B-band UST, AST, A1N, A2, A2.2 Installation Instructions And User Manual
...
1
Foremost Technology for Absolute Acoustic Reproduction.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND USER´S GUIDE
B-BAND UST AND AST TRANSDUCERS
A-SERIES PREAMPS
10.11.2003
A5
UST AST 1470
A1 / A1N A2
A2.2 A3.2, A4.2
A6
HIGH TECHNOLOGY WITH SPIRIT
Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of this state-ofthe-art acoustic transducer system. B-Band takes care to provide
the highest quality product and is manufactured in the true spirit of
acoustic instrument acionados.
The outstanding sound reproduction of the B-Band electret transducer
is based on the technology of a novel, worldwide-patented hi-tech material exclusive to B-Band. This lm is very different from piezo-electric
lms and transducers, and is entirely unique in the industry.
How is it different? We could go into a long discussion about the
technical aspects, like the “microscopic lens-like gas bubbles”™ inside
the permanently charged lm, but the most important difference is the
sound. Whereas piezo pickups tend to impart a sound of their own
(often described as “quacky” or “plastic”), the B-Band transducers
act in much the same way a condenser microphone does. This results
in excellent reproduction of your acoustic guitar’s unique sound. We
at B-Band do truly hope you enjoy this product.
Please contact us if you have any comments about this product.
Always ready to help you.
Yours sincerely,
Heikki Räisänen
Managing Director, B-Band Ltd.
CONTENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1. SAFETY AND PRODUCT WARNINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2. B-BAND ELECTRET TRANSDUCERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3. A-SERIES PREAMPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.4. OPTIONAL CONDENSER MICROPHONE
FOR A2 PREAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. PACKAGE CONTENTS CHECKLIST
2.1. UST package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.2. AST package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3. A1 preamp package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4. A1N-1470 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.5. A2 and A2.2 preamp package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.6. A3.2 and A4.2 preamp package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.7. A5 and A6 package contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3. TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED
FOR INSTALLATION
3.1. BASIC EQUIPMENT NEEDED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4. BEFORE INSTALLATION, PLEASE READ THE
FOLLOWING
4.1. UST (Under-Saddle Transducer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.1.1. UST models and sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4.2. AST (Acoustic Soundboard Transducer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5. PREPARING THE GUITAR FOR INSTALLATION
5.1. A3.2 and A4.2 installation preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.2. A5 and A6 installation preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6. CONNECTING THE TRANSDUCERS
AND WIRING TO THE PREAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7. INSTALLING THE PREAMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8. INSTALLING THE TRANSDUCERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
9. A2.2 UST GAIN TRIM ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
10. A4.2 AND A6 UST AND AST INPUT GAIN TRIM
CONTROL ADJUSTMENTS
10.1. A4.2 preamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
10.2. A6 preamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
11. CONTROLS (A3.2, A4.2, A5 and A6)
11.1. A3.2 preamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
11.2. A4.2 preamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
11.3. A5 preamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
11.5. A6 preamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
11.6. A5 and A6 Notch controls, phase switch and
“Batt” LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
12. TROUBLE SHOOTING
12.1. No sound at all . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
12.2. Loud hum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
12.3. Resonance or distortion with some played notes
(with UST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
12.4. One or several strings sound louder or quieter than
the others (with UST) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
12.4.1. Possible reasons for imbalance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
12.4.2. If the balance problem does not disappear on
its own, do the following. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
12.4.3. If all things mentioned above are correct, and there still
is a balance problem, you should try the following tricks . . . . . . 19
12.5. Other problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
13. CUSTOMER’S FEEDBACK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
14. SPECIFACATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
15. CE-MARK STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
16. LIMITED WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
A3.2 drill hole guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
A4.2 drill hole guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
A5 and A6 preamp hole-cutting guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4
5
1.2. B-BAND ELECTRET TRANSDUCER
Both the B-Band UST (Under-Saddle Transducer) and AST (Acoustic Soundboard Transducer) use the same-patented transducer
technology.
They are very exible, but you should never pull or bend them at a
sharp angle. B-Band transducers themselves do not require electrical
power, as they are permanently charged electrets. Because of the very
high output impedance (typical for condenser microphones) B-Band
UST and AST always require a B-Band preamp.
Standard piezo preamps will not work properly. They will produce low
output and poor bass response.
The active portion of the B-Band UST transducer is 80 mm (3 3/16”)
from the end of the transducer at the opposite side of the connector.
The rest of the UST is not active. The active portion of the AST is
the area that attaches to the guitar. However, for best performance
always keep the inactive portion of either UST or AST pickup from
touching or rubbing on the inside of the guitar. This can produce
unwanted handling noise.
