LR Baggs iBeam Onboard-Sm - Manual (Page 3)

4.2 Drilling the strapjack hole: For proper installation, this jack requires a
clean 1/2" hole in the tail block of the instrument. Start by placing a piece of
masking tape on the outside of theinstrument over the drilling area (to avoid
chipping the finish), drill a small pilot hole in the tail block and then follow
with a step drill. Now proceed to the strapjack installation as detailed in the
following section.
5 . S T R A P J A C K I N S T A L L A T I O N
Remove the strap ring, retaining nut and one washer from the end of the jack.
There should still be one star locking washer, one flat washer and a nut
remaining on the jack. Bring the jack down through the soundhole into the
body and insert it into the pre-drilled hole in the tail block. Using the internal
nut (be sure to include the flat and star washer), set the proper depth that will
allow the entire smaller threaded section to protrude from the instrument (see
figure 3). With the jack in place, lay the remaining washers over the threads
and attach the external retaining nut until it’s tight. Finish by attaching the
strap ring (it should cover the retaining nut and washer) so as not to crack the
finish of the instrument by asserting too much pressure.
Now proceed to the appropriate iBeam installation instructions (pin bridge,
non-pin bridge or classical) in the following sections.
6 . i B E A M I N S T A L L A T I O N : P I N B R I D G E
G U I T A R S
6.1 General positioning guidelines: The iBeam is a highly sensitive pickup;
therefore, placement and the unique characteristics of the instrument are
critical factors in producing the outstanding results of which the iBeam is
capable. A few millimeters in any direction can have profound effects on the
quality of the sound. In short, because each guitar is different, we can tell you
approximately where the pickup should be placed, but we can not provide an
exact specification.
The iBeam is designed to attach to the bridge plate, directly under the saddle
line and generally parallel to the saddle, with the attached peel-and-stick
adhesive. Good results should be consistently had by attaching the pickup as
shown in figure 4. However, because every guitar is unique, you may be
rewarded by searching for the optimum location.
The optimum location will deliver a sound that is focused and tight, with
proper string balance and good presence. It will capture enough of the string
resonance to be articulate, but will be mellowed by a full and strong body
resonance. Ultimately, it will accurately capture the distinct tone of the
instrument. An unsatisfactory location will often be characterized by a woofy
or nasal tone, poor string balance and a high sensitivity to feedback.
In general, placing the iBeam directly under the saddle will provide the
greatest sense of immediacy, impact, snap and “string” sound. Offsetting the
pickup either toward the sound hole or toward the bridge pins in the area
shown in figure 5 will increase the amount of “body” in the sound and
generally have a more mellow and homogeneous sound with less midrange.
We have often achieved our very best results by placing the pickup as close to
the string ball-ends as is practical and offsetting it about 1 to 2 mm toward
the treble side of the saddle. An alternative location that has often worked well, provided the x-braces are wide enough, is to offset the pickup
toward the front edge of the bridge plate.
Do not test the pickup placement without firmly securing the adhesive. Without completely securing the pickup, the sound test will produce
unreliable results.
6.2 Pin bridge installation (initial placement):
1. Assemble the mounting fixture.
2. Remove the strings from the pin holes.
3. Reach inside the hole and feel around under the bridge to be sure the bridge plate is free from debris and obstructions. If you are unsure, stick
a mirror inside to inspect this area.
fig. 3
tail block
smaller threaded section protrudes