Fishman AMERICAN STANDARD User manual

System Components
• Stereo Jack (included)
A 1/4" stereo output jack is
provided with your
Powerbridge™ Pickup. It is an
essential component to the
Powerbridge™ System.
It can send piezo and
magnetic pickup signals to
separate amplifiers. The
magnetic pickups are wired to
Tip, and the Powerbridge™
Pickup is wired to Ring.
• Instrument Cable (not included)
Depending on how you want
to set up your Powerbridge™
system, you can use one of
the following three instrument
cables (available from your
Fishman dealer).
1 - Stereo "Y" Cable
This will split the
Powerbridge™ and magnetic
pickup signals and send them
to separate amplifiers or
other destinations (PA,
recording devices, etc.).
2 - Stereo Instrument Cable
Both magnetic and piezo signals can be sent through a single stereo instrument
cable to one of our outboard Powertronics™ preamps. From there, magnetic
and piezo signals can be either combined to a single mono output or split to
separate stereo outputs.
NOTE: To minimize cross-talk between the two signals, use a "2 Pair" premium
stereo cable (part number ACC-BLE-152) with separate shielding for both the
Powerbridge™ and magnetic signals.
3 - Mono Instrument Cable
With a Fishman Powerchip™: A standard mono instrument cable used
with a Fishman Powerchip™ will provide a combined Powerbridge™ / magnetic
pickup signal.
(See Powerbridge™ System User’s Guide for Powerchip™ description.)
Without a Fishman Powerchip™: A mono instrument cable will short out
the Powerbridge™ Pickup, but your magnetics will function exactly as they did
before you installed the Powerbridge™.
• Basic Passive Setup
Stereo Outputs
The simplest way to get the Powerbridge™ Pickup up and running is to wire it and the
magnetic pickups to Tip/Ring outputs of the supplied stereo jack. A stereo "Y" cable
or a standard stereo cable can then carry the two signals. From there, all mixing and
blending functions will be performed offboard the instrument. A Fishman Powerblend
pedal is especially suited for offboard blending/mixing with this passive setup.
For a passive setup do not tie the Powerbridge™ and magnetic pickup wires together
to a guitar's mono output jack. This may seem like a good idea, but it won't work. If
you connect the piezo and magnetic outputs, you will experience a loss of tone and a
very bizarre and un-musical interaction between the Powerbridge™ and magnetic
pickups.
Magnetic and piezo pickups operate on different electrical platforms. Magnetics are
"inductors" and piezos are "capacitive" devices. To mix signals on the instrument you’ll
need to electronically isolate or "buffer" the two signals with a Fishman Powerchip™.
INSTALLATION BY A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL REPAIRMAN IS STRONGLY
RECOMMENDED. FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
ANY DAMAGES THAT MAY RESULT FROM IMPROPER INSTALLATION.
The Fishman Powerbridge™ Pickup 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 conse-
quential 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.
Fishman's bridge system fits on the Fender Stratocaster® guitar or Fender Telecaster® guitar and other similar and comparable guitars. • FEND-
ER, STRAT, AMERICAN STANDARD STRAT, AMERICAN STANDARD TELE, TELE are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments
Corp. with which Fishman Transducers Inc. is not affiliated.
L IMITED W ARRANTY
I
NSTALLATION G UIDE
FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, INC.
340-D Fordham Road Wilmington MA 01887 USA
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
www.fishman.com
009-075-003 • Rev 3 • 3-8-02
TM
F ISHMAN P OWERBRIDGE ™ P ICKUP I NSTALLATION G UIDE
Stereo Output Jack
(Tip/Ring/Sleeve)
Stereo "Y" Cable
Powerbridge™
Signal
(Ring)
Pure
Magnetic
Signal
(Tip)
Stereo
Instrument Cable
to Stereo Input
Powerbridge
™
Magnetic
Powerchip™
Mono Instrument Cable
Powerbridge
™
Magnetic
Mono Instrument Cable
Stereo Output Jack
(Tip/Ring/Sleeve)
Powerbridge
™
Magnetic
Thank you for choosing the Fishman AST Powerbridge™Pickup. You will
find a variety of wiring options available for the Powerbridge™. To help you
decide how to integrate it with your Telecaster®style guitar, please read
the Powerbridge™System User's Guide that accompanies these
instructions. For technical assistance, contact Fishman Customer Support
at 978-988-9665 or at [email protected].
Parts List
• AST Powerbridge™Pickup • (4) Mounting screws
• 1.5 mm hex wrench • Drilling template
• Stereo jack • Shielding foil
Important!
Before you begin installation ...
• There are TWO styles of Telecaster®Powerbridges™made
by Fishman. Only ONE of these will fit your instrument. Be
absolutely certain that you have the correct style
Powerbridge™Pickup for yourTele®. To check for fit,see the
Preliminary section of the Bridge Installation instructions in
this manual.
• Installation of the Fishman Powerbridge™should be
performed only by a qualified repairman. Fishman
Transducers will not be held responsible for any damages
that may result from improper installation.
• DO NOT disturb the black signal wires located under the
saddles.They are extremely delicate. Pickup failure may
result from handling these wires.
