Fishman AGP-2 User manual

AGP-2
Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp
Also includes Installation Instructions for Model ABGP Onboard
Acoustic Bass Guitar Preamp
Installation Guide
Installation Guide
®
TM
EQUIPPED!

Thank you for choosing our classic on board preamp. The AGP-2 and ABGP are
compatible with the AG-Series of under-saddle pickups as well as other passive,
piezo-ceramic pickups. For best results, please read these instructions carefully.
If you have questions, please contact our CCuussttoommeerrSSeerrvviicceeDDeeppaarrttmmeennttaatt997788--
998888--99666655oorrtteecchh@@ffiisshhmmaann..ccoomm
The Fishman AGP-2 and ABGP preamps are specifically designed for use with piezo-
electric pickups. Since piezoelectric pickups require specific electrical environments,
the AGP-2 / ABGP feature discrete input stages that maximize the full potential of the
pickup. Both units provide active gain control and fully buffered shelving style active
boost and cut for bass and treble. The center frequencies of these controls have been
selected for their relationship with acoustic instruments. The width of the bass and tre-
ble separation effectively provides a midrange control; boosting the bass and treble
controls simultaneously will provide an effective midrange cut or vice-versa. The
Preamp housing is made of rugged aluminum and weighs only seven ounces.
The AGP-2 is designed specifically for acoustic string instruments including guitars,
violins, violas, cellos and mandolins. The ABGP offers the same features as its general
purpose counterpart, but has specially selected frequencies specifically chosen for the
acoustic bass guitar.
NNOOTTEE::If you have purchased the AGP-2 Preamp Kit that includes the Fishman AG-125
Acoustic Guitar Transducer, be sure to see the enclosed separate instructions to guide
you in proper installation of the transducer.
IIMMPPOORRTTAANNTT::Installation of this product is to be performed only by a qualified profes-
sional repair-person. Fishman Transducers will not be responsible for damages that
result from improper installation.
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AGP-2
AGP-2
Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp
Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp

INSTALLATION
1. Location
Determine the best location for the Preamp on your instrument. We recommend the
upper bout adjacent to the neck, or in the waist area. Avoid any location that may
interfere with neck block, braces or linings.
2. Template
A drilling template is provided for drilling the control shaft holes. Cut out the template
outline. Check that it fits between the upper and lower linings when held inside the
guitar at the chosen location. Tape the template at the location on the outside of the
guitar. With a sharp scribe, pierce the template at the marks. Remove the template.
This should provide you with two drilling centers marked on the side of the guitar.
These centers will be 1.250 inch (31.8mm) apart. At each center, drill a .375 inch
(9.5mm) hole through the side of the guitar. We recommend using a sharp 3/8 inch
spur bit for this operation.
3. Spacer Block
We strongly advise that a wooden spacer block (see Figure 1) be used to add
strength to the mounting area of the guitar and to more evenly distribute the load of
the preamp. We do not recommend using a hex nut and lock washer inside as this
could result in possible damage to the instrument.
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Installation Guide
Installation Guide
FIG. 1

4. Preparing the Spacer
Using the drilling template as a guide, make a rectangular wooden spacer that is
2.00 inch x .750 inch x T (50.8mm x 19.0mm x T). T is the measurement derived
from the protruding bushing length minus the outside hardware thickness (Figure 1).
To derive T, insert the control shafts through the holes from the inside of the guitar.
Next, measure the length of the threaded bushing that protrudes out from the side of
the instrument. From this measurement, subtract the thickness of the outside hard-
ware (hex nut and finish washer).
5. Wiring the Transducer
Remove the cover from the AGP-2 Preamp. Locate the terminal block with two sec-
tions to be used to connect the transducer leads (see Figure 2). Thread the trans-
ducer wire through the rubber grommet where the wire harness enters the preamp.
Strip and tin the signal and ground wires from the transducer and connect them to
the terminal block as shown in Figure 2. Secure the wires by tightening the screws
on top of the terminal block with a small slot head jeweler’s screwdriver. Check for
shorts. Replace the cover and screws (SEE NEXT SECTION), being careful to
engage the grommet in the appropriate slot.
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AGP-2
AGP-2
Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp
Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp
FIG. 2

