Hello from Pick-up the World. I have been visiting this site for quite a while, but am not nearly as knowledgeable on folk tunes as we are on instruments and music technology. I apologize for not properly introducing myself as the developer of PUTW in my earlier post. I was trying to find a tactful way to introduce our product to this group without adding a strong commercial presence. When I posted, I had no knowledge of Internet, chat rooms, or newsgroup etiquette, and I sincerely apologize for not being more up-front about myself. When Bill and Allen stopped through Colorado back in May, our company was just starting out, and we had only a few models and somewhat limited hands-on experience with placements and applications. We have now been successfully installed in many thousands of instruments with great success, and are grateful for all the interest and support. We'll try to summarize the questions posted above, and give answers that might be helpful.

For the Banjo (all styles), the model #20 (5/8" X 5/8") is mounted on the underside of the head directly under the center bridge foot. If there are only two feet, mounting under the treble foot gives a nice balanced tone. The jack can be mounted on the neck brace (open-back), or on the tension lugs (resonator style). This same model is recommended for nylon string guitars, lightly braced steel strings, and drums of all sorts. The film pickups are nearly weightless and do not interfere with the natural vibrations of the instrument.

Next up is the model #27. This one is 3 1/4" X 1/4", and applies to most steel string and archtop guitars, the mandolin family, the violin family, Dobro s, and most 'world' instruments. It is mounted externally on the soundboard next to the bridge or on the bridge, and internally on the bridgeplate. On Dobros, it mounts on the biscuit or the spider.

The next size up is the model #30. It is 3 1/2" X 3/4" and is used for hammered dulcimers, autoharps, upright basses, pianos, and harps of all kinds. The mounting positions follow the general guidelines of being close to the bridge area, and favoring the bass end of things.

We really enjoy talking with people to discuss their applications and the best models and placements for their instruments. Our web site has fairly detailed installation instructions, but we're learning more every day about unique instruments and unusually built guitars. We invite anyone to contact us by e-mail or toll free at any time to discuss anything about instruments, our products, or our company. We also have a thirty-day total satisfaction guarantee that even pays shipping if the products fail to perform up to a person's expectations.

Since the pickups can be easily moved from one instrument to another, there can be a fairly interesting process of experimentation that is both educational and non-destructive. We are also carrying a complete line of accessories like pre-amps, output jacks, and high quality cables that insure successful performance. In most instances, the pickups can be installed by the end-user without the need for a technician. In all cases, there is no permanent modification to the instrument other then provisions for an output jack. Sincerely, David Enke Pick-up the World 131 E. Francisco Box 450 La Veta, CO 81055 800-375-2656 www.pick-uptheworld.com pickups@rmi.net