User manual FISHMAN BP-100

[. . . ] The pickup is terminated to a specially modified Switchcraft 1/4" jack. The BP-100, reproduces a very deep bass tone with emphasis on the fundamental pitch, unlike most other bass pickups which tend to emphasize the 1st overtone. The BP-100 responds evenly throughout all playing registers and resists feedback at high volume levels. [. . . ] Determine which isolation plug fits snugly into the E-string side wing-hole on the bridge. Slip the wire into the slit of the isolation plug and fit the plug into the wing-hole. FINE TUNING · Mounting the elements 1/4" to 1/2" below the top edge of the bridge will produce a different sound. · You may fine tune the string balance by moving the upper corner of an element closer to or further from an individual string. · Once the optimum position is determined, the elements should not be disturbed or removed from the instrument. They should be retightened after installation to compensate for compression of the felt. 4 Owners Manual PLUGGING IN Due to the nature of passive pickups, the type of cable you use and the input you plug into will affect the quality of your sound. INSTRUMENT CABLE Cable lengths over 10 feet (before preamp) will cause audible high frequency loss. Using fully shielded metal plugs will also help eliminate hum. KINDS OF AUDIO INPUTS Because of the lack of standardization for high impedance audio inputs, special attention should be paid to what you are plugging into: The BP-100 will sound best when plugged directly into an input with a 10 M impedance. The BP-100 can also be plugged into inputs as low as 1 10 M with adequate results. At 1 M , the lowest bass frequencies will be slightly rolled off. PREAMPS We strongly recommend using a 10 M, impedance matching, buffered preamp in conjunction with the pickup. Permit long cable runs (after the preamp) without signal deterioration. Insure compatibility with virtually any instrument level audio input available. 5 BP-100 Acoustic Bass Pickup Pickup Fishman Transducers manufactures a complete line of compatible preamps, all with 10 Meg Ohm inputs: MODEL BII - Outboard Acoustic Instrument Preamp PRO-EQ II - 4 Band Acoustic Instrument Preamp PRO-EQ PLATINUM - Outboard Acoustic Instrument Preamp / EQ / D. I. ACOUSTIC / BASS BLENDER - 2 Channel Pickup / Mic Preamp POCKET BLENDER - 2 Channel Pickup/Mic Preamp BASS AMPLIFIERS Most bass amplifiers (at least 1 M input impedance) will yield useable results. These amps will usually sound boomy in the bass and brittle in the top end, even with all controls set "flat". Pre-voiced EQ can be defeated by plugging directly into the power amp, (with a buffering preamp) via an effects return jack. SPEAKERS Sealed speaker enclosures provide the most punch and uncolored reproduction. Most modern ported enclosures tend to overly interact with the instrument and cause low end emphasis that masks the acoustic quality of the instrument. DIRECT BOXES You can plug the BP-100 into an "active" direct box (1-10 M input) with very good results. Using a passive direct box will sound weak and thin. P A / RECORDING CONSOLES Professional PA and recording consoles have a much lower input impedance than what is acceptable for the BP-100. Plugging a passive piezo pickup into a mixer without an impedance matching preamp will sound harsh and thin. 6 Owners Manual TROUBLESHOOTING SYMPTOM CAUSE SOLUTION Check the flatness of the bridge face with the edge of a steel ruler or a single edge razor blade. If necessary, use a 120-150 grit sanding block or a flat file to level the area of the bridge face. Flatten only the area that will make direct contact with the elements. [. . . ] Call FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS at 978-988-9199 for a Return Authorization Number ("RAN"). Enclose a copy of the original Bill of Sale as evidence of the date of purchase, with the product in its original packaging and a protective carton or mailer. FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS' technicians will determine whether the item is covered by warranty or if it instead has been damaged by improper customer installation or other causes not related to defects in material or workmanship. [. . . ]