thomann Harley Benton HBCE 830BK, Harley Benton HBCE 830VW, Harley Benton HBCE 830FR User Manual

HBCE 830BK / FR / VW

electric cello

user manual

Musikhaus Thomann
Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.thomann.de

25.01.2017, ID: 225744, 225745, 225799

Table of contents

1 General information.............................................................................................................. 4

1.1 Further information........................................................................................................ 4

1.2 Notational conventions................................................................................................. 4

1.3 Symbols and signal words........................................................................................... 5

2 Safety instructions................................................................................................................. 6

3 Scope of delivery..................................................................................................................... 7

4 Assembly instructions.......................................................................................................... 8

4.1 Setting the height........................................................................................................... 9

4.1.1 Tuning the strings........................................................................................................ 9

5 Connections and controls................................................................................................ 10

5.1 Connecting and inserting the battery................................................................... 11

5.2 Connecting the instrument cable........................................................................... 11

5.3 Connecting headphones........................................................................................... 11

5.4 Connecting audio devices......................................................................................... 11

5.5 Adjusting Volume and Tone..................................................................................... 12

6 Maintenance........................................................................................................................... 13

6.1 Changing strings........................................................................................................... 13

6.2 Battery change............................................................................................................... 13

7 Technical specifications.................................................................................................... 14

8 Plug and connection assignments............................................................................... 15

9 Cleaning.................................................................................................................................... 16

10 Protecting the environment........................................................................................... 17

Table of contents

HBCE 830BK / FR / VW

3

1 General information

This manual contains important instructions for the safe operation of the unit. Read
and follow the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the manual for
future reference. Make sure that it is available to all those using the device. If you sell
the unit please make sure that the buyer also receives this manual.

Our products are subject to a process of continuous development. Thus, they are
subject to change.

1.1 Further information

On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and
details on the following points:

Download This manual is also available as PDF file for you to download.

Keyword search

Use the search function in the electronic version to find the
topics of interest for you quickly.

Online guides

Our online guides provide detailed information on technical
basics and terms.

Personal
consultation

For personal consultation please contact our
technical hotline.

Service

If you have any problems with the device the
customer service will gladly assist you.

1.2 Notational conventions

This manual uses the following notational conventions:

The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.
Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.

The individual steps of an instruction are numbered consecutively. The result of a
step is indented and highlighted by an arrow.

Example:

1. Switch on the device.

2. Press [Auto].

ð

Automatic operation is started.

3. Switch off the device.

Letterings

Instructions

General information

electric cello

4

1.3 Symbols and signal words

In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words
that are used in this manual.

Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates

an immediate dangerous situation that will result in
death or serious injury if it is not avoided.

CAUTION! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates

a possible dangerous situation that can result in minor
injury if it is not avoided.

NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates

a possible dangerous situation that can result in mate‐
rial and environmental damage if it is not avoided.

Warning signs Type of danger

Warning – danger zone.

General information

HBCE 830BK / FR / VW

5

2 Safety instructions

DANGER!
Danger for children

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of and
are not in the reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard!

Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the
like) from the product. They could swallow the pieces and choke!

Never let children play unattended with the product.

CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage

Making music for a prolonged period and at high volume can cause
hearing damage.

Avoid playing the unit at full volume, especially when using head‐
phones.

NOTICE!
Operating conditions

This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage,
never expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight,
heavy dirt, and strong vibrations.

NOTICE!
Possible damage by leaking batteries

Leaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device.
Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer

period.

NOTICE!
Possible property damage by magnetic fields

Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field. Therefore, maintain an
appropriate distance to devices that can be adversely affected or dam‐
aged by an external magnetic field.

Safety instructions

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6

3 Scope of delivery

Thank you for purchasing the HBCE 830BK / FR / VW electric cello. The package
includes the following components:

n 1 × electric cello
n 1 × endpin (pre-assembled)
n 1 × bridge (pre-assembled)
n 1 × headphone (1/4" jack, mono)
n 1 × instrument cable (1/4" jack, mono)
n 1 × strings set (pre-assembled)
n 1 × composite bow
n 1 × bow rosin
n 1 × suitable 9 V battery
n 1 × suitable transport bag

Assembling and tuning your instrument are described in detail in the following sec‐
tions.

Scope of delivery

HBCE 830BK / FR / VW

7

4 Assembly instructions

A (front side) 1 Endpin.

2 Wing screw.
3 Bridge.

B (rear side) 4 Machine heads.

5 Chest support.
C Operating elements.

C (operating ele‐
ments)

6 Connector for instrument cable (1/4" phone socket, mono)
7 Battery compartment
8 Connector for audio devices (3.5 mm phone socket, mono).
9 [Treble]

With this control you can adjust the high frequencies.

[Bass]

With this control you can adjust the low frequencies.

[Volume]

With this control you can adjust the volume.

10 Toggle switch amp / headphone.

Overview

Assembly instructions

electric cello

8

4.1 Setting the height

The endpin to adjust the height of the instrument is fully retracted in delivery condi‐
tion and fixed with the wing nut.

Turn the wing nut counterclockwise to loosen the fixation and the endpin.

Drag out the endpin so far that the instrument can be played at the desired and for
you ergonomically correct and comfortable height.

Then tighten the wing nut clockwise to fix the endpin in this position.

4.1.1 Tuning the strings

Now tune all strings with the machine heads using a tuner device to the correct pitch
(usually C-G-D-A from low to high).

Assembly instructions

HBCE 830BK / FR / VW

9

5 Connections and controls

CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage

Making music for a prolonged period and at high volume can cause
hearing damage.