All B-Band UST and AST work with all B-Band A-series preamps.
B-Band UST and AST can NOT be shortened or altered in any
way. This will cause audible hum and void the warranty.
Long-time exposure to high-temperatures (over 50C / 120F)
may reduce the output level permanently.
1.3. A-SERIES PREAMPS
B-Band A-series preamps are designed to give optimum performance
with B-Band UST and AST transducers. The main criterion in designing these preamps was to deliver studio quality and user-friendly
electronics to the diverse needs of acoustic instrument musicians.
The A1 is a single input endpin preamp designed for use with either
UST or AST transducers.
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
This instruction guide is a very detailed and valuable reference for
the installer and user. For a quick pictorial overview of the installation
process we highly recommend you to visit the installations page at
www.b-band.com
Also join the B-Band Discussion Forum at the B-Band website. The
forum has invaluable information concerning technical support, installation tips and general discussion about B-Band products.
1.1 SAFETY AND PRODUCT WARNINGS
Before installing or using any B-Band products this manual should
be read carefully.
This symbol represents an important safety or warning note and
should be considered carefully.
Although the UST, AST, AG-MIC, A1, A1N, A2, A2.2, A3.2 and A4.2
products can be easy to install, we highly recommend that a qualied
guitar craftsman or technician to do the installation.
Note: If installing A1N-1470 refer to installation of A1 and
1470 AST.
The A5 and A6 require a skilled knowledge of woodworking, guitar
structure and tools. A professional qualied guitar craftsman or technician should do the installation.
Do not use phantom power with B-Band preamps.
B-BAND LTD AND B-BAND, INC. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR PERSONAL INJURIES
RESULTING FROM INSTALLATIONS, IMPROPERLY DONE
INSTALLATIONS OR MIS-USE OF PRODUCT.
If you have any questions about installation or use, please contact
a B-Band dealer, distributor or B-Band directly (B-Band contact
numbers are at the back of this booklet).
5
The A1N is a single input endpin preamp designed for use only with
the 1470 AST transducer. This modied A1 endpin preamp has an
intergraded frequency notch of 6 db at 180 Hz.
The A2 is a two input / two output endpin preamp. Designed as a
platform for two sources, the best performance is with the combination
of UST and AST. The second input can also be congured for use with
the B-Band AG-MIC condenser microphone or a passive magnetic
pickup with the mini dipswitches inside the A2. With the A2 you will
need a stereo Y-cable in order to control the mix between the two
outputs at a mixer or amplier. With a standard guitar cable the output
will be that of channel 1only (normally the UST).
The A2.2 is a two input / single output endpin preamp. Designed
specically for use with UST and AST only. The exclusive single channel mono output has a special crossover blend of the UST and AST.
The crossover blend is a signal of the UST and AST crossed over at
700Hz. Sound above 700 Hz is the AST and sound below 700Hz is
the UST. The AST reproduces the high-mid to high tones while the
UST reproduces the low-mid to bass tones. Inside the A2.2 preamp
there is a mini input gain trim control for the UST.
The A3.2 is a side mount preamp with a 4-band “graphic” equalizer.
This single input preamp will accept either a UST or AST.
The A4.2 is a dual input / single output, side mount preamp with a
3-band “graphic” equalizer and mix control. This preamp is designed
especially for use only with a UST / AST combination. There are
separate input gain trim pots, at the faceplate, for the adjusting of the
input levels of the UST and AST. The A4.2 has a new exclusive mix
control that, at the AST side of the mix, actually gives the combined
sound of the UST and AST crossed over at 700 Hz. When the mix
is set at the AST side sound above 700 Hz is the AST and sound
below 700Hz is the UST. At the UST side of the mix, only the sound
of the UST is heard.
The A5 is a single input design for use with either UST or AST. The
A5 controls include sliders for the volume and a 4-band graphic
equalizer (bass, midrange, treble and presence), two rotary controls
for adjustment of a notch frequency and a notch depth for feedback
suppression and a phase control push button.
The A6 preamp is a dual input / single output preamp specically
designed for use with only a UST / AST combination. The A6 has slider
controls for volume, a 3-band graphic equalizer (bass, midrange and
treble), and UST / AST mix. It also has two input gain controls for the
UST and AST that are adjusted with a small screwdriver, two rotary
controls for adjustment of a notch frequency and a notch depth for
feedback suppression and a phase control push button. The output
is a mono mix of the UST / AST.