F ISHMAN P OWERBRIDGE ™ P ICKUP I NSTALLATION G UIDE
Saddle
Height
Adjustment
Screws
Bridge
Mounting
Screws
Intonation
Screws
M ODEL AST
“American Standard” Tele
®
Style
Bridge / Pickup System
Fits most Tele®style guitars with “American Standard” bridge plates
TM
POWERBRIDGE™
PICKUP
M ODEL AST
“American Standard” Tele
®
Style
Bridge / Pickup System
POWERBRIDGE™
PICKUP

Wiring Instructions
• Preliminary Notes
To prevent 60 Hz hum, the entire Powerbridge™ Pickup signal path should be fully shielded. The control cavity, jack cavity, and
any non-conductive surface to which the controls are mounted (such as a plastic pickguard) must be shielded with adhesive-
backed foil or conductive paint. The shielded cavities should then be grounded.
For complete hum prevention, the included stereo jack must also be shielded. To do this, we’ve included a piece of shielding foil.
Note that one side is insulated. After you have soldered the wires to the jack, roll the foil into a tube so that the insulation is on the
INSIDE and surround the stereo jack with the tube. Connect the foil side of the tube to ground by soldering it to the shielding of
the Powerbridge™ Pickup wire or to a jumper that is connected to any ground.
If your instrument has active magnetic pickups (requiring an onboard battery), you will need a special 9 Pin Switching Jack
(Fishman Part Number ACC-PBR-9PJ), available through your Fishman dealer.
• Wiring Options
There are several different ways to wire the Powerbridge™.
Choose the option that best suits your needs.
Powerbridge™ & Magnetic Pickups wired
directly to a Stereo Jack
1. Connect the Powerbridge™ signal wire directly to the Ring
terminal on the supplied stereo jack.
2. Connect the Powerbridge™ and magnetic grounds to the
Sleeve terminal.
3. Connect the magnetic signal wire to the Tip terminal.
PassiveVolume for the Powerbridge™
This circuit that is easily assembled from "stock" guitar pots and
components available at any electronics parts retailer.
You will need:
• 250 k audio taper pot
• 330k resistor
• 820 pF capacitor
• 1500 pF capacitor
This network will attenuate the Powerbridge™ so that it better
matches levels between magnetic and piezo pickups. You can
expect a 14 dB (nominal) decrease in Powerbridge™ output with
this circuit.
NOTE: Optional 3-Way Selector Switch - If desired, a single pole, double
throw (spdt) 3-way switch can also be added for piezo/magnetic pickup selection.
Use a switch with an ON-OFF-ON orientation.
NOTE: Active Onboard Blending
A Fishman Powerchip™ (not included) must be installed if you wish to blend/mix
piezo and magnetic signals onboard the instrument.
• Active Setup - Powerchip™
With our onboard Powerchip™, you can mix and combine both the Powerbridge™
and magnetic pickups (on the guitar) and plug right into a single channel guitar
amplifier. You can also instantly split signals by simply changing to a stereo cable or
stereo "Y" cable.
See the Powerbridge™ System Users Guide
for Powertronics™ descriptions.
Bridge Installation
• Preliminary
There are two Telecaster®Powerbridges™ available from Fishman - each with a
slightly different lead pickup location. Only one of these will fit your instrument.
The Fishman AST Powerbridge™ Pickup fits Fender®American Standard®
Telecaster®style guitars. The Fishman VT Powerbridge™ Pickup replaces
"Vintage" style Telecaster®bridges.
BEFORE you begin installation, you can make sure you have the correct Tele®
style Powerbridge™ by following these steps …
1. Check your guitar's original bridge against the provided Fishman
Powerbridge™ Drilling Template by lining up the six (6) string
through-holes with the corresponding marks on the drilling
template.
2. Confirm that the lead pickup location on the original bridge plate
aligns with the Powerbridge™ Template. If so, then go ahead with
the installation.
3. If the template does not line up with the old bridge, the
Powerbridge™ will not line up properly on the guitar. Get a VT
Powerbridge™ and start again.
Follow the same procedure with any aftermarket Tele®style bridge to ensure
compatibility with the Powerbridge™ Pickup.
• Installation Procedure
1. Remove the existing bridge. Route the ground wire so that it does
not touch the circuit board on the bottom of the Powerbridge™.
2. Are you absolutely certain that the AST Powerbridge™ Pickup will
fit your instrument? Align the drilling template with the six (6) string
holes in the body of the instrument and fasten it in place with
adhesive tape.
3. Drill the 7/64" (2.8mm) mounting holes.
4. Fasten the lead pickup onto the baseplate of the bridge.
5. Slip the Powerbridge's™ coaxial signal wire under the lead pickup
and into the control cavity. Note that the Powerbridge™ has a
channel milled into the bottom of the baseplate for the signal wire.
6. Fasten the Powerbridge™ with the included mounting screws.
F ISHMAN P OWERBRIDGE ™ P ICKUP I NSTALLATION G UIDE
AST
American
Standard®
VT
"Vintage"
FISHMAN TRANSDUCERS, INC.
340-D Fordham Road Wilmington MA 01887 USA
Phone [phone] •Fax [phone]
www.fishman.com
TM
Stereo Output Jack
(Tip/Ring/Sleeve)
Electric Guitar Amp
Active
D.I.
PA / Recording Console
Pure Magnetic Signal
(Tip)
Powerbridge™ Signal
(Ring)
Powerchip™
Mono Instrument Cable
Passive Setup
Active Setup
Magnetic
Volume
Sleeve
Ring
Tip
Magnetic
Signal
Stereo Jack
Optional 3-Way
Selector Switch
Mag BothPiezo
ON ONOFF
250K - 300K
Audio Taper Pot
Sleeve Ring
Tip
1500 pF1500 pF
330 K820 pF
Magnetic Signal
Optional 3-Way
Selector Switch
Mag BothPiezo
O
NO
F
F
O
N
Stereo
Output
Jack
Passive Volume
Direct Wiring