Fishman SBT-E, SBT-HP, SBT-SERIES Installation Manual
SBT-Series
SoundBoard Transducer
Includes Installation Instructions for Models
SBT-C
for classical
SBT-E
with 1/4” endpin jack
SBT-HP
for harp & piano
Installation Guide
Installation Guide
®
TM
EQUIPPED!
Thank you for choosing the Fishman SBT. Although it is a very simple and basic passive pickup, the SBT will reproduce the full, natural response of your instrument. Please follow the
installation instructions carefully. Special attention should also be paid to the PLUGGING IN
section to ensure the best sound from your pickup. If you have any questions, please contact
our
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The SBT Series pickups are economical "stick on" style pickups that can be mounted on any type
of acoustic stringed instrument equipped with a flat soundboard. All three models are crafted to
sense the microvibrations of a soundboard. Each is a practical alternative to more expensive
bridge mounted units that require the services of a repairman for installation.
The Model SBT-C is recommended for easy installation on classical guitars, steel string guitars,
dulcimers and similar stringed instruments. The Model SBT-E features the Fishman
Switchjack™ and is recommended when a permanent installation is desired. The Model SBT-HP
is specifically for harp and piano.
INSTALLING THE MODEL SBT-C
PARTS
•
SBT-C Pickup with 1/8" Shielded Jack
•
(3) Double-sided Adhesive Pads
•
Adhesive-backed Jack Holder
•
Felt-covered Strain Relief Clip
•
10' Instrument Cable
PREPARATION
The model SBT-C may be mounted onto a classical guitar, a steel string guitar, a dulcimer and
similar stringed instruments. The installation may be performed either on the outside of the instrument or inside the soundhole where the transducer will be out of harm's way. In instruments with
small soundholes, dulcimers, for example, internal installation may not be practical.
As a general rule, the transducer should be mounted over a freely vibrating location and not over
a "dead" structural brace. The exact location for best results should be determined by experimentation.
2
2
SBT Series - SoundBoard Transducer
SBT Series - SoundBoard Transducer
1. Determine the approximate location of
the transducer by measuring about 1.5"
(3.8 cm) below the bridge and a 1.5"
(3.8 cm) below the highest pitched
string and note the position where these
two measurements meet. This will
serve as a test location (Fig.1).
2. Apply an adhesive pad to the shiny brass face of the transducer and mount at the location
indicated in Step 1. The transducer wire should follow the grain of the soundboard and point
toward the soundhole of the instrument.
Check the location by plugging in the pickup and listening. Should the position prove unsatisfactory, move the pickup in 1/4" increments, and re-test, until you find the best position.
Carefully slide a guitar pick or credit card between the transducer and the soundboard to
release the foam adhesive. Residual adhesive should then be removed from the brass surface of the transducer.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE TRANSDUCER WHEN REMOVING THE
ADHESIVE PAD, DO NOT PULL THE WIRE OR BEND THE TRANSDUCER.
3. Once you have found the "sweet spot" for the pickup, mount it at the same spot inside the
instrument.
JACK
HOLDER
JACK
STRAIN
RELIEF
CLIP
3
3
Installation Guide
Installation Guide
1.5 "
1.5 "
FIG. 1
FIG. 2
4. Mount the adhesive backed jack holder to the inside of the instrument adjacent to the sound-
hole (Fig.2).
5. Insert the jack into the jack holder and plug the instrument cable into the jack (Fig.2).
6. Attach the felt-covered strain relief clip to the soundhole (Fig.2).
NOTE: The felt-covered clip can be bent to accommodate different soundhole thicknesses.
OPTION: PERMANENT TRANSDUCER MOUNTING
Although excellent results are obtained by using the adhesive pads, an increase in overall frequency response and output will result when the transducer is bonded to the soundboard with a
"hard" adhesive. We suggest a gap-filling cyanoacrylate such as Loctite "Black Max™". Note that
such a procedure is permanent and irreversible; removal may result in damage to both the transducer and the inner surface of the soundboard.
INSTALLING THE MODEL SBT-E
The Model SBT-E is designed specifically for classical and steel string guitars when a permanent
endpin-style jack is desirable. We strongly recommend the services of a qualified repairman primarily because a hole must be drilled in the instrument.
Follow the same procedure as the Model SBT-C on page 3 to mount the pickup element.
PARTS
•
SBT-E Pickup
•
1/4" Fishman Switchjack™ stereo endpin jack
•
(3) Double-sided Adhesive Pads
Prepare the Endblock
There are two ways to widen the endpin hole to accept the endpin jack:
Slow and Safe
If you have the time, this is the preferred way to enlarge the endpin hole. Remove the endpin and
widen the hole to size with a 15/32'" (11.9mm) reamer, available in the US & Canada through
Stewart MacDonald, 800-848-2273, part #4323.
OR
Quick & Clean
The objective here is to drill out the hole with the endpin or other suitable plug in place. You may
remove a loose endpin and refasten it in the endblock with cyanoacrylate glue before starting the
procedure.
4
4
SBT-C Installation Continued
SBT-C Installation Continued
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