1. SAFETY AND PRODUCT CAUTIONS
Although B-Band products could be easy to install by following
these instructions carefully and checking the B-Band website
and references, we highly recommend the installation be done
by a professional qualified guitar craftsman or technician. Some
installations require a high knowledge about woodworking and
guitar structure.
B-BAND LTD AND B-BAND, INC. WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE
FOR ANY DAMAGES, PERSONAL INJURIES OR LIABILITIES
RESULTING FROM INSTALLATIONS, IMPROPERLY DONE IN-
STALLATIONS OR MISUSE OF PRODUCT.
Read all of these instructions closely before starting installation.
B-Band transducers (UST and AST) work with all B-Band A-se-
ries preamps.
Do not cut, pull, crimp or bend at a sharp angle any B-Band
transducers.
B-Band UST and AST CANNOT be shortened or altered in any
way. This will cause audible hum and void the warranty.
Long-time exposure of UST or AST to high temperatures (over 50
°C / 120 °F) may reduce the output level permanently.
B-Band transducers will only work with B-Band preamps. B-
Band preamps will work with most any external audio preamps,
mixers, and instrument amplifiers.
Before installation make sure instrument is in good working
condition.
Do not mount battery holder to preamp.
Even with the battery secure in the holder or the battery box lid
closed, the battery could get loose when transported. We strongly
recommend removing the battery before transporting the instru-
ment in heavy conditions, for example, with freight companies or
airlines, to avoid possible damage to the instrument.
When doing any drilling, sawing, cutting or routing at the guitar,
be sure to secure the guitar so it will not move when doing such
work.
2. OVERVIEW OF B-BAND UST AND AST TRANSDUCERS
Both the B-Band UST (Under-Saddle Transducer) and AST
(Acoustic Soundboard Transducer) use the same-patented trans-
ducer technology.
They are very flexible, but you should never pull or bend them
at a sharp angle.
B-Band transducers themselves do not require electrical power,
as they are permanently charged electrets. Because of the very
high output impedance (typical for condenser microphones) B-
Band UST and AST always require a B-Band preamp.
Standard piezo preamps will not work properly with B-Band
transducers. They will produce low output and poor bass re-
sponse.
The active portion of the B-Band UST transducer is 80 mm (3.15”)
from the end of the transducer at the opposite side of the con-
nector. The active portion of the 1470 AST is the 14 x 70 mm (.55”
x 2.75”) area that attaches to the guitar. The rest of the UST and
the “lead” wire of the AST are not active. However, for best per-
formance always keep the inactive portion of either UST or AST
pickup from touching each other, or touching or rubbing on the
inside of the guitar, or touching the battery or output jack wires.
These can produce unwanted handling noise.
UST and Model sizes
• Saddle width: 2.3 – 2.9 mm (.090” - .115” (3/32”))
B-Band model #: 22R
UST width: 2.3 mm (.090” (3/32”))
• Saddle width: 3.0 mm (.118” (1/8”)) or more B-Band
model #: 29R
UST width: 3.0 mm (.118” (1/8”))