The A1, A1N, A2.2, A3.2, A4.2, A5 and A6 use a standard 1/4”
plug to turn on the 9-volt power. The A2 uses a custom endpin
jack that allows either standard 1/4” mono or stereo plug to turn
on the 9-volt power.
DO NOT USE B-BAND A-SERIES PREAMPS
WITH PHANTOM POWER!
1.4. OPTIONAL CONDENSER MICROPHONE
FOR A2 PREAMP
The B-Band AG-MIC microphone option is an excellent choice and
value for an additional condenser microphone. The mic capsule is
especially designed for acoustic instruments, with suitable bass
roll-off and treble boost.
2. PACKAGE CONTENTS CHECKLIST
2.1. UST package contents:
• 1 pcs UST transducer
2.2. AST package contents:
• 1 pcs AST transducer
• 1 pcs cardboard installation guide (only 1470)
2.3. A1 preamp package contents:
• 1 pcs A1 preamp with strap attachment
• Strap attachment includes:
- Small hex nut
- Small dress washer
- Lock washer
6
7
- Large dress washer
- Large hex nut
• 1 pcs cover tube for preamp
• 1 pcs battery clip with adhesive
• 1 pcs battery cord harness (length 65 cm / 25 3/8”)
• 2 pcs wire clamps
• 1 pcs instructions and user guide
2.4. A1N-1470 AST bundle package contents:
• 1 pcs AST transducer
• 1 pcs cardboard installation guide (only 1470)
• 1 pcs A1N preamp with strap attachment
• Strap attachment includes:
- Small hex nut
- Small dress washer
- Lock washer
- Large dress washer
- Large hex nut
• 1 pcs cover tube for preamp
• 1 pcs battery clip with adhesive
• 1 pcs battery cord harness (length 65 cm / 25 3/8”)
• 2 pcs wire clamps
• 1 pcs instructions and user guide
2.5. A2 and A2.2 preamp package contents:
• 1 pcs A2 or A2.2 preamp with strap attachment
• Strap attachment includes:
- Small hex nut
- Small dress washer
- Lock washer
- Large dress washer
- Large hex nut
• 1 pcs battery clip with adhesive
• 1 pcs battery cable harness (A2 only. length 65 cm / 25 3/8”)
• 1 pcs pre-wired battery cable harness (A2.2 only)
• 2 pcs wire clamps
• 1 pcs instructions and user guide
2.6. A3.2 and A4.2 preamp package contents:
• 1 pcs preamp circuitry board (A3.2 or A4.2)
• 1 pcs A3/A4 preamp box with top and bottom halves
• 1 pcs faceplate (A3.2 or A4.2)
• 4 pcs 2.2 x 4.5 mm screws (chrome) for box
• 2 pcs 2.2 x 9.5 mm screws (black) for faceplate
• 1 pcs output cable with endpin jack and strap attachment, which
includes:
- Small hex nut
- Small dress washer
- Lock washer
- Large dress washer
- Large hex nut
• 1 pcs battery clip with adhesive
• 1 pcs battery cord harness (length 15cm / 5 13/16”)
• 2 pcs wire clamps
• 1 pcs instructions and user guide
2.7. A5 and A6 package contents:
• 1 pcs A5/A6 preamp box
• 1 pcs faceplate (A5 or A6)
• 2 pcs 2.2 x 9.5 mm screws (black) for faceplate
• 1 pcs output cable with endpin jack and strap attachment, which
includes:
- Small hex nut
- Small dress washer
- Lock washer
- Large dress washer
- Large hex nut
• 1 pcs battery clip with adhesive
• 1 pcs battery cord harness (length 15cm / 5 13/16”)
• 2 pcs wire clamps
• 1 pcs instructions and user guide
• 1 pcs preamp hole-cutting guide
3. TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED FOR
INSTALLATION
3.1. Basic Equipment needed for all products:
• Drill, preferably with continuously variable speed
• Endpin reamer, 12mm (1/2”) or wood drill bit, 12mm (1/2”)
• Allen wrench, 2 mm (3/32”)
• Punch (spike)
7
4.1. UST (Under-Saddle Transducer)
From an operational point of view, it is important that the angle of
the strings behind the saddle is correct. An angle of 30 - 45 is ideal.
If some of the strings (or all) don’t press on the saddle with enough
force, balance problems may occur. The angle of the strings behind
the saddle should be about the same on all the strings. Sometimes
higher-pitched strings have milder angle than the lower ones. Talk to
a guitar technician about this if there are any questions.
A good contact between the B-Band UST and the saddle is needed
underneath every string to achieve good string-to-string balance.
