What is the KNA UK-1?

The KNA UK-1 is a detachable, passive piezo pickup designed to amplify ukuleles. It mounts directly to the bridge tie block without requiring permanent modifications to the instrument.

Does the KNA UK-1 require batteries?

No, the UK-1 is a passive pickup. It operates using piezo technology that converts vibrations into an electrical signal without the need for an internal power source.

Which ukulele sizes are compatible with the UK-1?

The pickup is designed to fit most soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles. It requires the instrument to have a standard tie block bridge to secure the unit.

How is the KNA UK-1 installed?

Installation involves loosening the strings and sliding the pickup onto the tie block of the bridge. Once the strings are retightened, the tension holds the pickup securely in place.

What material is used for the pickup housing?

The UK-1 is encased in an elegant white beech wooden case. This material is chosen for its lightweight properties and aesthetic appeal.

Does installing the UK-1 require drilling holes?

No, one of the primary features of the UK-1 is that it is a non-invasive solution. There is no need for drilling, gluing, or any permanent modification to the ukulele.

What type of cable is included with the KNA UK-1?

The pickup comes with a 1/8" (3.5mm) to 1/4" (6.35mm) cable. This allows the user to connect the small output jack on the pickup to a standard instrument amplifier.

Will the UK-1 affect the acoustic sound of my ukulele?

Because it is lightweight and made of wood, it has a minimal impact on the bridge's mass. While any addition to a bridge can slightly alter resonance, the UK-1 is designed to be as transparent as possible.

Can I use the UK-1 with a Mahalo MZK1 or Flight DUC325?

Yes, as long as these models feature a standard tie block bridge, the UK-1 is compatible. It is an ideal way to add electronics to traditionally acoustic models like the Flight Zebrawood series.

What is the typical price for a KNA UK-1?

The typical retail price for the KNA UK-1 is approximately £56. This makes it an affordable alternative to purchasing a new electro-acoustic ukulele.

Is an external preamp necessary for the UK-1?

While the UK-1 can be plugged directly into an acoustic amplifier, a preamp may be useful. Since it is a passive piezo, a preamp can help manage impedance and fine-tune the tone.

Is the KNA UK-1 portable?

Yes, the UK-1 is highly portable and can be easily removed when not in use. This allows players to use the same pickup across different ukuleles in their collection.

Gear article

KNA UK-1 Detachable Ukulele Pickup

The KNA UK-1 is a portable, passive piezo pickup designed for the amplification of ukuleles without requiring permanent instrument modification. It utilises a unique bridge-mounted design that slides onto the tie block, allowing for the reproduction of natural acoustic tones through an external amplifier.

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Overview

The KNA UK-1 is a specialised piezo-electric transducer designed specifically for the ukulele family. Manufactured by KNA Pickups, the device addresses a common challenge for acoustic musicians: the need for amplification without the commitment of drilling holes or installing internal electronics. The unit is encased in a lightweight white beech wooden housing, ensuring that the additional weight on the bridge is kept to a minimum to avoid dampening the instrument's natural resonance.

Installation and Mechanism

The UK-1 operates using a passive piezo element that captures mechanical vibrations directly from the bridge. Installation is non-invasive; the pickup is designed to slide onto the tie block of the ukulele bridge. By loosening the strings, the player can position the pickup securely, and the subsequent retightening of the strings holds the unit in place via tension. This design makes it compatible with most standard soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone models that feature a traditional tie block bridge.

Sonic Character

As a passive piezo pickup, the UK-1 is engineered to reproduce the authentic, natural frequency response of the ukulele. The white beech casing is not merely aesthetic; it is chosen for its lightweight properties, allowing the bridge to vibrate freely. Because the pickup is passive, it does not require a battery, though the output signal may benefit from an external preamp depending on the impedance requirements of the amplifier or mixing desk being used.

User Suitability and Market Positioning

The UK-1 is primarily aimed at performers who use traditional acoustic instruments like the Flight TUS-65 or the Kala Surfboard series but require occasional amplification for live settings. It serves as an alternative to buying a dedicated electro-acoustic model. Its portability makes it a suitable accessory for players who own multiple instruments and wish to swap a single high-quality pickup between them rather than installing separate systems in each.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the KNA UK-1?: The KNA UK-1 is a detachable, passive piezo pickup designed to amplify ukuleles. It mounts directly to the bridge tie block without requiring permanent modifications to the instrument.
Does the KNA UK-1 require batteries?: No, the UK-1 is a passive pickup. It operates using piezo technology that converts vibrations into an electrical signal without the need for an internal power source.
Which ukulele sizes are compatible with the UK-1?: The pickup is designed to fit most soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles. It requires the instrument to have a standard tie block bridge to secure the unit.
How is the KNA UK-1 installed?: Installation involves loosening the strings and sliding the pickup onto the tie block of the bridge. Once the strings are retightened, the tension holds the pickup securely in place.
What material is used for the pickup housing?: The UK-1 is encased in an elegant white beech wooden case. This material is chosen for its lightweight properties and aesthetic appeal.
Does installing the UK-1 require drilling holes?: No, one of the primary features of the UK-1 is that it is a non-invasive solution. There is no need for drilling, gluing, or any permanent modification to the ukulele.
What type of cable is included with the KNA UK-1?: The pickup comes with a 1/8" (3.5mm) to 1/4" (6.35mm) cable. This allows the user to connect the small output jack on the pickup to a standard instrument amplifier.
Will the UK-1 affect the acoustic sound of my ukulele?: Because it is lightweight and made of wood, it has a minimal impact on the bridge's mass. While any addition to a bridge can slightly alter resonance, the UK-1 is designed to be as transparent as possible.
Can I use the UK-1 with a Mahalo MZK1 or Flight DUC325?: Yes, as long as these models feature a standard tie block bridge, the UK-1 is compatible. It is an ideal way to add electronics to traditionally acoustic models like the Flight Zebrawood series.
What is the typical price for a KNA UK-1?: The typical retail price for the KNA UK-1 is approximately £56. This makes it an affordable alternative to purchasing a new electro-acoustic ukulele.
Is an external preamp necessary for the UK-1?: While the UK-1 can be plugged directly into an acoustic amplifier, a preamp may be useful. Since it is a passive piezo, a preamp can help manage impedance and fine-tune the tone.
Is the KNA UK-1 portable?: Yes, the UK-1 is highly portable and can be easily removed when not in use. This allows players to use the same pickup across different ukuleles in their collection.