Fishman SONITONE - Acoustic Guitar Pickup Installation Guide

Read Me First!

Installation of this product is a straightforward procedure, but we recommend this job only if you are an experienced repair technician.

Saddle Slot:
Maximum E to E string spacing at saddle: 2.5" (63.5mm)

Control mounting surface
The control module for this system was designed to fit in most guitars without modification, but we cannot guarantee a drop-in fit with all instruments. Before you begin installation, pre-fit the control module in the soundhole, but do not permanently install at this time. Ideally, the controls should lie flat with the housing flush to the edge of the soundhole.

Preliminary

Drill a ³⁄₃₂" hole (2.4mm) in the saddle slot for the pickup wire, no less than.100" (2.5mm) from nearest string (figures 1, 2).

Seal the control module mounting surface
To ensure a strong and reliable bond, you must now sand, clean and seal the underside of the soundhole where the preamp will mount.

1. Sand the underside of the soundhole down to bare wood. Take care to remove all residual lacquer, polish and dirt.
2. Use mineral spirits to clean the sanded area. Remove any excess oil, resin and dust from the exposed wood. Let the area dry before proceeding to the next step.
3. Seal the exposed wood with an appropriate coating. Use only a coating that will bond the wood fibers and present a hard, uniform surface for the adhesive. We recommend any of the following:

• Hide glue
• All purpose two-part epoxy
• Cyanoacrylate glue (higher viscosity, non-instant type)
• Carpenter's glue

Let the area dry before proceeding to the next step.

Installation

Output jack/battery box installation

1. Once you select the mounting location, affix the output jack/battery box template and cut out the cavity.
2. Drill a pilot hole for the screw holes.
3. Feed the output and battery wires through the cavity.
4. Install the output jack/battery box using the four mounting screws.

Sonicore installation

Thread the tip of the pickup through the hole in the saddle slot from inside the instrument (figure 3).

Bring the tip of the pickup to the opposite end of the slot and lay it down flat (figure 4). Install saddle after reducing its height by.070" (1.8mm).

NOTE: Do not trim the end of the pickup; it will become susceptible to hum and it may short out.

Control module installation

1. Before mounting the control module, connect the output jack/battery wires to the control module.
   • Connect the output jack by inserting the 3-pin connector into the 3-pin receptacle on the preamp.
   • Connect the battery box by by inserting the red & black 2-pin connector into the 2-pin receptacle on the preamp.
2. We recommend securing the wires inside the instrument with adhesive-backed clips (figure 5).
   
3. Peel back the release film on the bottom of the mounting bracket and fasten the control module to the underside of the soundhole. Apply even, steady pressure to the preamp to set the adhesive. The adhesive gains maximum hold after 24 hours.