Sunrise S-1 LW/J

Sunrise Pickups are handbuilt by Jim Kaufman in limited numbers, but this allows the finest attention to detail and craftsmanship. Each pickup has individually adjustable pole pieces to give you maximum control over string balance and tone. They also come with a transferable lifetime guarantee—no doubt because of their remarkably sturdy construction and high-quality internal components. Jim also builds preamp/buffer boxes to accompany the pickups. We strongly recommend using these even if you already have some sort of outboard preamp you're using.

All Sunrise pickup models start with the exact same award-winning pickup; the only difference between the different versions is the length and design of the connections. The Longwire/Jack version listed here includes a 24" connecting wire attached to the pickup, and this lead terminates in a 1/4" female jack for plugging in a regular guitar cable. This allows you to install the pickup without having to wire it to an internal jack. This is perfect if you're looking for a way to switch the pickup between guitars, or if you just don't want to drill a hole in your tailblock for a regular jack. To be honest, I normally recommend going with an internal installation of this pickup, ideally the S2. I've played many hours onstage with the lead for a soundhole pickup dangling out the front of my guitar, and found it a bit awkward (my strumming hand kept hitting it). But, if you really, really don't want to drill a hole in your tailblock, then this model is probably the way to go.