6. Mounting the Battery
Holder
The AGP-2 is supplied with a bat-
tery holder that can be attached to
the preamp cover with the screws
provided or be attached to the neck
block (see Section 6a).
Be sure to check and adjust the fit
of the battery in the holder before
installing the AGP-2 Preamp inside
the instrument.
6a. Optional Battery Holder
Mount
Cut a block of 1/4” plywood
approximately 1-1/2” x 2-1/2”
(40mm x 65mm). Using two
Number 4 pan-head sheet metal
screws (1/4" length), attach the bat-
tery holder to the wooden block.
The assembly can then be attached
to the neck block with wood glue,
double sided tape, or Velcro.
IMPORTANT: Although the supplied battery holder should provide adequate
capacity to grip the battery at all times, we strongly recommend removal of
the battery when shipping or flying with your instrument. FAILURE TO
REMOVE BATTERY COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO YOUR INSTRU-
MENT. Fishman will not be held responsible for any such damage as a result
of shipping or handling.
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Installation Guide
Installation Guide

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AGP-2
AGP-2
Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp
Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp
7. Mount the Preamp
Slip the wooden spacer block (prepared earlier) over the control bushings and
mount the preamp. The outside hardware should include a smooth 3/8” dress wash-
er and a 3/8” hex nut. Tighten the hex nut.
8. Prepare the Endblock
There are two ways to widen the endpin hole to accept the endpin jack:
Slow and Safe
If you have the time, this is the preferred way to enlarge the endpin hole. Remove
the endpin and widen the hole to size with a 15/32'" (11.9mm) reamer, available in
the US & Canada through Stewart MacDonald, 800-848-2273, part #4323.
OR
Quick & Clean
The objective here is to drill out the hole with the endpin or other suitable plug in
place. You may remove a loose endpin and refasten it in the endblock with cyano-
acrylate glue before starting the procedure.
Note: We do not recommend this method for instruments with brittle orna-
mental veneers (ex: abalone) around the endblock.
1. Apply masking tape around the endblock area to protect the instrument.
2. Locate an X-Acto saw blade 1/16" (1.6mm) away from the body and saw off the
endpin.
3. Centerpunch a guide hole in the center of the trimmed endpin.
4. Drill a 1/8" (3.2mm) pilot hole through the endblock.
5. Line up a 15/32" (11.9mm) Spade bit in the pilot hole and begin drilling. Maintain
a perpendicular plunge in relation to the instrument. Use steady (but not heavy)
pressure, especially as the drill exits inside the guitar.
6. To avoid damage to the instrument, let the drill come to a complete stop before
removing it from the hole.

9. Wiring the Switchjack
1. Gently bend back the strain relief/sleeve tab to gain better access to the Tip ter-
minal.
2. Solder the "hot" signal wire (red) to the Tip terminal, which is the shortest of the
three tabs.
3. Solder the black neg. battery wire to the Switch terminal (longest tab).
4. Solder the shielding to the Sleeve tab on the jack. Gently tighten the strain
relief.
See Pages 9 through 11 for more wiring options with the Switchjack.
10. Fasten the Jack in the Endpin Hole
Follow this sequence when installing the endpin jack:
1 - First Large Hex Nut
2 - Large Dress Washer
3 - Star Washer
4 - Guitar Endblock
5 - Small Dress Washer
6 - Small Dress Nut
7 - Strap Button
The jack should protrude at least 5/16" and no more than 11/32" outside of the gui-
tar body for proper fit.
After fitting the small dress washer and nut over the end of the jack, insert the 3/32"
Allen wrench through the small hole on the end of the jack. Tighten the nut with the
1/2" open end wrench while holding the jack in place with the Allen wrench. Thread
and hand tighten the the strap button.
Note: With the strap button in place, the end of the jack
should protrude slightly so that when a plug is inserted, it
will snap securely into place.
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Installation Guide
Installation Guide
23 4 5 6 71

