibility and Alternatives

This pickup is frequently paired with a wide range of classical instruments, from entry-level models like the Yamaha C40 II or Admira Alba, to more intermediate options such as the Admira Java. It is particularly useful for players who own vintage instruments or high-end luthed guitars where drilling a hole for a jack would decrease the instrument's value. While alternatives include permanent undersaddle pickups or internal microphones, the NG-2 is distinguished by its 'plug-and-play' nature and the inclusion of the volume dial.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the KNA NG-2 require any drilling to install?: No, the NG-2 is a detachable pickup that slides onto the bridge tie-block. It is held in place by the tension of the strings, requiring no permanent modifications or holes to be drilled in the guitar.
What is the primary difference between the NG-1 and the NG-2?: The primary difference is the inclusion of an onboard volume control on the NG-2. This allows the player to adjust their output level directly from the pickup during a performance.
What material is the pickup housing made from?: The KNA NG-2 features a case made of mahogany. This lightweight wood is chosen to enhance tonal sensitivity while maintaining the guitar's natural resonance.
Can I use the NG-2 on a steel-string acoustic guitar?: No, the NG-2 is specifically designed for the bridge dimensions and tonal characteristics of nylon-string classical guitars. It may not fit or function correctly on a standard steel-string acoustic bridge.
Is the NG-2 an active or passive pickup?: The NG-2 is a passive piezo pickup. While it includes a volume control, it does not require a battery; however, using a high-quality preamp is often recommended for the best signal strength.
How does the pickup stay attached to the guitar?: The pickup is secured by loosening the strings, sliding the thin wooden tab into the tie-block under the strings, and then retuning. The string tension holds the unit firmly against the bridge.
Does the weight of the pickup affect the guitar's acoustic sound?: The NG-2 is designed to be extremely lightweight to ensure maximum resonance. Its mahogany construction is intended to minimise any dampening effect on the soundboard's vibration.
Is the NG-2 suitable for 3/4 or 1/2 size classical guitars?: Yes, as long as the guitar has a standard classical tie-block bridge, it can be used on smaller instruments like the Yamaha CS40 II or Gear4Music 3/4 models.
What kind of cable does the KNA NG-2 use?: The pickup comes with a detachable cable that connects the unit's mini-jack to a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable, suitable for plugging into an amplifier or PA system.
Can the NG-2 be used for studio recording?: Yes, the NG-2 is suitable for studio work, delivering a natural nylon-string sound. The onboard volume control helps in managing levels directly at the source.
Will the NG-2 scratch my guitar's finish?: The pickup is designed with a wooden housing and smooth edges to be safe for guitar finishes. Because it sits on the bridge rather than the finished top, the risk of scratching is minimal.
What is the typical price for a KNA NG-2?: The KNA NG-2 typically retails for approximately £77. This makes it a cost-effective solution for adding professional amplification to a classical guitar.