For this to occur, the bottom of the saddle slot and the bottom of the
saddle itself must be absolutely at. Also, the bottom of the saddle
slot should be free of debris. If this is not the case, some of the strings
may sound louder or quieter than others. Louder strings may even
cause feedback problems.
The saddle should t in tight. If you are able to easily pull the saddle
out of its slot with your ngers, it is too loose.
The B-Band UST is so thin (0.4 mm / .018”) that it practically does
not increase the height of the saddle when installed. The depth of the
saddle slot should, however, be deep enough to prevent the saddle
from tilting forward when the strings are tightened. For the same
reason, the saddle must t tight in the slot. A tilted saddle does not
press a large enough area of the transducer satisfactorily. It may be
necessary to compensate for the forward tilt by sanding the bottom
of the saddle oblique. If you have had a piezo-electric transducer in
your instrument, we recommend you to remove it and replace the
saddle with a properly sized saddle. Another possibility is to install a
suitable wooden spacer underneath the saddle.
In some guitars the saddle can be so narrow that even the 2.2 mm
/ 3/32” wide B-Band UST does not t in. In such cases, the slot has
to be made wider and the saddle has to be replaced with a wider
type. In other guitars, the saddle might be an adjustable-height type
or there could be a separate saddle piece for each string. In these
cases it may be necessary to ll and reroute the saddle slot and make
a new, proper size saddle.
• 13 mm (1/2”) wrench to tighten the nuts on the pre-amp endpin
jack
• Small hand-held mirror
• Flashlight (penlight)
For UST installation you also need:
• Drill, preferably with continuously variable speed
• Wood or metal drill bit, 2.3 mm (3/32”) or 3 mm (1/8”)
depending on the width of the transducer
• Small round le
For AST installation you also need:
• 1470 AST cardboard installation mounting guide (supplied)
For A3.2, A4.2 installation you also need:
• Wood or metal drill bit, 3 mm (1/8”)
• Wood or metal drill bit, 7 mm (9/32”)
• Screwdriver, Pozidriv # 1
• Masking tape
• Wood or metal drill bit, 5mm (3/16”)
For A5, A6 installation you also need:
• Masking tape
• Pencil or marker
• Wood or metal drill bit, 5mm (3/16”)
• Rotary wood router with a sharp 3mm (1/8”) cutting bit
• Fine wood nishing le
4. BEFORE INSTALLATION, PLEASE READ THE
FOLLOWING
For a quick pictorial overview of the installation process we highly
recommend you to visit the installations page at www.b-band.com
Also check the B-Band Discussion Forum at the B-Band website. The
forum has invaluable information concerning technical support, installation tips and general discussion about B-Band products.
Before you begin the installation, make sure that the
instrument is in good working condition.
8
9
Before starting the installation, make sure that you have a B-Band
UST of the right model. Measure the width of the saddle slot.
Check that you have the correct model and the system really ts
into your guitar.
Some undersaddle pickup manufacturers recommend to le the
saddle bottom in a slight U-shape in order to create more pressure on
the center area of the pickup. Also, there are saddles on the market,
where portions of the saddle bottom have shallow slots (looks like a
saw blade) in order to create excessive pressure on the pickup. Do not
use these types of saddles with the B-Band UST. The saddle bottom
must always be straight and at with the B-Band UST.
We cannot guarantee a successful installation with every instrument, since there are so many different saddle widths.
4.1.1. UST models and sizes:
Steel stringed guitar or bass:
Saddle width Model UST width
2.3 – 2.9 mm/ .090 - .115” (3/32”) 22L 2.3 mm / .090”
3.0 mm / .120” (1/8”) or more 29L 3.0 mm / .118”
Classical guitar or very small body steel string guitar with use of A1,
A1N, A2 or A2.2 endpin preamp:
Saddle width Model UST width
2.3 – 2.9 mm/ .090 - .115” (3/32”) 22S 2.3 mm / .090”
3.0 mm / .120” (1/8”) or more 29S 3.0 mm / .118”
22S and 29S are for use only with A1, A2 and A2.2 preamps
in classical guitars or in instruments where the saddle is very close
to the area where the endpin preamp will be. In all other models of
guitars, use the “L” model with the A1, A2 and A2.2 preamps. When
using A3.2, A4.2, A5 or A6 preamps, always use “L” size transducer.
“L” models simply are longer in overall length than “S” models. There
is no difference with frequency response.
4.2. AST (Acoustic Soundboard Transducer)
The model B-Band 1470 AST works with all B-Band A series preamps.
In steel string guitars the 1470 AST is attached to the length of the
bridge plate. In classical guitars the 1470 AST is attached parallel to
the bracing between the bridge and the soundhole. The supplied
peel-and-stick adhesive attaches the 1470 AST. Do not use any
other adhesive.
