Krivo
ActiveOverview
Krivo Pickups manufactures handmade pickups for acoustic instruments, including guitars, upright bass, and specialty instruments like Emerald and National Resophonic guitars. The brand is known for pickups inspired by the Stimer pickup used by Django Reinhardt, featuring improvements in string balance, hum reduction, and wood casing design. Krivo serves both individual musicians and professional luthiers, positioning itself in the artisan segment of the pickup market.
History
Krivo Pickups was established in 2005 and has been personally handmade by its founder in Portland, Oregon since inception. The company has expanded its product line to include specialized pickups for various acoustic instruments. In recent years, Krivo began manufacturing pickups for Emerald and National Resophonic guitars, leading to a shift away from custom one-off orders. The brand maintains a direct-to-consumer model through its website and partnerships with specialty retailers.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Micro-Manouche Universal Pickup | Gypsy jazz and acoustic guitar | $200 - $400 |
| Upright Bass Pickup | Double bass and upright bass | $250 - $500 |
| Vintage Vibe Biltoft Design Single-Coil Pickups | Vintage-inspired acoustic guitar | $200 - $450 |
| Emerald Guitar Pickups | Specialty resophonic guitars | $300 - $600 |
| National Resophonic Pickups | Specialty resophonic guitars | $300 - $600 |
Manufacturing
Krivo Pickups are handmade in-house in Port Townsend, Washington by the founder. Each pickup is individually crafted rather than mass-produced, maintaining artisan quality standards. The company no longer accepts one-off custom orders due to commitments to manufacturing for Emerald and National Resophonic guitars.
Notable Products
- Micro-Manouche Universal Pickup - Handmade pickup inspired by Django Reinhardt's Stimer pickup with improved string balance and reduced hum
- Upright Bass Pickup - Specialized pickup for double bass and upright bass instruments with secure Dual-Lock installation
- Vintage Vibe Biltoft Design Single-Coil Pickups - Vintage-inspired single-coil design for acoustic guitars with wood casing
Reputation
Krivo Pickups is regarded as a premium artisan brand among acoustic instrument enthusiasts and professional musicians, particularly in the gypsy jazz community. The handmade construction and attention to detail earn respect from luthiers and builders. The brand's limitation to small-batch production and refusal to mass-produce maintains exclusivity but restricts market reach. Pricing reflects the handmade nature and specialized positioning rather than mass-market accessibility.