LR Baggs iMix Onboard - Manual (Page 6)

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.
9 . i B E A M R E M O V A L A N D R E P O S I T I O N I N G
The adhesive used to secure the iBeam is very strong. Once you stick it down, it
will increase its grip over about a week’s time. If you wish to experiment with
placement, it will be easier before the adhesive develops its full strength. To
experiment with placement, begin by outlining the pickup in its current position
with a pencil; this will act as a reference of the initial location. Next, place three
fingers along the length of the back side of the pickup. Pull firmly with even
pressure parallel to the guitar top, until the adhesive gives way. Rock it up onto
one edge and then lift up one end to pull the adhesive away from the bridge
plate. Do not pull up on the cap. Then pull the pickup off. Because the iBeam
relies on a clean connection with the guitar body, we do not recommend
reusing the adhesive; instead, use a new strip.
To remove the adhesive from the bottom of the pickup, roll it off like carpet.
After tacking the new pad to the bottom of the pickup, use the edge of a pencil
to press the adhesive firmly to the pickup. We’ve included two extra pads in the
kit, and extra pads are available from us in packs of 10 for $5.00. Be sure to
inspect the bridge plate for any adhesive residue before you reposition the
iBeam.
Now reposition and test the pickup. Remember that moving the pickup towards
the saddle will increase presence and string response, while away from the
saddle will increase warmth and body response. If the sound is satisfactory,
continue to the Element installation in section 10. If not, continue repositioning
the iBeam as needed until you find the proper location.
1 0 . E L E M E N T I N S T A L L A T I O N
10.1 Installation notes: For optimum performance of the Element, the bridge
slot must have a clean, flat surface free of any debris or over-spray from the
finish. The slot must be a minimum of .125” (1/8”) deep, but we suggest a depth
of at least .187" (3/16”) to avoid excessive saddle tilt.
The commonly-known 50/50 rule applies: The amount of saddle visible above
the bridge surface (with pickup installed) should be no greater than the amount
of saddle in the slot beneath the bridge surface; otherwise the balance and
output of the pickup may suffer.
10.2 Short saddle note: The first 1/8" of the Element pickup is not active. If you
do not have a minimum of 1/4" of saddle beyond the E strings, you may
experience low output on these strings. To remedy this, drill a small horizontal
hole in the end of the slot to extend the pickup further under the saddle (see
figure 9). To drill this hole without disrupting the floor of the saddle slot, place a
small jeweler's screwdriver under the tip of the drill bit. On short saddles we
also advise that the pickup exit hole be drilled into the end wall of the saddle
slot rather than the slot's floor (see figure 11) to likewise extend addle/pickup
contact at the exit end. Again use the jeweler's screwdriver to protect the saddle
floor as you drill.
10.3 Installation: Remove the strings from the guitar. To duplicate the string
height exactly, scribe a line along the front edge of the saddle where it extends
above the bridge. The line will later be used as a guide when removing material
from the bottom of the saddle to compensate for the thickness of the pickup
(.037” total). Remove the saddle to drill the hole for the pickup. The drill bit
needs to be as large as the saddle slot will allow.
Inspect the inside of the guitar and note the position of the braces and the
iBeam in relation to the saddle slot. Drill at either end of the slot on the side
that will enable you to avoid all braces as you penetrate the top, as shown in
figure 12. Do not drill through the iBeam! Blow out the slot with compressed
air and check for remaining debris.
Important: Round the inside of the hole where it meets the bottom of the slot
with a small, sharp knife or small file to avoid pinching the pickup as the saddle
lies on it.
Feed the pickup into the slot from inside the guitar with either side up. Inserting
a toothpick or similar object through the hole from the outside is helpful in
finding the location of the hole on the inside of the guitar.
fig. 9
extension
normal saddle:
drill floor short saddle:
drill side wall
jeweler's screwdriver
drill bit
fig. 10 fig. 11
fig. 12
This view depicts the bridge at an angle that is level with the guitar
top and perpendicular to the saddle slot. Note the rounded edge
where the hole has been drilled.
slot
bridge
drill bit
guitar top
iBeam
brace