SBT-SeriesSoundBoard Transducer

Includes Installation Instructions for Models

SBT-Cfor classical

SBT-Ewith 1/4” endpin jack

SBT-HPfor harp & piano

Instal lat ion GuideInstal lat ion Guide

®

TM

EQUIPPED!

Thank you for choosing the Fishman SBT. Although it is a very simple and basic passive pick-

up, 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 CCuussttoommeerr SSeerrvviiccee DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt aatt 997788--998888--99666655 oorr tteecchh@@ffiisshhmmaann..ccoomm

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 str inged 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-CPARTS• 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 andsimilar stringed instruments. The installation may be performed either on the outside of the instru-ment or inside the soundhole where the transducer will be out of harm's way. In instruments withsmall 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 overa "dead" structural brace. The exact location for best results should be determined by experimen-tation.

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SBT Series - SoundBoard TransducerSBT Series - SoundBoard Transducer

1. Determine the approximate location ofthe transducer by measuring about 1.5"(3.8 cm) below the bridge and a 1.5"(3.8 cm) below the highest pitchedstring and note the position where thesetwo measurements meet. This willserve as a test location (Fig.1).

2. Apply an adhesive pad to the shiny brass face of the transducer and mount at the locationindicated in Step 1. The transducer wire should follow the grain of the soundboard and pointtoward the soundhole of the instrument.

Check the location by plugging in the pickup and listening. Should the position prove unsatis-factory, 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 torelease the foam adhesive. Residual adhesive should then be removed from the brass sur-face of the transducer.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE TRANSDUCER WHEN REMOVING THEADHESIVE 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 theinstrument.

JACKHOLDER

JACK

STRAINRELIEF

CLIP

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Insta l la t ion GuideInsta l la t ion 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 MOUNTINGAlthough excellent results are obtained by using the adhesive pads, an increase in overall fre-quency 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 thatsuch a procedure is permanent and irreversible; removal may result in damage to both the trans-ducer and the inner surface of the soundboard.

INSTALLING THE MODEL SBT-EThe Model SBT-E is designed specifically for classical and steel string guitars when a permanentendpin-style jack is desirable. We strongly recommend the services of a qualified repairman pri-marily 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 EndblockThere are two ways to widen the endpin hole to accept the endpin jack:

Slow and SafeIf you have the time, this is the preferred way to enlarge the endpin hole. Remove the endpin andwiden the hole to size with a 15/32'" (11.9mm) reamer, available in the US & Canada throughStewart MacDonald, 800-848-2273, part #4323.

ORQuick & CleanThe objective here is to drill out the hole with the endpin or other suitable plug in place. You mayremove a loose endpin and refasten it in the endblock with cyanoacrylate glue before starting theprocedure.

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SBT-C Installation ContinuedSBT-C Installation Continued

Note: We do not recommend this method for instruments with brittle ornamental veneers(ex: abalone) around the endblock.

1. Apply masking tape around the endblock area to protect the instrument.

2. Locate an X-Acto saw blade 1/16" (1.6mm) away from the body and saw off the endpin.

3. Centerpunch a guide hole in the center of the trimmed endpin.

4. Drill a 1/8" (3.2mm) pilot hole through the endblock.

5. Line up a 15/32" (11.9mm) Spade bit in the pilot hole and begin drilling. Maintain a perpendic-ular plunge in relation to the instrument. Use steady (but not heavy) pressure, especially asthe drill exits inside the guitar.

6. To avoid damage to the instrument, let the drill come to a complete stop before removing itfrom the hole.

Install the Pickup1. Insert the pickup in the slot and then strip and tin the wire ends.

2. Unscrew the shielding cap on the jack to expose the solder terminals. Thread the pickup wirethrough the shielding cap.

Gently bend back the strain relief/sleeve tab to gain better access to the Tip terminal.

3. Solder the pickup "hot" wire to the Tip terminal, which is the shortest of the three tabs.

Solder the pickup shield to the ground tab on the jack. Gently tighten the strain relief.

4. Refasten the shielding cap to the jack.

OPTION: PERMANENT TRANSDUCER MOUNTING

Although excellent results are obtained by using the adhesive pads, an increase in overall fre-quency 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™". Be aware,however, that such a procedure is permanent and irreversible; removal may result in damage toboth the transducer and the inner surface of the soundboard.

