K&K Big Shot Internal Installation

The internal K&K set up includes the 19mm piezoelectric ceramic transducer on a 6” lead soldered to a ¼” standard jack. The transducer has double-sided tape for fastening to the underside of the soundboard.

A 3/8” diameter hole in the body is required to mount the jack. We locate the hole 1 5/8” up from the flat bottom of the Fluke, (1 3/8” up on the Flea body) and 1” down from the top on the lower right hand corner so the cord hangs down toward the floor when played right handed. This hole can be drilled with a brad point wood drill or any sharp metal drill – slowly and carefully.

With one fiber washer on the threads of the jack, use a string or fine wire to help pull the jack thru the sound hole and out the 3/8” hole from the inside. There should be just enough thread left on the outside for the metal washer and nut. It can be a challenge preventing the jack from spinning while tightening the nut but try expanding a needle nose plier inside the jack or using a stick thru the sound hole from the inside. Tighten with a 13mm or ½” wrench as much as possible while preventing the jack from spinning.

Once the jack is secured, feel thru the sound hole to determine the transducer position. It should be easy to locate about 2” from the edge of the sound hole in an open space between the braces either on center or closer to the treble side of the instrument. Access the transducer thru the sound hole and peel off the tape lining for adhesion. An extra piece of tape may be useful to temporarily attach the transducer to a finger to get it into position. Position the element such that the wire does not contact the top since this could cause a vibration. If the transducer is to be removed, a knife or thin blade is required – avoid pulling on the lead.