Element Active System
Installation Manual
Jack tip recessed inside of strap-ring
Jack tip flush with strap-ring
PACKAGE CONTENTS
One Element Active System with undersaddle pickup, endpin preamp w/volume control
attached.
One battery bag
Three self-stick wire clips
OVERVIEW AND CAUTIONS
The Element Active System combines the Element undersaddle pickup with a pre-contoured,
all-discrete Class A endpin preamp. A soundhole mounted volume pot gives you additional
control and versatility without requiring any other modifications to your instrument. The
Element Active is designed to interface with just about anything you plug into, but best
results will be realized through a high-quality, full-range PA. Plugging in and unplugging
the cord from your guitar will turn the preamp on and off.
We recommend that this pickup system be installed by a professional dealer/installer. We
do not provide installation advice or support for home or hobbyist installations.
Installers: Please read the instructions carefully before proceeding. We will not be
responsible for any damage to the guitar or personal injury from installation, improper
installation, use or misuse of the product.
STRAPJACK/PREAMP INSTALLATION
If your guitar already has a half inch hole in the tail block, proceed to the installation.
Drilling the strapjack hole: This jack requires a clean, half inch hole in the tail block of
the instrument. The easiest way to drill this hole accurately and effectively is to use a half
inch “step” drill-bit, available at any hardware store. Other options are to use a “Forstner
Bit”, or a “Brad-point bit”.
CAUTION: DO NOT USE A SPADE BIT OR STANDARD DRILL BIT FOR THIS!
Begin by placing a piece of masking tape over the area to be drilled (generally, in the center
of the tail block). This is to protect the guitar’s finish. Drill a pilot hole approximately 3/16”
dia. Now you can finish up using the step-drill. Place the tip of the step-drill in the pilot
hole, line up the drill as straight as you can, and proceed to drill until you’ve gone all the
way through the tail block.
Installing the strapjack: Remove the strap ring, retaining nut, and one washer from the
end of the jack. There will still be one flat washer, one star-locking washer, and one nut
remaining on the threaded barrel of the jack.
Adjust this nut and washers to a depth on the barrel that will allow approximately 90% of
the smaller threaded portion of the jack to extend beyond the tail block outside the guitar.
Bring the jack down through the soundhole into the guitar and insert it into the pre-drilled
hole in the tail-block to check the adjustment. There should be a couple of threads
remaining within the hole.
With the jack in place, lay the remaining washer over the threads and attach the external
retaining nut until it’s tight. Finish by attaching the strap ring.
Upon completion, the small threaded section of the jack should be flush or near flush with
the end of the strap ring. If the threaded section is recessed too far, the plug will not make
electrical contact with the jack! Therefore, be sure to adjust this until it is right.
