Cambiare Harness User manual

Electric Cello
Owner’s Manual

Please read this booklet in its entirety before using your new cello for the first time.
Safeguards
Always unplug the electric cello from the amplifier before performing any work on it.
Always turn off the amplifier before plugging or unplugging your cello.
The exclamation mark within a triangle is intended to alert the reader to the presence of important
operational and maintenance instructions in this booklet.
The pointing finger mark is intended to alert the reader to the presence of additional important tips
and information in this booklet.
Retain this booklet for future reference.
Page 1

Contents
Page #
Page #
Safeguards
1
Wearing the harness
17 18
Contents
2
Shaping the harness
19 20
Forward
3
Mounting the cello to the harness
21 22
Features
4
Adjusting the cello on the harness
23
Cello setting
5
Removing the cello off the harness
24
Bridge adjustments
6 7 8
Removing the cello together with the harness
24
Strings tuning
9
Body wings
25 26 27
Endpin setting
10 11 12
Plugging the cello to an amplifier
28
Chest brace
13 14
Care of the cello
29 30
Bridge stabilizer
15 16
Specifications
31
Harness setup
17
Warranty
32
Page 2

Thank you for buying The Cambiare ®electric cello. The Cambiare ®electric cello is a unique leading
edge instrument that combines superb tonal quality with versatility and flexibility.
This booklet provides you with all the necessary information that is needed for the operation, care and
maintenance of the cello. .
If you have any questions regarding the information in this booklet please contact The Cambiare LLC at:
[e-mail]
.
Page 3

Features
Page 4

Cello Settings
You need to perform these settings to your cello prior to using it for the first time, as well as when making
changes such as when replacing strings, changing body wings, etc.
These settings include:
Adjusting the bridge.
Adjusting the Bridge Stabilizer (endpin model only).
Adjusting the Harness (harness model only).
You must perform this setup prior to using the cello for the first time.
Page 5

Bridge Adjustment
The cello’s bridge is held in its upright position only by the tension of the strings. Under various conditions
the bridge may shift out of place and will need to be readjusted. The bridge’s back face need to be
positioned in 90 degrees to the cello surface (or parallel to the tail) (Fig 1b).
If it is decided that the bridge needs to be adjusted you will first need to make sure that the tension of the
strings is such that you will be able to slide the upper end of the bridge under light or moderate force.
You can also verify the proper positioning of the bridge by using any right angle object (index card
shown) that is small enough to fit between the strings (Fig 1b).
Caution: Attempting to reposition the bridge when the cello is tuned may result in breaking the bridge.
Page 6

Bridge adjustment (cont.d)
To adjust the bridge:
Hold the upper end of the bridge from both of its ends and force it gently to the correct position (Fig 1a).
Fig. 1a Fig. 1b
Page 7

Bridge adjustment (cont.d)
To make future bridge adjustments to a fully tuned cello you will need to loosen the string’s tension to the
point that you will be able to slide the bridge under light or moderate pressure.
Periodic straightening of the bridge is recommended. This neutralizes cumulative forward string
pressure stresses.
Keep the string notches lubricated with graphite from a soft pencil.
Caution: Do not allow the bridge to lean forward, as this will shorten the life of the system by
allowing cumulative forward stress to build and deform the bridge and saddle.
Do not carve material from the top of the bridge, or thin the bridge by removing material from either face of
the bridge.
Page 8

String Tuning
Before tuning the cello strings for the first time, or after replacing strings, you will need to make sure that the
bridge is properly positioned. If bridge adjustment is needed, please refer to Bridge Adjustment in this
booklet.
As you proceed to tune your cello strings, make sure that the bridge remains in the proper positioning and
that the strings remain inside the corresponding bridge notches. If you have noticed that the bridge has
shifted out of its place, refer to Bridge Adjustment in this booklet.
Caution: Attempting to reposition the bridge when the cello is tuned may result in breaking the bridge.
Replace strings with open or damaged windings as they can dig into the bridge’s string notches instead of
sliding over it and cause damage.
Page 9

Endpin Setting (endpin model only)
Undo the endpin strap holding the endpin to the cello’s back (Fig 2a).
Loosen the endpin locknut and extract it to its desirable position, then lock the locknut (Fig 2b).
Fig. 2a Fig. 2b Fig. 2c
Page 10

