ZETA Music Systems Strados Violin User manual

ZETA Strados Violin -Owner's Manual
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................................2
Please note:............................................................................................................................................................2
Warranty registration:.........................................................................................................................................2
PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS.......................................................................................................................2
INSTRUMENT AUDIO OUTPUT.........................................................................................................................2
Using the Instrument Audio Output:...............................................................................................................3
MIDI CAPABILITY..................................................................................................................................................3
Using MIDI Capability:......................................................................................................................................3
CONTROL FUNCTIONS...........................................................................................................................................3
VOLUME KNOB.......................................................................................................................................................3
Instrument Audio Output:..................................................................................................................................3
MIDI Capability:..................................................................................................................................................4
INSTRUMENT AUDIO OUTPUT JACK............................................................................................................4
MULTI-PIN OUTPUT JACK..................................................................................................................................4
Important Note Regarding Battery Life:.........................................................................................................4
PICKUP SYSTEM ........................................................................................................................................................4
INTERNAL PREAMP AND MIXING BOARD...................................................................................................5
SHOULDER REST.......................................................................................................................................................6
TUNING PEGS ..............................................................................................................................................................6
STRINGS .........................................................................................................................................................................6
INSTRUMENT CARE.................................................................................................................................................6
CLEANING: ...............................................................................................................................................................6
BATTERY REPLACEMENT:................................................................................................................................6
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS....................................................................................................................................7
No Audio Output When Using the Instrument Audio Output Jack ...............................................................7
No Audio Output When Using the Multi-Pin Output Jack and Synthony II................................................7
Ebony Tuning Pegs Are Slipping and/or Not Turning....................................................................................7
Humming, Hissing, or Other Types of Distortion Through Any/All Outputs.............................................7
INFORMATION FOR CONTACTING ZETA TECHNICAL SUPPORT .....................................................7
IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT RETURN YOUR ZETA PRODUCT TO YOUR DEALER!............8
RETURNING ZETA PRODUCTS FOR SERVICE...........................................................................................8
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY....................................................................................................................10

Owner's Manual
ZETA Strados Violin
2 Copyright 2000 ZETA Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of a ZETA Strados Violin. ZETA Performer
Series instruments are designed with the active professional musician's needs in
mind, and feature robust electronics in a hand-crafted instrument. The Strados
Violin is as comfortable to play as a traditional acoustic violin. Made from the
finest tonewoods available, the Strados Violin feels and responds like a fine
traditional violin. While streamlined and contemporary in design, the Strados
Violin maintains the positional cues so important for familiarity of feel and proper
intonation. Please familiarize yourself with this owner's manual, as it will instruct
you as to the various functions of your ZETA instrument, as well as give tips for
maintenance.
Please note:
Keep this manual for future reference.
Warranty registration:
Please mail your completed Warranty Card to ZETA Music Systems
within 15 days of purchase, in order to activate your product warranty.
Alternately, you may visit ZETA's website for details about online
warranty registration, at: http://www.ZetaMusic.com.
PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS
Performance Series instruments are extremely versatile, and include a wide range
of modern features for various performance applications. Performer Series
instruments were designed with the active professional musician in mind -hence,
each Performer Series instrument enables you to perform at loud stage volumes as
well as interface with MIDI and other computer technology when used in
conjunction with the Synthony II.
INSTRUMENT AUDIO OUTPUT
For rehearsals or performances, use of the built-in Instrument Audio
Output is essential. Each Performer Series instrument features a built-in
1/4" output jack, which is used to connect to an amplification system, such
as a ZETA AP-12 amplifier or a PA system.
All ZETA pickup systems feature our patented pickup technology. (Please
refer to the section, Pickup System, for details).

