Have you ever been intimidated by the thought of wiring your guitar with a Fishman Powerbridge pickup? Fear not! This article will guide you through the process step-by-step, from understanding the wiring diagram to installation and troubleshooting. So, let’s dive in.
Understanding the Fishman Powerbridge Wiring Diagram
The Fishman Powerbridge pickup system is designed to give acoustic guitar players the option of amplifying their instrument through an electric guitar amplifier. The system includes a piezo pickup that is mounted under the bridge and a preamp that is installed inside the guitar. The preamp provides volume and tone controls, as well as a feedback suppression circuit.
The wiring diagram for the Fishman Powerbridge is fairly straightforward. There are three wires that need to be connected: one for the piezo pickup, one for the preamp, and one for the output jack. Let’s take a closer look at each of these components.
The Piezo Pickup
The piezo pickup is a small sensor that is mounted under the bridge of the guitar. It senses the vibrations of the strings and converts them into an electrical signal that can be amplified by an amplifier. The pickup has two wires: a black wire and a white wire.
To wire the pickup, you’ll need to run the black wire to the preamp and the white wire to ground. The preamp will amplify the signal from the pickup and send it to the output jack. The ground wire provides a path for any unwanted electrical noise to escape.
The Preamp
The preamp is the heart of the Fishman Powerbridge system. It provides volume and tone controls, as well as a feedback suppression circuit. The preamp has three wires: a black wire, a red wire, and a green wire.
The black wire is the ground wire and should be connected to the black wire from the pickup. The red wire is the power wire and should be connected to the positive terminal of a 9-volt battery. The green wire is the output wire and should be connected to the output jack.
The Output Jack
The output jack is where you plug in your guitar cable to connect your guitar to an amplifier. The output jack has two terminals: a hot terminal and a ground terminal.
To wire the output jack, you’ll need to connect the hot terminal to the green wire from the preamp. The ground terminal should be connected to the ground wire from the pickup and the ground wire from the battery.
Installation
Now that you understand the wiring diagram, it’s time to install the Fishman Powerbridge pickup system. Here are the steps:
- Remove the old bridge from your guitar.
- Place the Fishman Powerbridge on the guitar and align it with the bridge pin holes.
- Mark the location of the mounting holes on the guitar.
- Drill pilot holes for the mounting screws.
- Mount the Fishman Powerbridge to the guitar using the screws provided.
- Run the pickup wire and the preamp wire through the soundhole of the guitar.
- Connect the wires according to the wiring diagram.
- Place the preamp inside the guitar and secure it with double-sided tape.
- Connect the battery to the preamp.
- Plug in your guitar and test the system.
FAQ
Q: What tools do I need to install the Fishman Powerbridge?
A: You’ll need a drill, drill bits, screwdrivers, wire cutters, and a soldering iron.
Q: Can the Fishman Powerbridge be used with an acoustic amp?
A: Yes, the Fishman Powerbridge can be used with both electric and acoustic amps.
Q: Can the Fishman Powerbridge be installed on any guitar?
A: The Fishman Powerbridge can be installed on most acoustic guitars with a flat top and a bridge that can be removed.
Q: How do I adjust the volume and tone controls?
A: The volume and tone controls are located on the preamp. Simply turn the knobs to adjust the settings.
Q: How do I troubleshoot feedback issues?
A: Try lowering the volume or moving away from the amplifier. You can also try adjusting the feedback suppression circuit on the preamp.
Conclusion
The Fishman Powerbridge pickup system is a great option for acoustic guitar players who want to amplify their instrument through an electric guitar amplifier. By understanding the wiring diagram and following the installation steps, you can enjoy the benefits of this system in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the volume and tone controls to find your perfect sound. Happy playing!
