User Guide

Player’s Guide
page 2
Introduction
Welcome to the world of Direct String Synthesis. The
principle is simple: a focused feedback loop directed at a
single string. This produces a powerful innite sustain, rich
in harmonics, for incredible guitar sounds. It’s like ampli-
er feedback with greater control and predictability, at any
volume, even through headphones. This hand-held syn-
thesizer provides an amazing variety of textures and tonal
slurs. It’s virtually an instrument in itself. Read the following
instructions and listen to the accompanying audio lesson.
You’re sure to discover many unique effects of your own but
we recommend that you develop the basics outlined here
rst.
How the EBow Works
Powered by a 9 volt battery, the EBow produces a magnetic
drive eld which in effect bows the guitar string. This eld
emanates from the blue LED end of the DriveChannel and
feeds directly into your guitar pickup when brought near it.
For maximum drive, the bowed string should run down the
middle of the DriveChannel and vibrate freely in this eld.
Just hold the EBow in place and fret the vibrating string with
your left hand.
Opening Tips
The EBow dramatically increases the guitar signal. Lower
the volume and treble settings on your guitar, especially
when rst learning EBow technique. The EBow works best
with the bass pickup (the one nearest the fretboard). All oth-
er pickups should be off. If your bass pickup is closer than
1/8 inch from the strings, it should be lowered just enough
to avoid contact with the EBow foot. We recommend you
use the standard mode to develop some basic technique on
the center strings (ADGB) before proceeding to the outside
E strings.
Switch Positions
The PlusEBow has two modes
of play. The regular or standard
mode favors the fundamen-
tal tones. The harmonic mode
causes the string to vibrate with
rich upper harmonics.
When playing the EBow with the basic grip, ip the switch
up (toward the low strings) for the normal EBow sound.
Switch it down (toward the high strings) for that high har-
monic sound.
How to Hold the EBow
Begin at about half your normal picking volume with only
your bass pickup on.
The EBow is usually
played close to the bass
pickup using the basic
grip. You can rest the little
nger of your right hand
on the guitar, just below
the high E string, for more
control.
How to Position the EBow
The foot of the EBow has been carefully designed. The
long GuideGrooves on either side of the DriveChannel rest
on the two strings
on either side of the
driven string. These
grooves guide the
EBow into proper
alignment so that
the DriveChannel
sits over and very