Endpin setting (cont.d)
As you undo the endpin strap, the endpin will spring itself away slightly from the cello’s body. This is
a normal behavior of the cello’s Bridge Stabilizer feature.
When retracting the endpin for storage, make sure to lock it to prevent it from sliding out.
When retracting the endpin for storage, you will also need to push its end against the cello’s back,
then secure it with the endpin strap (Fig, 2c)
You can also replace the endpin attachment with a harness. Harness kit sold separately.
Page 11

Endpin setting (cont.d)
Caution: Do not attempt to fully retract the endpin to its storage position while the cord is plugged
into the cello’s jack on the back of the cello.An attempt to do so may result in damaging the cello.
Do not over tighten the endpin locknut as you will damage its thread.
Failing to secure the endpin to the endpin strap when it is retracted, may result in damaging the endpin
and the Bridge Stabilizer mechanism.
Page 12

Chest Brace (endpin model only)
The chest brace on your cello was designed to stabilize the cello and hold it securely against your body. The
brace can be adjusted to any desired angle for best fit.
Adjusting the Chest Brace
Extract the cello endpin to the desired height, and lock it into position.
Slightly undo the locknut situated between the brace and the cello by turning it counterclockwise (Fig 3a)
Using one hand, hold the brace flat again your chest, and tilt the cello to the desired position with the other
hand (Fig 3b)
Next, lock the brace locknut tight by turning it clockwise.
Page 13

Adjusting the Chest Brace (cont.d)
Fig. 3a Fig. 3b
When the arm locknut faces upward you will have greater side-to-side adjustment flexibility. When
the arm locknut faces sideways you will have greater up and down adjustment flexibility.
Page 14

Bridge Stabilizer (endpin model only)
Your cello’s endpin is equipped with a unique Bridge Stabilizer feature. This feature enables you to shift the
cello’s center of gravity away from the bridge’s highest point, therefore preventing the cello from potentially
flipping over. The optimal setting of a balanced cello will vary depending on your playing style and cello body
configuration. Experiment with different settings until you reach your perfect balance.
To adjust the Bridge Stabilizer
You will need to reset the stabilizer first. To reset the stabilizer, fully retract the endpin then, using one hand,
push and hold it against the cello’s body. While holding the endpin at this position, turn the stabilizer
adjustment knob to the right (clockwise) until you cannot turn it any more (Fig 4a & 4b).
With a fully reset stabilizer, the endpin is positioned at 0 degrees in relation to the cello’s body. This will also
be the maximum “bridge heavy” position of the endpin.
Next, turn the adjustment knob to the left (counterclockwise) in 1/8 rotation intervals. The more you rotate
the knob counterclockwise, the less chance there is that the cello will flip over.
Page 15

Bridge Stabilizer (cont.d)
Fig. 4a Fig. 4b
Always try to keep the stabilizer settings as close as possible to its reset point (“bridge heavy”)
as this will apply less stress on the stabilizer mechanism, and it will also prevent undesirable flexing of the
endpin itself. In most cases even a fully reset stabilizer will maintain the cello’s balance.
Unless you change your playing style or replace body wings set on your cello, you will need to
set the stabilizer adjustment knob only one time. Your settings will remain until it is readjusted.
Page 16

Harness Setup (harness model only)
Your cello harness was designed to hold the cello securely to your body while playing it. The harness is
made out of a light alloy that can be adjusted to fit your upper body contour. Prior to wearing the harness for
the first time you may or may not need to fine tune the harness shape to fit your body.
Wearing the harness
Wear the harness by placing it over your left shoulder, wrapping the belt around your waste, and snapping
the buckle in place (Fig 5a).Adjust the waist belt tension by pulling on the loose end of the strap, so it is
snug to your body (Fig 5b).
If the harness appears to be snug and fit to your body you can skip this section and proceed with: Mounting
the Cello to the Harness.If you notice large gaps or uncomfortable pressure points between the harness
and your body then you may want to adjust the harness fit.
Page 17

Wearing the harness (cont.d)
Fig. 5a Fig. 5b
Page 18

Shaping the harness
Remove the harness from your body, hold it in both hands, and bend it slightly in the desired direction. The
following illustrations (Fig 5c) demonstrate various harness adjusting techniques. Keep shaping the harness
until it properly and comfortably fits to your body contour.
Fig. 5c
For more leverage you can also place it over a hard cushioned object and force it to the desirable
position.
Page 19