Before installing the 1470 AST, the area where it is to be attached
should be checked that it is good condition and that there is enough
space for the transducer to t. The area should be at, smooth and
clean! All of the 14 x 71 mm (.546” x 2.73” or 9/16”x 2 13/16”) area
of the 1470 AST must attach to the area’s at surface.
5. PREPARING THE GUITAR FOR INSTALLATION
Please read completely before starting the actual procedure.
5.1. First, for test tting 1470 AST (if applicable), loosen and remove
the strings from the tuning machines.
5.1.1. Before removing the strings and bridge pins from the bridge
check to see if the 1470 AST will t at the bridge plate correctly.
Also, at this time, clean the bridge plate surface with a moist cloth
and let dry completely.
The cardboard mounting guide is specically made for bridges
that the saddle is at a slight angle to the bridge pinholes. It may also
be that the guide is too long for the space. If so, the guide can be
trimmed with scissors slightly to accommodate this. If in case the guide
still does not work the transducer may be installed by hand. Although
the instructions do not specify how to do this, if you carefully read the
instructions you will be able to adapt them to perform the installation
by hand. It really is not that hard or critical if you are careful.
For classical guitars the installation is done by hand. For most
classical guitars the 1470 AST is placed inside the guitar parallel to
center brace on the bass strings side that runs parallel to the strings
9
Adhesive side
With A1 and A2, A2.2 preamps.
at the area between the bridge and soundhole. Sometimes there is
also a at brace running parallel under the bridge. The 1470 AST
should be placed so that the AST is on the bass side of the brace
running parallel to the strings and that part of the active area of the
AST, that has the lead to the preamp, goes on the brace for the
bridge (see picture at 8.3). If the brace there is too tall put the AST
in front of the brace. Please read the instructions carefully and adapt
them to the installation.
To test t the 1470 AST, take the cardboard mounting guide from the
tray in the box. Note! There is a small 4.5mm (3/16”) round and a
4.5 mm elongated part that both need to be punched out to make
their respected guide holes. The 4.5 mm round guide hole is for the
low “E” bridge pin and the elongated guide hole to t at the high “E”
bridge pin inside the guitar. Peel away the protective covers from the
two adhesive dots on the cardboard. Do not peel away the actual
AST mounting adhesive protective cover yet!!
The placement of the 1470 AST is important for connection to
the preamp. When using the A1, A2 or A2.2 preamp, the lead of the
1470 must go away from the high “E” string side of bridge area and
towards the butt-end of the guitar. When using the A3.2, A4.2, A5
or A6 preamp the lead goes away from the low “E” side of the bridge
area and towards the upper bout of the guitar (see pictures). When
using A3.2, A4.2, A5 or A6 in left-handed guitars follow the rule of
the A1 / A2 / A2.2 AST placement.
5.1.2. Now mount the 1470 AST to the top of the cardboard mounting
guide at the rectangle 1470 AST area inscribed on the cardboard.
Now put the assembly to the bridge pins, with the AST towards the
bridge plate, and check the t. All of the AST’s 14 x 71mm active area
must t at the soundhole side of the bridge plate without touching the
bridge pins or string ball-ends or hanging over the edge of the bride
plate. Also, if using a UST / AST combination, be sure that there is
enough room in that area for the hole for the UST.
Adhesive side
With A3.2, A4.2, A5, A6 preamps
5.2. Next remove the strings, bridge pins and the saddle. If you are
using a UST, check that it ts into the slot easily, and that the saddle
is sufciently tight in the slot.
5.3. Remove the strap button. Carefully enlarge the hole using 12mm
(1/2”) endpin reamer or 12mm (1/2”) wood drill bit. Smooth the edge
of the hole with a small le or a sinking drill bit.
5.4. For UST check the inside of the guitar to nd the position of the
braces. Drill a preferably 30 - 45 angled, 2.3 mm (3/32”) or 3 mm
(1/8”) hole (depending on the model of your B-Band UST) for the
transducer into the one end of the saddle slot. Be careful not to
damage the braces! In case you cannot make the hole angled,
because of possible damage to the braces, you can make it straight
down. It is very important to smooth the edge of the hole using a bit
of rolled sandpaper or a small le, to avoid pinching the UST as the
saddle lies on it. If you use A3.2, A4.2, A5, or A6 preamp, you must
drill the hole at the low-E string side of the slot.
If you will be installing a 1470 AST along with the UST, the
drilled hole for the UST will determine where the AST will be
placed laterally.
When the UST is treaded though the hole, it should not touch the
AST. The two transducers should not touch each other!
5.4