Avoid playing the unit at full volume, especially when using head‐
phones.

NOTICE!
Risk of breakage, possible deformation

When placing the instrument with the fretboard down, there is a risk of
damaging the fingerboard and the tailpiece.

Avoid any compressive load on the rear of the instrument, if it is placed
for the assembly or for service work with the fretboard down on a solid
surface.

Before connecting amplifier or headphones, the slide control [VOLUME]
must be set to the right stop ‘Minimum’. This avoids loud crack noises when
switching on.

Connections and controls

electric cello

10

5.1 Connecting and inserting the battery

On delivery of the instrument, a suitable battery is enclosed.
Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the instrument and connect the

lead wire with correct polarity to the battery. Insert the battery into the battery com‐
partment and close the battery compartment cover. It must audibly click into posi‐
tion.

NOTICE!
Possible damage by leaking batteries

Leaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device.
Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer

period.

5.2 Connecting the instrument cable

The connector for the instrument cable (1/4" jack, mono) is located on the back of
the instrument.

5.3 Connecting headphones

The connector for the headphone (1/4" jack, mono) is located on the back of the
instrument.

Slide the selector switch towards the headphone icon.

When using a headphone with 3.5 mm jack, you need an appropriate
adapter.

5.4 Connecting audio devices

The connector for audio devices (3.5 mm, mono) is located on the back of the instru‐
ment.

Connections and controls

HBCE 830BK / FR / VW

11

5.5 Adjusting Volume and Tone

The controls to adjust the volume [Volume] and the tone [Treble ] /[Bass] are located
on the back of the instrument.

Connections and controls

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12

6 Maintenance

6.1 Changing strings

Strings are subject to a natural aging process, which is also affected by the frequency
of use of the instrument. Changing the strings is recommended if the sound quality
of the instrument decreases audibly. Always replace the complete set of strings
(strings of 4/4 length) and always go string by string. In this way you avoid a strong
temporary bending of the neck due to reduced string tension. The bridge also
remains in the correct position and does not have to be readjusted.

1. For example, loosen the run-down C string from the capstan of the machine

head and from the tailpiece.

2. Thread the new C string into the tailpiece, pull it over the bridge into the cap‐

stan bore of the machine head.

3. Hook the string end to the capstan and tighten the string tension slowly. At the

first windings, pay particular attention that the string is taut to the mechanics.

4. Make sure that the string is running correctly through the grooves of bridge

and nut at the upper end of the neck.

5. Slowly increase the string tension until the correct pitch is reached. Use a tuner

or a pitch pipe for reference.

6. Proceed in the same way with the G, D and A strings (from low to high) and

then tune all strings again successively to the correct pitch. Note that the string
tension will drop a little and the instrument needs to be retuned several times
until the strings stay in tune.

6.2 Battery change

Replace the inserted battery if necessary (weak output signal) or at regular intervals.
Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the instrument. Remove the

battery and unplug the connection cable from the battery terminals.
Clamp the power cable with the correct polarity to the new battery. Insert the battery

into the battery compartment and close the battery compartment cover. It must
audibly click into position.

Proceed as follows to change the
strings:

Maintenance

HBCE 830BK / FR / VW

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7 Technical specifications

HBCE 830BK HBCE 830FR HBCE 830VW

Item no. 225744 225745 225799
Colour Black Ferrari red Vintage white
Scale approx. 68 cm
Body material maple back, maple ribs, hollow body design
Neck material maple, ebony fretboard
Pick-up active piezo
Operating supply

voltage

9 V battery

Machine heads single
Dimensions

(W × H × D)

45 mm × 20 mm × 132 mm

Weight 3.7 kg

Technical specifications

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8 Plug and connection assignments

This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable
equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.

Please note these advices, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated:
Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed
power amp, a short circuit or ‘just’ in poor transmission quality!

Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environment and in hifi
use. Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical rep‐
resentatives of the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding
while the signal is transmitted through the core.

Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at
low levels, such as microphone signals and when using long cables.

In a professional environment, therefore, the balanced transmission is preferred,
because this enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In
addition to the conductors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission a second
core is added. This also transfers the signal, but phase-shifted by 180°.

Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted
signals, the interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal
without any noise interference.

1 Signal
2 Ground, shielding

1 Signal (in phase, +)
2 Signal (out of phase, –)
3 Ground

Introduction

Balanced and unbalanced transmis‐
sion

1/4" TS phone plug (mono, unbal‐
anced)

1/4" TRS phone plug (mono, bal‐
anced)

Plug and connection assignments

HBCE 830BK / FR / VW

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9 Cleaning

Clean the instrument and especially the strings after playing with a dry, soft, lint-free
cloth. Stubborn dirt can be removed with a slightly dampened cloth.

Never use cleaners containing alcohol or thinner.

Cleaning

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10 Protecting the environment

For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have
been chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.
Do not just dispose these materials with your normal household waste, but make

sure that they are fed to a recovery. Please follow the notes and markings on the
packaging.

Batteries must not be disposed of as domestic waste or thrown into fire. Dispose of
the batteries according to national or local regulations regarding hazardous waste.
To protect the environment, dispose of empty batteries at your retail store or at
appropriate collection sites.

This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Directive (WEEE). Do not dispose with your normal household waste.

Dispose this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local
waste facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations
that apply in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.

Disposal of the packaging material

Disposal of batteries

Disposal of your old device

Protecting the environment

HBCE 830BK / FR / VW

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Notes

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Musikhaus Thomann · Hans-Thomann-Straße 1 · 96138 Burgebrach · Germany · www.thomann.de