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Insta l la t ion GuideInsta l la t ion Guide

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SBT Series - SoundBoard TransducerSBT Series - SoundBoard Transducer

Wiring Options with the Fishman SwitchjackThe Switchjack T-R-S-S (Tip/Ring/Sleeve/Switch) stereo switching endpin jackallows simultaneous stereo operation and battery switching for active pickups. Thisnew configuration simplifies stereo wiring with many pickup combinations that wereonce incompatible.

To gain better access to the Tip, Ring and Switch terminals, gently bend back theStrain Relief/Sleeve tab, before you begin to solder.

Pages 7 & 8 illustrate the various wiring options made possible by the Switchjack.

TM

Shield

Tip(Short Terminal) Ring

TipGuitar Sleeve

1/4" Stereo Plug

Switch(Long Terminal) Ring

(Medium Terminal)

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Insta l la t ion GuideInsta l la t ion Guide

Pickup Signalto Tip

Shield toSleeve

Pickup Signalto Tip

2nd Pickupto Ring

CommonGround

Mono Wiring an SBT Series PickupMono Wiring an SBT Series Pickup

Stereo Wiring a Second Pickup to an SBT Series PickupStereo Wiring a Second Pickup to an SBT Series Pickup

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SBT Series - SoundBoard TransducerSBT Series - SoundBoard Transducer

Negative Battery Wireto Switch

Pickup Signalto Tip

2nd Pickupto Ring

CommonGround

Stereo Wiring with an Active PickupStereo Wiring with an Active Pickup

CommonGround

Pickup Signalto Tip

Microphone to Ring

Zener Diodebetween Ring & Sleeve

Adding a Microphone to an SBT Series Pickup Adding a Microphone to an SBT Series Pickup **

* For use with the Fishman Blender System

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Insta l la t ion GuideInsta l la t ion Guide

Fasten the Jack in the Endpin HoleFollow this sequence when installing the endpin jack:

1 - Shielding Cap 2 - First Large Hex Nut3 - Large Dress Washer4 - Star Washer5 - Guitar Endblock6 - Small Dress Washer7 - Small Dress Nut8 - Strap Button

The jack should protrude at least 5/16" and no more than 11/32" outside of the guitar body forproper fit. After fitting the small dress washer and nut over the end of the jack, insert the 3/32"allen wrench through the small hole on the end of the jack. Tighten the nut with the 1/2" open endwrench while holding the jack in place with the allen wrench. Thread and hand tighten the strapbutton.

NOTE: With the strap button in place, the end of the jackshould protrude slightly, so that when a plug is inserted, itwill snap securely in place.

INSTALLING THE MODEL SBT-HPThe Model SBT-HP is designed for harp or piano.

PARTS• SBT-HP with 42" Cord and 1/4" Jack• (3) Double-sided Adhesive Pads• Adhesive-backed Jack Holder

As a general rule, the transducer should be mounted over a freely vibrating location and not overa "dead" structural brace. The exact location for best results should be determined by experimen-tation.

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FOR HARP MOUNTING

1. The approximate pickup position will be between 1/3 and 1/2 the soundboard's length, startingat the bottom of the soundboard, 1" out from either side of the center brace. The resultingintersection of the two measurements provides a good test location for the transducer.

2. Apply an adhesive pad to the shiny brass face of the transducer and mount outside the instru-ment, at the location indicated in Step 1. The transducer wire should follow the grain of thesoundboard and point toward the bottom of the instrument.

3. Plug the pickup into an amplifier and experiment with the vertical location of the transducer. Ifyou detect boominess or feedback, relocate the transducer higher up on the soundboard. Inno case should it be necessary to mount it higher than 1/2 the distance. Use increments ofabout 3 inches.

CAUTION: Removal for relocation should be performed by gently sliding a thin plastic creditcard between the transducer and the soundboard.

4. Once you have found the "sweet spot" for the pickup, mount it at the same spot inside theinstrument.

5. Plug the instrument into an amplifier. If boominess or feedback occurs, relocate the transduc-er as detailed above.

6. Remove the protective film from the bottom of the jack holder and mount the holder in a con-venient location. We recommend a location on the base of the instrument, if possible. We donot recommend mounting to the soundboard.