11. Knob Alignment
The stacked knob set controls treble boost & cut (small knob) and bass boost & cut
(large knob). Both knobs have a center-detent to indicate flat position. Place the
bass (large outer ring) knob onto the stacked shaft so that the two inner protrusions
slide into the corresponding slots on the outer shaft. Now place the smaller treble
knob onto the inner shaft. The white position markers should align with each other in
the center detent position. Now place the large volume knob onto the appropriate
shaft; rotate the knob and remove to re-position the line if necessary for the desired
sight reference position.
12. Ready to Play
The power is switched on when a 1/4” guitar cable is plugged into the output jack.
The AGP-2 features a “soft” turn on mode. This means that the unit powers up grad-
ually over several seconds once the instrument is plugged in.
SPECIFICATIONS
SYSTEM GAIN 9 dB (input to output at 1 kHz) All tone controls flat
Maximum input voltage before clipping with all controls at full boost
.8V P-P
AGP-2 TONE CONTROLS
Treble: Boost and Cut ± 3dB at 1700 Hz
± 14dB at 20 kHz
Bass: Boost and Cut ± 3dB at 350 Hz
± 8dB at 50 Hz
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±2dB All tone controls flat
ABGP TONE CONTROLS
Treble: Boost and Cut ± 3dB at 850 Hz
± 14dB at 20 kHz
Bass: Boost and Cut ± 3dB at 350 Hz
± 8dB at 50 Hz
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±2dB All tone controls flat
POWER SUPPLY 9 Volts (battery not included)
Battery Life 150 hours continuous use (alkaline battery)
All specifications subject to change without notice.
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AGP-2
AGP-2
Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp
Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp

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Installation Guide
Installation Guide
Wiring Options with the Fishman Switchjack
The Switchjack T-R-S-S (Tip/Ring/Sleeve/Switch) stereo switching endpin jack
allows simultaneous stereo operation and battery switching for active pickups. This
new configuration simplifies stereo wiring with many pickup combinations that were
once incompatible.
To gain better access to the Tip, Ring and Switch terminals, gently bend back the
Strain Relief/Sleeve tab, before you begin to solder.
Pages 10 & 11 illustrate the various wiring options made possible by the Switchjack.
TM
Shield
Tip
(Short Terminal)
Ring
TipGuitar Sleeve
1/4" Stereo Plug
Switch
(Long Terminal)
Ring
(Medium Terminal)

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AGP-2
AGP-2
Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp
Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp
Shield to
Sleeve
AGP-2 Signal
to Tip (white)
Negative Battery Wire (black)
to Switch
Negative Battery Wire (black)
to Switch
AGP-2 Signal
to Tip (white)
2nd Pickup
to Ring
Common
Ground
Standard wiring for AGP-2
Standard wiring for AGP-2
Add a Second Pickup in Stereo
Add a Second Pickup in Stereo
Wiring Options with the Fishman Switchjack , Continued

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Installation Guide
Installation Guide
Common
Ground
AGP-2 Signal
to Tip (white)
Negative Battery Wire (black)
to Switch
Microphone to Ring
Zener Diode
between Ring & Sleeve
Add a Microphone in Stereo
Add a Microphone in Stereo
*
*
For use with the Fishman Blender System *
Wiring Options with the Fishman Switchjack Continued

The FISHMAN AGP-2 Onboard Acoustic Guitar Preamp is warranted to function for
a period of One (1) Year from the date of purchase. If the unit fails to function
properly within the warranty period, free repair and the option of replacement or
refund in the event that FISHMAN is unable to make repair are FISHMAN’s only
obligations. This warranty does not cover any consequential damages or damage to
the unit due to misuse, accident, or neglect. FISHMAN retains the right to make
such determination on the basis of factory inspection. Products returned to
FISHMAN for repair or replacement must be shipped in accordance with the Return
Policy, as follows. This warranty remains valid only if repairs are performed by
FISHMAN. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have
other rights which may vary from state to state.
Return Policy
To return products to FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, you must follow these steps...
1. Call FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS at 978-988-9199 for a Return Authorization
Number (“RAN”).
2. Enclose a copy of the original Bill of Sale as evidence of the date of purchase,
with the product in its original packaging and a protective carton or mailer.
3. FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS’ technicians will determine whether the item is
covered by warranty or if it instead has been damaged by improper customer
installation or other causes not related to defects in material or workmanship.
4. Warranty repairs or replacements will be sent automatically free of charge.
5. If FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS determines the item is not covered by warranty, we
will notify you of the repair or replacement cost and wait for your authorization to
proceed.
F ISHMAN T RANSDUCERS
340-D Fordham Road Wilmington MA 01887 USA
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
www.fishman.com
009-061-001 6-00
Limited Warranty
Limited Warranty
®