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  #1  
Old 06-14-2020, 05:41 AM
meb meb is offline
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Default Rare Earth & Rare Earth Blend Install

I am currently evaluating the RE Blend and looking ahead to
the installation if I like it . As users know, the RE pickups come with a
6' cable attached. The instructions say you can just stuff the whole 6'
cable in the guitar or chop off the end and re-solder the endpin to shorten it.

Just curious what RE users are doing? How much will the extra cable affect
unplugged tone? This issue is the reason I have avoided the RE line.
Am I making a big deal over nothing?

Thanks, Mike
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  #2  
Old 06-14-2020, 01:44 PM
Nick84 Nick84 is offline
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Hi Mike,

I have two Rare Earth Blends permanently installed in two guitars. The amount of cable is ridiculous. I wouldn’t want an end pin jack sat on the floor if I was using it in different guitars. It’s also a long run for the signal - 6 feet of cable then your 1/4”-1/4” cable on top of that to get it to the mixer. These are not the hottest active pickups around either!

A cable like the Baggs soundhole pickups would have been a better design were you remove the cable from the mag.

Anyway rant over - I couldn’t have all that cable tied up and being in the guitar I know it would have just irritated me even if it didn’t make any difference to unplugged tone. Plus it’s tidier and a shorter length for the signal to travel.

I shortened and Re-soldered both my REBs before Install.
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  #3  
Old 06-15-2020, 02:11 PM
meb meb is offline
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Thanks Nick84 for your input, and I totally agree with your rant. I would not
be asking this question, if Fishman had designed it for the user. They even
semi-whiffed the BlackStack; since you have to buy an endpin cable
separately for installation....and the mini-xlr plug It would be nice if the
3.5mm was plug an industry standard. My rant now over...

If I decide to install it, I will find somebody to shorten it and do it 'right'
.,,,just a pita.

Thanks.
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Old 06-17-2020, 08:46 PM
j3ffr0 j3ffr0 is offline
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I left the cable full length and cable tied it in the bottom of the guitar just in case I ever want to take it out and replace it with something else and use the REB somewhere else. Nothing is usually forever with guitars.... especially the electronics.
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Old 06-22-2020, 04:17 AM
meb meb is offline
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Thanks for the input. I ended up installing the REB in my HRCJC.
I didn't impose on my friend to cut and re-solder. I can do that later if
I decide to. It sounds nice and gives me a different sound than my
guitars with Sunrise and Blackstack pickups. So far, just practicing,
I have not had any feedback problems. It may be a while before I get
to test it in a 'Live' situation.

When I get a chance, I may post my thoughts on how the 3 compare.
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  #6  
Old 06-22-2020, 07:39 AM
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Methos1979 Methos1979 is offline
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Hi Mike,

I was just getting ready to PM you to see where you are with your sound hole pup testing. 6' of cable would drive me insane. Let's face it, anything more than a foot or so is just a waste of time and energy. The Black Angel was the only one that got it right. The exact, minimum about needed for a 12-fret dread! I wish the K&K incorporated the mini-plug at the pup like the BA so I could use the BA cable.
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  #7  
Old 06-26-2020, 05:15 AM
meb meb is offline
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It bugs me too. If this combo gets into heavy rotation, I can always
chop it and install it later. Thanks to all for your input.
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