FOR PIANO MOUNTING

A single SBT-HP mounted on an acoustic piano soundboard is an effective means of providinghigh volume amplified sound reinforcement when used in conjunction with one microphone. Themicrophone should sense the bass register of the piano while the transducer’s signal, when mixedwith the microphone signal, will provide punch and clarity to the middle and upper ranges of thepiano.

The SBT-HP should be mounted to the piano soundboard at a location adjacent to the higherstrings. For example, on a grand piano the transducer should be placed directly on the sound-board within the third-largest ranges of the piano.

For additional instructions, see the instructions above for mounting the transducer to a harp.

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SBT-HP Installation ContinuedSBT-HP Installation Continued

PLUGGING INDue to the nature of passive pickups such as the SBT, the type of cable you use and the input you plug intowill affect the quality of your sound.Instrument CableCable lengths over 10 feet (before preamp) will cause audible high frequency loss. Use a high quality, lowcapacitance shielded cable. This will ensure minimal tone coloration and hum. Using fully shielded metal plugswill also help eliminate hum.

Kinds of Audio InputsBecause of the lack of standardization for high impedance audio inputs, special attention should be paid towhat you are plugging into. The SBT will sound best when plugged directly into an input with a 10 M Ωimpedance; the full frequency response of the instrument is reproduced. The SBT can also be plugged intoinputs as low as 1 M Ω with adequate results; the bass frequencies will be slightly rolled off.

PreampsWe strongly recommend using a 10 M Ω, impedance matching, buffered preamp in conjunction with thepickup. A matching preamp will:

1. Realize the full frequency response potential of the pickup.2. Permit long cable runs (after the preamp) without signal deterioration.3. Allow precise volume and tone shaping with dedicated EQ.4. Ensure compatibility with virtually any instrument level audio input available.

Fishman Transducers manufactures a complete line of compatible preamps, all with 10 M WW inputs:POWERJACK - Miniature Endpin PreampMODEL GII & BII - Outboard Acoustic Instrument PreampAGP-2 - Onboard Instrument PreampPRO-EQ II - 4 Band Outboard Acoustic Instrument PreampPRO-EQ PLATINUM - Outboard Acoustic Instrument Preamp / EQ / D.I.DUAL PARAMETRIC D.I. - Fully Parametric Two Band Preamp / D.I. ACOUSTIC / BASS BLENDER - 2 Channel Pickup / Mic PreampPOCKET BLENDER - 2 Channel Pickup/Mic Preamp

Musical Instrument AmplifiersMost musical instrument amplifiers (at least 1 M Ω input impedance) will yield useable results. Many acousticinstrument amplifiers have a 10 M Ω Piezo input, and will match the pickup.

Direct BoxesYou can plug the SBT into an "active" direct box (1 - 10 M Ω input) with very good results. Using a passivedirect box will sound weak and thin.

PA / Recording ConsolesProfessional PA and recording consoles have a much lower input impedance than what is acceptable for theSBT; you will need an impedance matching preamp. Plugging a passive piezo pickup into a mixer without animpedance matching preamp will sound harsh and thin.

Insta l la t ion GuideInsta l la t ion Guide

The FISHMAN SBT Series SoundBoard Transducer is warranted to function for aperiod of One (1) Year from the date of purchase. If the unit fails to functionproperly within the warranty period, free repair and the option of replacement orrefund in the event that FISHMAN is unable to make repair are FISHMAN’s onlyobligations. This warranty does not cover any consequential damages or damage tothe unit due to misuse, accident, or neglect. FISHMAN retains the right to makesuch determination on the basis of factory inspection. Products returned toFISHMAN for repair or replacement must be shipped in accordance with the ReturnPolicy, as follows. This warranty remains valid only if repairs are performed byFISHMAN. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also haveother rights which may vary from state to state.

Return PolicyTo return products to FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, you must follow these steps...

1. Call FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS at 978-988-9199 for a Return AuthorizationNumber (“RAN”).

2. 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.

3. FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS’ technicians will determine whether the item iscovered by warranty or if it instead has been damaged by improper customerinstallation or other causes not related to defects in material or workmanship.

4. Warranty repairs or replacements will be sent automatically free of charge.

5. If FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS determines the item is not covered by warranty, wewill notify you of the repair or replacement cost and wait for your authorization toproceed.

FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS340-D Fordham Road Wilmington MA 01887 USA

Phone 978-988-9199 • Fax 978-988-0770www.fishman.com

6-00 • 009-030-001

Limited WarrantyLimited Warranty

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