Sound Checker Internal Installation Instructions

Sound Checker Original User Instructions

Web Edition

1. Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing Sound Checker©. Sound Checker© provides one of the simplest and most reliable ways to get an electric signal from your non-electric acoustic instrument.

Please take a few minutes to read the information below before using your pickup. Have your pickup on hand so you can identify the details as referred to in the text. Following the information included in this document will help to ensure that your pickup will perform in the most optimum and reliable manner possible.

2. Operation

Sound Checker© operates on the piezo-electric principal. There is a piezo crystal mounted in the head of Sound Checker©. When the string of the instrument is struck, tiny vibrations are transferred to the sound board and converted to acoustic sound. Sound Checker© can also sense these tiny vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal that can be amplified.

3. Mounting The Pickup

Sonic Putty

Sound Checker© is mounted to the soundboard of the instrument by means of a "tacky" sonic putty. The putty will not dry out and can be used again and again. It will generally work on all surfaces without harming the finish. For delicate or sensitive surfaces, test the putty in an inconspicuous area for 48hrs before mounting on the "show" side of the instrument. Do not mount on unfinished or unprotected surfaces. If you are uncertain about the finish of your instrument, do not use the sonic putty to mount Sound Checker©.

The protective mylar shipped with Sound Checker©, is to prevent dirt, dust and lint accumulating on the putty during storage and shipping. Remove this mylar prior to affixing the pickup on your instrument. The putty will continue to work best when kept clean. If you find that the putty is losing its’ "tackiness", Remove the putty and knead into a small ball. Press the ball back onto Sound Checker©. This should restore the "tackiness". If this fails, the putty has probably become contaminated with dirt, lint or dust. Replace the old putty with the spare putty shipped with the pickup taking care not to contaminate the putty.

Mounting the Pickup

Take Sound Checker© and press it on to the sound board of your instrument, as close to the bridge as possible. Use a slight twisting motion to bed the putty. To avoid damage to your instrument Do not use excessive force!!. Mount Sound Checker© in a place that will not interfere with the normal playing of the instrument. Route the cord out of the way and secure it if required. Note that the sonic putty is not designed to bear any tension or excessive weight of the cord.

4. For Optimum Sound

  • Ensure that Sound Checker© is securely fastened and good contact is made with the sound board of the instrument.
  • Use as thin a layer of sonic putty possible to ensure maximum signal.
  • Experiment with different locations on the soundboard of the instrument to find the area with the greatest vibrations resulting in the best signal.
  • You can use a preamplifier to improve signal response. For best results, use a preamplifier that is designed for piezo type pickups.