#1
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Installed my HFN today
Installed a Schatten HFN in my Yamaha FG820 today. Like everyone says, very easy install. Compared to the K&K in my low-end Eastman dread it has about 30% less output but is vastly more natural-sounding. Takes a lot to get it to feed back and even then it doesn't get out of control.
I do have a couple of issues with it though. The low E string is not as loud and the unwound strings sound plastic-y, especially playing up the neck. I tried sliding the pickup over toward the bass side but it made very little difference. This is a putty install. If anyone has advice on what I might do to get it more balanced I would appreciate it. I'm thinking maybe try it again with the low E side seated firmly and treble side less so. |
#2
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Is there a glue option? I am always of the opinion that glue will help balance over putty.
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Vancebo Husband of One, Father of Two Worship Leader, Music Teacher Oregon Duck Fan Guitars by: Collings, Bourgeois, Taylor Pickups by: Dazzo Preamps by: Sunnaudio Amps by: Bose (S1) Grateful |
#3
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I think one of the main appeals of the HFN is that it doesn’t use glue. I too had the low e string issue but I think placement is key. I find the tape sounds better though. More balanced. My next try will be with the amulet m tape.
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#4
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I tried each method and found the putty was more balanced in my guitar. Each guitar is different though so like Petty said I would give the tape a try and mess around with the placement a bit. I wonder if that's causing your lower output. I've used k&k's before and the output is roughly the same as the new Schatten HFN. Do you have the one with the rosewood base or black ABS?
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#5
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Unfortunately, I have been testing mine and the Low E string and even the A string are definitely quieter. I am a bit concerned because the first install with putty had similar results. I would say this is a bit worse. I will have to try another installation.
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#6
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I glued it with loctite 495 before I tried the putty.
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#7
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You could also email Les at [email protected] I'm sure he would be happy to help.
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#8
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I re-installed it tonight using the tape. I did a K&K-type install to locate it right under the bridge, but cheated it over a bit to the bass side. The treble strings are less harsh but the low E is still quiet. I does sound better than anything else I've tried.
I kinda wonder if two layers of tape on the bass foot might help it out... |
#9
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Quote:
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#10
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Quote:
Stewart-MacDonald Soundhole C Clamps (I use the 5 inch deep clamps) Nylon Cauls for Soundhole C Clamps
__________________
Martin HD-28 Sunburst/Trance M-VT Phantom Martin D-18/UltraTonic Adamas I 2087GT-8 Ovation Custom Legend LX Guild F-212XL STD Huss & Dalton TD-R Taylor 717e Taylor 618e Taylor 614ce Larrivee D-50M/HiFi Larrivee D-40R Blue Grass Special/HiFi Larrivee D-40R Sunburst Larrivee C-03R TE/Trance M-VT Phantom RainSong BI-DR1000N2 Emerald X20 Yamaha FGX5 Republic Duolian/Schatten NR-2 Last edited by SpruceTop; 01-19-2019 at 12:50 PM. |
#11
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Quote:
Stewart-MacDonald Soundhole C Clamps (I use the 5 inch deep clamps) Stewart-MacDonald Nylon Cauls for Soundhole C Clamps (I use the flat-bottom cauls)
__________________
Martin HD-28 Sunburst/Trance M-VT Phantom Martin D-18/UltraTonic Adamas I 2087GT-8 Ovation Custom Legend LX Guild F-212XL STD Huss & Dalton TD-R Taylor 717e Taylor 618e Taylor 614ce Larrivee D-50M/HiFi Larrivee D-40R Blue Grass Special/HiFi Larrivee D-40R Sunburst Larrivee C-03R TE/Trance M-VT Phantom RainSong BI-DR1000N2 Emerald X20 Yamaha FGX5 Republic Duolian/Schatten NR-2 Last edited by SpruceTop; 01-19-2019 at 12:51 PM. |
#12
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It looks like the weak low-E string is not an uncommon issue with this pickup.
I had it as well. I emailed Les (technical support) and he advised not to use any tape on the middle pickup feet. This solved the problem but the sound got much worse. I repositioned the pickup again and it helped to get a right string balance. I think it's a matter of trial and error positioning until it sounds right, that is why I used the tape for possibly repeated clean installations. |
#13
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These are interesting reports indeed and would drive me crazy. At least I'm happy to report that after using tape, loctite glue and putty I had no string balancing issues.
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#14
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#15
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Actually I just thought of something that I would do if this were me, I would completely remove the pickup, clean up the feet with sandpaper and place it on a surface that I know is 100% flat. If it wasn't I would sand the feet accordingly to make it flat. If it was flat I would mount it in the guitar and with a mirror or camera make sure that all three feet were making even contact and sand according to that. Maybe I was lucky or something but it does seem odd that at least 3 people are reporting the same or similar issue.
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