Owner’s Manual Bedienungsanleitung Mode d’emploi
English Congratulations Thank you for purchasing the Yamaha B1D Divided Pickup Unit. The B1D Divided Pickup Unit can pick up the vibrations produced by an electric bass guitar’s strings, and transmit those signals to a Yamaha Guitar MIDI Converter (G50). When properly installed and adjusted it can convert almost any steel stringed bass guitar into a controller for a guitar synthesizer system. It can be used on normal 4-string basses as well as 5-string, and 6-string basses.
Precautions !! PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE PROCEEDING !!␣ ■ Location Do not expose the B1D to the following conditions to avoid deformation, discoloration, or more serious damage. • Direct sunlight (e.g. near a window). • High temperatures (e.g. near a heat source, outside, or in a car during the daytime). • Excessive humidity. • Excessive dust. • Strong vibration.
Nomenclature & Functions q Divided Pickup t Controller r e y w i u q Divided Pickup t B1D Output Jack This magnetic type pickup converts vibrations from the bass guitar’s individual strings into an electrical signal. The pickup is attached to the bass guitar’s body. The selected signal from the Output Selector is transmitted to the Guitar MIDI Converter via this jack. → page 6 “Attaching the Divided Pickup” w Synth Volume Control Controls the volume of the synthesizer.
Parts List Before you install the B1D, please make sure you have all of the parts listed below. ● B1D Main Unit ● Direct Bass Guitar Cable (Divided Pickup + Controller) ● Clearance Gauge ................. 2 Pieces ● Divided Pickup Attachment Parts • Spacer A (Thickness: 1mm) ............... 10 Pieces • Spacer B (Thickness: 0.3mm) ............... 12 Pieces • Pickup Cushion (Double-Sided Adhesive) ................. 8 Pieces • Pickup Double-Sided Adhesive Tape ............... 16 Pieces • Springs .....
Before You Install ■ Installing on the Bass Guitar ● Select the Method of Installation Before you install the B1D on your bass guitar, carefully read the advice provided below. Select an installation method which is best suited to your bass guitar and playing requirements. Three methods for installing the divided pickup are listed below. ● Base Plate Installation (Removable) ● The Bass Guitar ● The B1D is a divided pickup designed for use with steel string electric basses.
Attaching the Divided Pickup ■ Mark the Installation position for the divided Pickup. The divided pickup should be located between the rear pickup and bridge so that the cable end of the pickup is oriented toward the lower bass string (the pickup will not function if it is attached facing the opposite direction). The divided pickup is designed for use on basses with up to 6 strings (6B, 5E, 4A, 3D, 2G, 1C).
Attaching the Divided Pickup Once the optimum installation position has been decided, you can prepare to attach the pickup. However, the distance between the string and the pickup’s magnetic yoke is extremely important. Since the height of the pickup’s magnetic yokes cannot be adjusted individually, the pickup position, the pickup’s overall height, and string height, can be adjusted to meet the conditions necessary for optimum string/pickup clearance.
Attaching the Divided Pickup ■ Attach the Divided Pickup (Removable) Fittings Attachment The divided pickup can easily be removed yet pickup height adjustment is still maintained. 1. Apply the base plate’s double-sided adhesive tape, to the underside of the base plate. (Do not remove the backing yet.) 2. Fix the Pickup Attachment Fittings to the Divided Pickup with the screws and springs. For proper height adjustment, select the best length screw (6, 8, 10, 12mm).
Attaching the Divided Pickup Double-Sided Adhesive Tape Attachment Use the cushions and spacers to adjust the height of the pickup, and use the double-sided adhesive tape to attach the pickup to the bass guitar. 1. Cut in half the spacers (A, B) used to adjust the pickup’s height. 2. Determine how many spacers and/or cushions will be needed to attain proper height for the pickup. With the backing still in place, stack spacers A (1mm thick), B (0.
Attaching the Divided Pickup Use the following steps if you need to readjust the pickup height. 1. Determine the number of spacers you need to add or remove. 2. Remove only the pickup from the body. Without applying any excessive force to the pickup, carefully pry the pickup from the spacers by sliding a thin, flat object under the low string end of the pickup, and gently lifting the pickup away from the spacer.
