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  #1  
Old 11-12-2008, 10:59 AM
$ongWriter $ongWriter is offline
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Unhappy l.r. baggs element problem

I have and Lr baggs element in my Larrivee. I can't get all of the strings to sound. At first it was the bottom 3 strings were too loud but I could'nt even hear the top 2...I took the strings off and shifted the pickup a little, now the bottom string is hard to hear and the next 3 strings are loud...the top two are almost silent...do I just have a bad pickup??
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Old 11-12-2008, 11:05 AM
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SteveS SteveS is offline
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Because you have verified that both ends of the pickup work, I suspect the saddle is not resting evenly on the pickup. This could be for 3 reasons that I can think of -
1) the bottom of the saddle isn't flat.
2) the bottom of the saddle slot isn't flat
3) the saddle is too tight to rest against the pickup
If you can't check anything above, take it to a good tech that can.
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Old 11-12-2008, 11:08 AM
RustyAxe RustyAxe is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by $ongWriter View Post
I have and Lr baggs element in my Larrivee. I can't get all of the strings to sound. At first it was the bottom 3 strings were too loud but I could'nt even hear the top 2...I took the strings off and shifted the pickup a little, now the bottom string is hard to hear and the next 3 strings are loud...the top two are almost silent...do I just have a bad pickup??
I'd check to see that the bottom of the saddle is completely flat. Then, I'd check to see that it is not binding in the slot (it should be snug, but not tight), and finally, that the bottom of the saddle slot is cleanly routed and perfectly flat. It sounds as though the pickup and preamp are working, though.
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Old 11-12-2008, 01:42 PM
rainsong rainsong is offline
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What others have said. I can pretty much guarantee the pickup is functioning properly
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Old 11-13-2008, 12:15 PM
66strummer 66strummer is offline
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Also if everything appears to be level make sure that the pickup isn't pinching where it comes in thru the hole on the end of the saddle slot. Make sure there are no burrs on the hole. Use a tiny file to remove any if necessary.
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Old 11-19-2008, 11:42 AM
$ongWriter $ongWriter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 66strummer View Post
Also if everything appears to be level make sure that the pickup isn't pinching where it comes in thru the hole on the end of the saddle slot. Make sure there are no burrs on the hole. Use a tiny file to remove any if necessary.
Well, guess what, it pays to re-read the manuel. I re-drilled the hole at an angle like the instructions said and now the pickup works fine. Thanks, now it sounds great!!
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Last edited by $ongWriter; 11-19-2008 at 11:42 AM. Reason: mis spelled
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Old 11-19-2008, 03:54 PM
66strummer 66strummer is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by $ongWriter View Post
Well, guess what, it pays to re-read the manuel. I re-drilled the hole at an angle like the instructions said and now the pickup works fine. Thanks, now it sounds great!!


Ahhh Yes! I think most USTs (if not all) recommend drilling at an angle. I generally also try to ream that entry hole a tad over-sized so there's no chance of binding. Interesting that Baggs has it right with their instruction manual that if you install it yourself it voids the warranty. Gotta love it! Glad to hear your problem was minor, $ongwriter. I like the Element. It's a really natural sounding UST, IMO....

Ryan
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