The LR Baggs product line includes various pickup systems and related accessories designed for acoustic guitars. Installation procedures vary depending on the specific product, but generally involve mounting a pickup to the bridge plate or within the soundhole, and installing an endpin preamp with volume control. LR Baggs provides resources, including video guides, to assist users with installation and optimization of their systems. This article details installation procedures and system components based on available documentation.
HiFi Pickup Installation
LR Baggs has released the HiFi pickup, designed to mount to the bridge plate of a flattop guitar. This design aims to capture a more “woody” sound compared to traditional undersaddle pickups. The HiFi pickup is intended for user installation in many cases. A step-by-step installation guide is available in video format, offering tips on using the supplied jig for proper placement and troubleshooting. Peghead Nation has also produced a demonstration of the HiFi pickup.
Element Active System Components and Overview
The Element Active System combines an undersaddle pickup with a pre-contoured, all-discrete Class A endpin preamp. The system includes a soundhole-mounted volume potentiometer for additional control. The Element Active is designed to be compatible with a wide range of amplification systems, with optimal results expected when used with a high-quality, full-range PA system.
The package contents for the Element Active System include:
- One Element Active System with undersaddle pickup
- Endpin preamp with volume control attached
- One battery bag
- Three self-stick wire clips
Installing the Strapjack
Installation of the strapjack involves removing the existing strap ring, retaining nut, and one washer from the end of the jack. The process leaves one flat washer, one star-locking washer, and one nut remaining on the threaded barrel of the jack. The jack is then inserted through the soundhole and into the pre-drilled hole in the tail block.
Adjustment of the nut and washers is crucial to ensure approximately 90% of the smaller threaded portion of the jack extends beyond the tail block. The jack is checked for proper fit by inserting it into the pre-drilled hole; a couple of threads should remain within the hole. Once positioned correctly, a washer is placed over the threads, and the retaining nut is tightened. Finally, the strap ring is attached. Upon completion, the threaded section of the jack should be flush or nearly flush with the end of the strap ring. If the threaded section is recessed too far, a plug may not make a secure connection.
Accessing Support Resources
LR Baggs provides video guides and resources to assist users with various aspects of their products, including battery replacement, pickup fine-tuning, preamp gain adjustment, and equalization settings. These resources are available online and cover pickups, preamps, and pedals. Specific resources are available for the Voiceprint DI and AcousticLive products on a dedicated page.
Additional LR Baggs Products and Demonstrations
LR Baggs offers a range of products beyond the HiFi and Element Active systems. These include the Preamp-Equalizer, which was the company’s first such product, and the AEG-1 acoustic-electric guitar. Demonstrations and discussions of these products are available through video resources featuring company founder Lloyd Baggs and professional musicians. These resources showcase the use of LR Baggs systems in various musical contexts, including bluegrass, Americana, and contemporary country.
The Voiceprint DI’s companion app is available for Android phones.
Conclusion
LR Baggs provides a variety of pickup systems and related accessories for acoustic guitars. Installation procedures, such as those for the HiFi and Element Active systems, require careful attention to detail, particularly regarding strapjack adjustment. LR Baggs supports its products with comprehensive video guides and resources, enabling users to optimize their systems for performance and sound quality. The company continues to innovate, as demonstrated by products like the AEG-1 guitar and the Voiceprint DI.