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Read Me First!
Installation of this product is a simple procedure,
but we recommend this job only if you are an
experienced repair technician.
Requirements
Saddle slot:
Minimum saddle slot length: 2.775” (70.48mm)
Maximum E to E spacing at saddle: 2.5” (63.5mm)
Soundhole
Minimum usable soundhole diameter: 3.875” (98mm)
Maximum usable soundhole diameter: 4.125” (107mm)
Maximum X brace height at soundhole: .5” (13mm)
The Ellipse Aura preamp is designed to fit in
most flat top guitars without modification, but we
cannot guarantee a drop-in fit with all instruments.
Before you begin installation, pre-fit the preamp in
the soundhole. Ideally, the preamp should lie flat,
with the mounting bracket flush to the edge of the
soundhole.
Installation
Precautions
When separating the mounting bracket from the
preamp do not pry up the ends of the
bracket (at the magnets) or you will dam-
age it. See instructions below
for separating the preamp from the
mounting bracket.
After installation, use caution when you clean the
fingerboard or perform fret work! The
powerful neodymium magnets used to
secure the preamp will attract steel-wool
debris and fret filings. These can damage
the Ellipse electronics. As a precaution,
cover the soundhole before you work on
the fingerboard. Uncover only after all
debris is removed.
Preliminary
1. Widen the endpin hole to 15⁄32” (11.9mm) to
accommodate the endpin jack.
2. Drill a 3⁄32” hole (2.4mm) in the saddle slot for
the pickup wire, no less than .100” (2.5mm) from the
nearest string. Install the pickup per Acoustic Matrix
installation instructions.
1. Seal the 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.
2. Test for fit
Before exposing the adhesive, test the preamp for
fit. Locate the module flush with the edge of the
soundhole, on the bass side. Center it between the
transverse brace and the bass-side X brace (figure 1).
If viewed as a clock face (neck at twelve o’clock), you
will position the phase switch at nine o’clock.
3. Endpin jack
Install the endpin jack per Switchjack Installation
Guide.
4. Fasten the pickup wires to the terminal
block on the preamp module (figure 2). The signal
wire goes to the terminal marked “IN,” and the
shield wire goes to the “GND” terminal. Tighten the
screws on the terminal block to secure the wires.
ELLIPSE MATRIX BLEND / ELLIPSE VT
INSTALLATION GUIDE
