My Full Circle doesn't work!

[Barcza]

I using the FC since 2 years. I really love that pickup, it works perfectly for me, in every situation.
Few days before, I installed a new string set, Evah Pirazzi ( the strings are fantastic ), but I had to adjust the bridge after the installation. After that, my Full Circle stopped working. No signal, no noise, just quiet!
Have you got some idea, what can I do. I don't like to buy it again, if not necessary.

[JtheJazzMan]

Maybe return it to where you bought it to see if theres any warranty, if not then you can take the small screws off it and see if any solder has broken loose, or test the wire for continuity. It may be a simple fix.

[Barcza]

Yeah, I I didn't know this small screws. Do you know how can I look inside the jack?

[Uncletoad]

It's imperative you don't touch the wire when adjusting your wheels. 9 times out of 10 the wire breaks on the inside just where it exits the adjuster. Unless the solder joints were messed with on the jack at some point that's where most of them fail when they do.

Can't fix that to easy in the field. Call Fishman or the luthier that installed it.

[Barcza]

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

It's imperative you don't touch the wire when adjusting your wheels. 9 times out of 10 the wire breaks on the inside just where it exits the adjuster. Unless the solder joints were messed with on the jack at some point that's where most of them fail when they do.

Can't fix that to easy in the field. Call Fishman or the luthier that installed it.

Thanks Uncletoad,
We worked on the wheels together with my father, who is a luthier, but he mostly works on violins. We tired to be careful, but the hot wheel was very tight, need lot of power to move, and maybe we make some mistake. I have a guy who is a good amp builder, and technician, but his on holiday, I can meet him on the next week. I'm afraid because, I don't see any screws on the hot wheel and on the jack, where we can look inside the wire, so I don't see how can be disassemble this pickup.

[Uncletoad]

Originally Posted by Barcza

Thanks Uncletoad,
We worked on the wheels together with my father, who is a luthier, but he mostly works on violins. We tired to be careful, but the hot wheel was very tight, need lot of power to move, and maybe we make some mistake. I have a guy who is a good amp builder, and technician, but his on holiday, I can meet him on the next week. I'm afraid because, I don't see any screws on the hot wheel and on the jack, where we can look inside the wire, so I don't see how can be disassemble this pickup.

They are very difficult to reassemble once they have been taken apart. Contact Fishman and send the whole assembly to them.

It's best to detune the strings before you move the adjuster wheels. If they still move stiffly when under little tension they are not installed properly.

[Barcza]

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

They are very difficult to reassemble once they have been taken apart. Contact Fishman and send the whole assembly to them.

It's best to detune the strings before you move the adjuster wheels. If they still move stiffly when under little tension they are not installed properly.

We detuned the string before.
I will try to contact with Fishman, but I'm afraid wil be not easy to deal with them, becouse I live in Europe.

[Uncletoad]

Originally Posted by Barcza

We detuned the string before.
I will try to contact with Fishman, but I'm afraid wil be not easy to deal with them, becouse I live in Europe.

Prior to reinstalling you should review the installation instructions and be sure all the angles are correct and the holes are tapped to the right dimensions.

Fishman is a global company, you should be fine.

[maxito]

Originally Posted by Barcza

Thanks Uncletoad,
..... I don't see any screws on the hot wheel ......

Aha! No screws. Sounds like the pickup you have is an older model, where the parts were glued together. They work great....until they just stop. The new ones have 4 small screws on one side.

Same thing happened to me. I contacted Fishman, and they sent me a new pickup when I returned the broken one, no charge.

It may be more difficult from Europe, but it will be well worth the time.

[Roger Davis]

Originally Posted by maxito

Aha! No screws. Sounds like the pickup you have is an older model, where the parts were glued together. They work great....until they just stop. The new ones have 4 small screws on one side.

Same thing happened to me. I contacted Fishman, and they sent me a new pickup when I returned the broken one, no charge.

It may be more difficult from Europe, but it will be well worth the time.

So since when? I bought my FS a year ago in UK and it doesn't have screws.

[Barcza]

Originally Posted by maxito

Aha! No screws. Sounds like the pickup you have is an older model, where the parts were glued together. They work great....until they just stop. The new ones have 4 small screws on one side.

Same thing happened to me. I contacted Fishman, and they sent me a new pickup when I returned the broken one, no charge.

It may be more difficult from Europe, but it will be well worth the time.

I contacted with Fishman, just now, I waiting for the answer. I'm afraid, because, I ordered the pickup from an abroad online store, instead of the authorized Hungarian distributor, becuause it was cheaper, oh fool me I haven't got the bill by this time.

[Barcza]

I received this answer from Fishman:

Hi Jozsef,
Unfortunately, your Full Circle can't be disassembled for repair. If
the pickup has been damaged or the crystal piezo broken, it can't be
serviced.

Best Regards,

[maxito]

Curious ..... How did you word your message to Fishman?

Presuming that you have not attempted to open the pickup, or otherwise forcibly damaged the pickup, you may not have reached the end of the line.

When I contacted Fishman for service, I told them that I was advised by my repair guy that they (Fishman) were aware of the defect, and were offering replacements for defective glued pickups. They never asked me where I purchased my broken pickup.

So, if you have not opened and tried to repair yourself, I suggest that you contact them again and request replacement in lieu of repair. You have nothing to lose. If they are committed to providing first class customer service, they will do the right thing.

[Barcza]

Maybe I was loser a bit, it would be better, if I don't say I adjust the bridge, just say did nothing, and the pickup doesn't work.
I send another email, but don't really believe.

[Barcza]

Now i got this message:

"The current version has 4 screws. The older version is held together by
conductive glue. Your symptoms indicate that the piezo crystal has been
damaged. You may be able to turn the pickup and get some intermittent
output, but the pickup can't be repaired.

Best Regards,"