Attaching the Controller ■ Decide the position for attaching the controller. ■ Attach the Controller Consider the following points carefully when deciding on the best location to install the controller. 1. With the male and female portions of the Velcro still attached, cut the Velcro tape into three pieces, and attach one side of the Velcro to the underside of the controller. Velcro Tape Attachment • The controller and cable should not hinder performance.
Attaching the Controller The bracket can also be fixed to the bass guitar using the strap pin. An alternate method is to attach the bracket using the bass guitar’s strap pin. Loosen the screw holding the strap pin to the bass guitar body, slide the slot in the bracket under the pin, then tighten the pin screw until the bracket is held firmly in position. Cushion Attachment Attach three pieces of controller cushion to the bottom of the controller.
Connections Make sure the power is OFF on all related equipment before making any connections. Also, set the amp volume to its lowest setting. 1. Use the direct bass guitar signal cable to connect the bass guitar’s output jack to the B1D’s bass guitar input jack. * Always connect the direct bass guitar signal cable, even if you don’t intend to use the direct bass guitar sound. The direct signal cable is essential for proper grounding, to minimize noise, and prevent electric shock.
G50 Settings If you are using the Yamaha Guitar MIDI Converter G50, set the following settings on the G50. ● Guitar/Bass Mode Switch With the G50 power switched OFF. Set the GUITAR/BASS mode switch, located on the rear panel of the G50, to the BASS position. When the G50 is in the BASS mode, “ ASS” will appear on the G50 display when the power is switched ON. Verify.
Controller and Switch After connection and setup is finished, try to play your bass guitar. ● Play a synth sound only ● Play the Bass Guitar sound only. • Set the output select switch to the SYNTH position • Set the output select switch to the BASS position. • Use the VOL knob to control the synth volume. Turn the knob right to increase the volume and left to decrease. • The bass direct signal volume will not change even if the VOL knob is turned.
Getting the most out of your B1D & G50 Please use the following functions to get the most out of your B1D and G50. What playing style will you use? Set the G50’s [A: Playing Style] to the “Pic” (pick) setting if you are going to play with your fingers. When using a pick, as long as you use a firm attack, not letting the pick “slide” over the strings, there should be no problems. If you are going to use a slap technique, set the [A: Playing Style] to the “SLP” (slap) setting.
Troubleshooting If you think there may be a problem with your B1D and G50, first check the information below for a possible solution. If that does not solve the problem, contact the nearest Yamaha dealer or the music store where you purchased the device. Low pitches produce no sound. → Is the GUITAR/BASS selector switch on the rear panel of the G50 set to BASS? (→ pg. 14). Multiple notes sound.
Specifications ● Main Function ● Bass Guitar String Spacing Synthesizer Volume Knob Output Selector Switch (BASS/MIX/SYNTH) UP/DOWN Buttons Power Indicator Divided Pickup (6-string independent) Direct Bass Guitar Input Jack B1D Output Jack (Divided Pickup + Bass Guitar Signal) 4-string : 17-20mm (0.67"-0.79") 5-string : 18-20mm (0.71"-0.78") 6-string : 18-19mm (0.71"-0.75") ● Weight 78 g (2 lbs.12oz) ● Dimensions (W x D x H) 85.1mm x 75.9mm x 28.8mm (3-3/8" x 2-15/16" x 1-1/8") ● Package Contents 8.
Y A M A H A • G U I T A R • M I D I • C O N V E R T E R The G50 is a high-performance Guitar MIDI Conver ter designed to work in conjunction with the Yamaha B1D Divided Pickup Unit installed on an electric or steel-string acoustic guitar. The G50 offers unprecedented MIDI guitar synthesizer per formance with exceptionally fast response and a range of advanced features that bring the true creative potential of MIDI control to guitar players for the first time.
For details of products, please contact your nearest Yamaha or the authorized distributor listed below. Pour plus de détails sur les produits, veuillez-vous adresser à Yamaha ou au distributeur le plus proche de vous figurant dans la liste suivante. NORTH AMERICA Die Einzelheiten zu Produkten sind bei Ihrer unten aufgeführten Niederlassung und bei Yamaha Vertragshändlern in den jeweiligen Bestimmungsländern erhältlich.
M.D.G., EMI Division © Yamaha Corporation 1997 VZ13850 704POCP5.
