Specifications

UST
B35
DEAR CUSTOMER,
Thank you very much for purchasing this state-of-the-art B-
Band® acoustic transducer system. B-Band takes care to
provide the highest quality product and is manufactured and
supported in true spirit of acoustic instrument aficionados.
The outstanding sound reproduction of B-Band transducers
is based on the technology of a very special, worldwide-
patented material that is exclusive to B-Band. This material
is very different from, and has nothing to do with, piezo-
electric films, transducers or pickups.
How is it different? A long story could be written about the
technical characteristics of the material, like how the
“microscopic lens-like gas bubbles”™ work inside the
permanently charged film, but the most important difference
is the sound. Whereas piezo pickups tend to impart a sound
of their own (often described as “quacky” or “plastic”), B-
Band transducers act in much the same way a condenser
microphone does. B-Band systems will provide an excellent
reproduction of your instrument's unique sound.
All of us at B-Band truly hope you enjoy this product.
Please contact us if you have any comments about B-Band
products.
Always ready to help you.
Yours sincerely,
Heikki Räisänen, CEO
B-Band Ltd
2 3
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, B-BAND, INC. AND B-BAND GMBH WILL
NO T BE RE S PO NS I BL E F OR AN Y DA M AG ES ,
PERSONAL INJURIES OR LIABILITIES RESULTING
F R O M I N S TAL L AT I O N S , I M P R O P E R LY D O N E
INSTALLATIONS OR MISUSE OF PRODUCT.
Read all of these instructions closely before starting
installation. B-Band A and H series UST transducer pickups
work with all B-Band A-series preamps.
After installation the UST pickup can have very high output,
enough to overdrive the B-Band preamp input, causing
distortion. The UST will lower in output, under pressure of
the saddle, in 1 to 3 days.
Do not cut, pull, crimp or bend at a sharp angle any B-Band
transducers. The B-Band UST CANNOT be shortened or
altered in any way. This will cause audible hum and void
the warranty.
Long-time exposure of UST to high temperatures (over 50
°C / 120 °F) may reduce the output level permanently.
B-Band preamps are active devices powered by battery.
The active preamp has a higher signal output and functions
differently from passive circuits, for example, that is found
on electric guitar. When using an active preamp do not turn
the volume, or tone controls all the way up to full as this
could very easily overdrive the input of an amplifier or mixer
causing distortion. Use moderate levels when operating.
B-Band pickups will only work with B-Band preamps. B-
Band preamps will work with most any external audio
preamps, mixers, instrument amplifiers, and most other
audio devices.
Before installation make sure instrument is in good working
condition.
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 PICKUP
TRANSDUCERS
The B-Band UST (Under-Saddle Transducer) pickup uses
the EMFIT® patented transducer technology. In this
booklet, the terms “TRANSDUCER” and “PICKUP” are
alike in meaning.
The UST is very flexible, but you should never pull or bend
them at a sharp angle.
B-Band pickups themselves do not require electrical power,
as they are permanently charged electrets. Because of the
very high output impedance (typical for condenser
microphones) The B-Band UST always require a B-Band
preamp.
Standard piezo preamps will not work properly with B-Band
pickups. This kind of device combination will produce low
output and poor bass response.
The active portion of the B-Band 29R UST pickup is 80 mm
(3”) from the end of the transducer at the opposite side of
the connector.
The rest of the UST is not active. However, for best
performance always keep the inactive portion of either UST
pickup from touching or rubbing on the inside of the guitar,
or touching the battery or output jack wires. These can
produce unwanted handling noise.