Installation

Handmade Pickups For Acoustic Instruments
Installation Instructions - Schatten D-3 Std. Dulcimer Pickup
Thank you for purchasing one our dulcimer pickups. Each pickup is carefully hand built and individually tested to ensure that it meets
our high standards for quality and durability. Please read these instructions through fully prior to installing your pickup
Installing the output jack assembly
The jack assembly is generally installed first, prior to the piezo sensor. There are two
options for mounting the jack assembly.
Using 3M VHB tape to install the jack assembly:
1) The area of the end block chosen to install the jack assembly should be flat, clean,
and dry.
2) The jack assembly comes with a strip of 3M VHB foam tape attached to its back side.
For most installations this foam tape will provide a secure mounting medium. Remove
the backing paper from the foam tape and press the jack assembly firmly into place.
Extra VHB tape is supplied.
Using screws to install the jack assembly:
1) To mount the jack assembly to the end block by screwing it into place, pre-drill two
small holes into the end block prior to installing the screws.
2) Place the jack assembly on the desired area. Push the two screws into their holes
and press firmly to imprint their points into end block.
3) Drill two holes 3/32" diameter as marked. Tighten the screws to mount the jack
assembly.
Installing the Piezo Sensor
There are two options for attaching the piezo sensor to the instrument; a thin layer of
putty or a strip of 3M VHB tape. The putty will in general transmit slightly more sound than the tape but takes a bit more care to install
properly.
Using putty:
1) Take a piece of putty about half the size of a small pea. Knead and stretch the putty until it is quite soft and flexible. Spread the
putty on the underside of the pickup by stretching it around with your thumbs (the underside of the pickup is the side opposite the label
and has a small silver dot in the middle of it). The thinner the putty the better it will work.
Using VHB tape:
1) Cut a piece of tape to the length of the piezo sensor and install it on the
underside of the pickup (this is the side opposite to the label). Remove the
backing paper.
2) As shown in the picture to the right, the piezo sensor should be installed
approximately even with the last fret of the instrument. On the dulcimer
shown at right, the pickup just happens to partially span one of the sound
ports. It is not necessary to span a sound port for the pickup to work properly,
it just depends on the dulcimer.
3) The mounting point for the sensor is meant to be in an area of the top that is
quite lively and resonant.
4) The sensor has to be pressed securely into place with either mounting
material. Please make sure not to press so hard as to damage or crack the
wood of the instrument.
5) To secure any excess wire from rattling against the instrument, tear off one
or two small quantities of putty and place them in the 90 degree corner formed
between the fingerboard and the top.
6) Once the putty is in place, the pickup wire can be pressed into it to hold in
place.
Notes: This pickup is designed to work properly plugged into any ‘normal’ amp.
A DI box and/or preamp may be needed if the signal is taken straight into a
mixer or PA system.
Warranty
We warrant to the original purchaser that our pickups are free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of 2 (two) years. Should a product fail
to perform properly within the specified warranty period you may contact
your dealer or Schatten Design for warranty instructions. No product will be
accepted for warranty return by Schatten Design without a Return
Authorization number.
Rev. 07-06
627 Colby Drive, Waterloo Ontario, Canada N2V 1B4
www.schattendesign.com email: [e-mail]
519-742-3862 toll free: 877-633-0177 fax: [phone]