Piezo Output - Takamine Acoustic Bass Help Needed

[Mr. Pickles]

Hi folks. I have a Takamine ABG (with the TK-40B preamp) and the output on the low E string is lower than the other strings. I'm wondering if there is a way that I can repair this myself. All of the music stores in my area of NY are closed due to COVID.

Thanks in advance.

 

[dwizum]

Where in NY are you?

This is usually caused by an uneven install of an under saddle pizeo. The piezo is basically a flat stick, and it goes in the saddle slot below the saddle. If the saddle or the bottom of the slot are not perfect, you will get uneven response from the pickup. The pickup needs even pressure across all strings, an uneven spot will cause higher or lower pressure from string to string.

I would start by taking the strings off, taking the saddle out, and checking the bottom of the saddle for flatness. If it is not flat, make it so (gentle figure 8's on a piece of medium or fine sandpaper). If it is flat, pull the piezo out of the way and check the bottom of the slot. An uneven slot can by trickier to fix, I've used a fine knife and/or small chisel. If that seems daunting, you can try a really thin shim (like, a piece of paper) between the pickup and the slot under the string with low output.

 

[Turnaround]

It's also worth checking if the saddles is binding in the slot. It should be a light friction fit. If it really binds it can hang up in the slot and cause uneven pressure on the piezo.

 

[202dy]

The most important part of a piezo pickup installation is insuring that the bottom of the saddle slot and the bottom of the saddle are flat. If it's flat everything else is easy.

Most pro techs use a jig and a Dremel to flatten the slot bottom. That's the best way to do it.

Hand tools can be used. Miniature chisels and files (you can make a miniature chisel from a miniature file!) are used. White pencil on the bottom of the slot and graphite pencil on the bottom of the saddle will help you see the high and low spots.

Some folks will suggest adding a shim. Aluminum foil, soda cans, or paper can all be used. It is usually a temporary fix. A pro tech will not do this.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Where in NY are you?

This is usually caused by an uneven install of an under saddle pizeo. The piezo is basically a flat stick, and it goes in the saddle slot below the saddle. If the saddle or the bottom of the slot are not perfect, you will get uneven response from the pickup. The pickup needs even pressure across all strings, an uneven spot will cause higher or lower pressure from string to string.

I would start by taking the strings off, taking the saddle out, and checking the bottom of the saddle for flatness. If it is not flat, make it so (gentle figure 8's on a piece of medium or fine sandpaper). If it is flat, pull the piezo out of the way and check the bottom of the slot. An uneven slot can by trickier to fix, I've used a fine knife and/or small chisel. If that seems daunting, you can try a really thin shim (like, a piece of paper) between the pickup and the slot under the string with low output.

Hudson Valley near Poughkeepsie.

 

[JW56789]

And my first question would be: Does it do this with brand-new strings ?

 

[Mr. Pickles]

And my first question would be: Does it do this with brand-new strings ?

Yes.