Owner's Manual
ZETA Strados Violin
3 Copyright 2000 ZETA Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Using the Instrument Audio Output:
Simply plug a standard 1/4" shielded phone cable into the 1/4" jack
on the side of the instrument; connect this cable to a ZETA AP-12,
or other amplification system.
MIDI CAPABILITY
This powerful feature is unleashed when your Strados Violin is used in
conjunction with ZETA's Synthony II MIDI Processor. Access the world
of MIDI inside of the Synthony II -which features 480 MIDI sounds, 64
digital effects, on-board drum sequencer and arpeggiator; as well as a wide
range of user-programmable features.
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. Once plugged into
the Synthony II, your Strados Violin can communicate with other MIDI
devices -including other tone generators, sequencers, and samplers. You
can also interface with your home computer, and access notation software,
music tutorials, and the World Wide Web -where you'll find interactive
recording studios and jam sessions.
Using MIDI Capability:
All ZETA instruments require the ZETA Synthony II MIDI
Processor to access MIDI. A special 13-pin DIN cable, included
with each Synthony II, plugs into the multi-pin output on the
Strados Violin (located next to the 1/4" output on the side of the
instrument). Detailed instructions regarding MIDI and related
MIDI technologies are included with each Synthony II processor.
CONTROL FUNCTIONS
VOLUME KNOB
The volume knob is located on the top of the Strados Violin, just to the
right of the bridge when viewing the top of the instrument.
Instrument Audio Output:
When using your Strados Violin with an external amplifier, such as
the ZETA AP-12, the volume knob acts to increase or decrease the

Owner's Manual
ZETA Strados Violin
4 Copyright 2000 ZETA Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
overall audio output signal of the instrument to the amplifier.
Clockwise rotation increases output; counter-clockwise rotation
decreases output.
MIDI Capability:
When using your Strados Violin with the Synthony II MIDI
Processor, the volume knob acts as a blend knob, and can be used
to achieve a balanced volume between the audio output and the
MIDI output. Clockwise rotation increases volume of both the
instrument and the Synthony II; counter-clockwise rotation
decreases volume of each. If you wish to further increase or
decrease volume of the Synthony II, this can be done using the
volume knob located on the front panel of the Synthony II.
INSTRUMENT AUDIO OUTPUT JACK
The Instrument Audio Output Jack carries the signal from the pickup
system of the Strados Violin to an amplification system, such as the ZETA
AP-12 amplifier.
MULTI-PIN OUTPUT JACK
This 13-pin DIN connector jack is for use with the Synthony II MIDI
Processor. A special cable, included with each Synthony II, connects to
the Multi-Pin Output Jack.
Important Note Regarding Battery Life:
Performer Series instruments use active electronics -an internal
battery powers the sound of the instrument. The internal battery is
activated whenever a cable is plugged into the instrument. Be sure
to unplug any and all cables when not using your instrument, in
order to preserve battery life.
PICKUP SYSTEM
The Strados Violin features ZETA's patented Strados pickup system. The
Strados pickup system is made of a space-age composite material, which is
extremely durable. Dual patented piezo crystals per string are utilized, for a full-
frequency response. It is the dual piezo crystals, which allow the violin to be
amplified.
ZETA's piezo crystals have been designed in coordination with Stanford
University's Music Technology Department, specifically for use with stringed

Owner's Manual
ZETA Strados Violin
5 Copyright 2000 ZETA Music Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
instruments. These piezo crystals differ greatly from the ribbon transducers
commonly found in other types of electric violins, and are exclusive to ZETA
instruments.
The Strados pickup system is best known for it's true acoustic-electric tone, as
well as resistance to feedback.
INTERNAL PREAMP AND MIXING BOARD
The Strados Violin features a powerful internal preamp system. This 9-volt active
preamp also features an on-board mixer, which allows you to adjust volume for
each string on the Strados Violin, as well as master gain.
The internal preamp and mixing board features separate potentiometers, which
control string volume and overall gain. This is a 6-channel mixing board;
however, as the Strados Violin has only 4 or 5 strings, 1 or 2 of these channels
will not be used.
You may access the internal preamp and mixing board through the back
electronics plate. You will need a small phillips screwdriver, as well as a small
flathead screwdriver. Simply remove the phillips screws from the back plate.
Potentiometers can be adjusted using the small flathead screwdriver. Please note
that clockwise rotation decreases volume, whereas counter-clockwise rotation
increases volume.
Diagram -Internal Preamp and Trim Pot Controls
OVERALL GAIN
EAGD
C
(5-string
model only)
Not
Used