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 (it
should cover the retaining nut and washer). Note that asserting too much
pressure may crack the finish. Then proceed to the appropriate iBeam
installation instructions (pin bridge, non-pin bridge or classical/nylon) in the
following sections.
4 . 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
4.1 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. Because every 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 3. However, because every guitar is unique, you may be
rewarded by searching for the optimum location.
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 4 will increase the amount of “body” in the sound and
generally have a more mellow and homogeneous tone 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.
4.2 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.
4. Place the stationary rod of the mounting fixture in the high-E bridge pin
hole and adjust the movable rod laterally in the slot until it drops into the low-
E bridge pin hole as shown in figure 5. Tighten the nut to secure the movable
rod.
5. Place the adhesive dots on the fixture over the saddle (see figure 5), one on
each side of the big slot. Remove the adhesive backing from the dots and
position the iBeam over the fixture in the desired location. Stick the iBeam to
the adhesive dots on the fixture as shown in figure 6.
6. Remove the fixture and iBeam together from the bridge and remove the
adhesive backing from the bottom surface of the iBeam.
7. Insert the fixture holding the iBeam into the guitar. Find the high and low E-
string bridge pin holes with the rods on the fixture.
8. Insert the rods into these holes and then elevate the fixture straight up until
the rods just poke out of the holes about 1/2". Grasp one of the rods from the
outside of the guitar and hold it. Do not pull up yet. While holding the one rod,
let go of the fixture inside of the guitar and grab the other rod on the outside
of the guitar.
9. Now pull straight up on the rods as shown in figure 7 to elevate the iBeam
until it contacts the bridge plate. Tug up on the rods to secure the pickup.
10. Pop the fixture off the iBeam inside the guitar and remove the fixture.
11. Press up firmly along the top surface of the iBeam, especially on the ends,
to secure it. It’s usually a good idea to press down on the bridge from the
outside of the guitar as you press up on the iBeam from the inside to equalize
pressure and avoid cracking the top. Wiggle the iBeam front to back a little as
you press.
fig. 3: primary location
fig. 4: alternative mounting area
fig. 5
tail
block
smaller
threaded
section
protrudes
fig. 2