Fishman SONITONE User manual

1
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Read Me First!
Installation of this product is a straightforward
procedure, but we recommend this job only if you
are an experienced repair technician.
Saddle Slot:
Maximum E to E string spacing at saddle: 2.5”
(63.5mm)
Control mounting surface
The control module for this system was designed
to fit in most guitars without modification, but we
cannot guarantee a drop-in fit with all instruments.
Before you begin installation, pre-fit the control
module in the soundhole, but do not permanently
install at this time. Ideally, the controls should lie flat
with the housing flush to the edge of the soundhole.
Preliminary
Drill a 3⁄32” hole (2.4mm) in the saddle slot for the
pickup wire, no less than .100” (2.5mm) from nearest
string (figures 1, 2).
Seal the control module mounting surface
To ensure a strong and reliable bond, you must now
sand, clean and seal the underside of the soundhole
where the preamp will mount.
1. Sand the underside of the soundhole down to
bare wood. Take care to remove all residual lacquer,
polish and dirt.
2. Use mineral spirits to clean the sanded area.
Remove any excess oil, resin and dust from the
exposed wood. Let the area dry before proceeding
to the next step.
3. Seal the exposed wood with an appropriate
coating. Use only a coating that will bond the wood
fibers and present a hard, uniform surface for the
adhesive. We recommend any of the following:
• Hide glue
• All purpose two-part epoxy
• Cyanoacrylate glue (higher viscosity,
non-instant type)
• Carpenter’s glue
Let the area dry before proceeding to the next step.
SONITONE for GUITAR
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Figure 1.
Figure 2.

2
Installation
Output jack/battery box installation
1. Once you select the mounting location, affix the
output jack/battery box template and cut out the
cavity.
2. Drill a pilot hole for the screw holes.
3. Feed the output and battery wires through the
cavity.
4. Install the output jack/battery box using the four
mounting screws.
Sonicore installation
Thread the tip of the pickup through the hole in
the saddle slot from inside the instrument (figure 3).
Bring the tip of the pickup to the opposite end of
the slot and lay it down flat (figure 4). Install saddle
after reducing its height by .070” (1.8mm).
NOTE: Do not trim the end of the pickup; it will
become susceptible to hum and it may short out.
Control module installation
1. Before mounting the control module, connect the
output jack/battery wires to the control module.
• Connect the output jack by inserting the
3-pin connector into the 3-pin receptacle on
the preamp.
• Connect the battery box by by inserting the
red & black 2-pin connector into the 2-pin
receptacle on the preamp.
2. We recommend securing the wires inside the
instrument with adhesive-backed clips (figure 5).
3. Peel back the release film on the bottom of the
mounting bracket and fasten the control module to
the underside of the soundhole. Apply even, steady
pressure to the preamp to set the adhesive. The
adhesive gains maximum hold after 24 hours.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
514-300-118 Rev A 4-09
Figure 3.

2
Installation
Output jack/battery box installation
1. Once you select the mounting location, affix the
output jack/battery box template and cut out the
cavity.
2. Drill a pilot hole for the screw holes.
3. Feed the output and battery wires through the
cavity.
4. Install the output jack/battery box using the four
mounting screws.
Sonicore installation
Thread the tip of the pickup through the hole in
the saddle slot from inside the instrument (figure 3).
Bring the tip of the pickup to the opposite end of
the slot and lay it down flat (figure 4). Install saddle
after reducing its height by .070” (1.8mm).
NOTE: Do not trim the end of the pickup; it will
become susceptible to hum and it may short out.
Control module installation
1. Before mounting the control module, connect the
output jack/battery wires to the control module.
• Connect the output jack by inserting the
3-pin connector into the 3-pin receptacle on
the preamp.
• Connect the battery box by by inserting the
red & black 2-pin connector into the 2-pin
receptacle on the preamp.
2. We recommend securing the wires inside the
instrument with adhesive-backed clips (figure 5).
3. Peel back the release film on the bottom of the
mounting bracket and fasten the control module to
the underside of the soundhole. Apply even, steady
pressure to the preamp to set the adhesive. The
adhesive gains maximum hold after 24 hours.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
514-300-118 Rev A 4-09
Figure 3.