VXT string volume balance question
vomer
Posted 2013-11-29 5:12 AM (#480246)
Subject: VXT string volume balance question


Joined:
November 2013
Posts: 9

Location: Somerset, UK
Following on from my thread in the Welcome section in case anyone can add anything:

I have a problem with the VXT, which in acoustic piezo mode has the A and B string putting out about half the volume of the other strings. In magnetic pickup mode everything is fine. A new set of strings didn't change anything.

I searched here and found an old thread with the same question, and the suggestion was to clean the saddles. So I've tried a drop of Servisol switch cleaner on each, but it hasn't made a difference.

A thread on the talkbass forum said change the affected saddles for new.

I've emailed Fishman and customer services in the UK a couple of days ago now, but haven't heard back from them yet.

Many thanks if anyone can help.

Cheers, Paul.

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FlySig
Posted 2013-11-29 8:07 AM (#480249 - in reply to #480246)
Subject: Re: VXT string volume balance question



Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4025

Location: Utah
Does the VXT have the standard Ovation piezo saddle? Those are easy to swap out, and not very expensive at all. If your guitar is under warranty you might get the factory to send you a new one free in the mail.
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vomer
Posted 2013-11-29 9:40 AM (#480260 - in reply to #480246)
Subject: Re: VXT string volume balance question


Joined:
November 2013
Posts: 9

Location: Somerset, UK
Thanks FlySig, yes, I've seen the saddle type on Fishman's website for $24.95 each. Not sure if you're referring to these when you say "standard", but the VXT's are individual block saddles on an electric hardtail bridge. Just wondering if there is a fix or an adjustment before spending the money.
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vomer
Posted 2013-11-29 9:41 AM (#480261 - in reply to #480246)
Subject: Re: VXT string volume balance question


Joined:
November 2013
Posts: 9

Location: Somerset, UK
Add: can't imagine it's under warranty, it's 2007.
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Old Man Arthur
Posted 2013-11-29 2:19 PM (#480271 - in reply to #480261)
Subject: Re: VXT string volume balance question



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
vomer - 2013-11-29 7:41 AM

Add: can't imagine it's under warranty, it's 2007.

If you bought it New, it has a Lifetime Warranty.

If you didn't buy it New, the Mothership still might send you a saddle at a reasonable price.
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jamesholl
Posted 2013-12-01 7:30 AM (#480298 - in reply to #480246)
Subject: Re: VXT string volume balance question


Joined:
June 2012
Posts: 112

Location: Bristol England
Hi Arthur,

This is one of my guitars vomer (Paul) is working on and I haven't had it from new so we can't go down the 'warranty road'.

Meanwhile any other views or suggestions to correct this problem will be much appreciated.

James.
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vomer
Posted 2014-08-27 2:48 PM (#493694 - in reply to #480246)
Subject: RE: VXT string volume balance question


Joined:
November 2013
Posts: 9

Location: Somerset, UK
Nearly forgot about this thread, thought I'd better update. I did eventually buy two replacement saddles and they go in quite easily, the lead which looks disturbingly short at first, does solder to the board on the under side of the bridge.

Just be careful not to damage the (very thin) insulation on the wire or the saddle will short out to the bridge, taking some of its neighbours with it, leading to much worry, head scratching, and time with a multimeter. Ask me how I know...

Edited by vomer 2014-08-27 2:51 PM
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Old Man Arthur
Posted 2014-08-27 4:36 PM (#493699 - in reply to #480246)
Subject: Re: VXT string volume balance question



Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777

Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR
Mistakes are always educational.
If everything worked-out easily we would never learn anything.
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cliff
Posted 2014-08-28 12:55 PM (#493753 - in reply to #480246)
Subject: Re: VXT string volume balance question


Joined:
March 2002
Posts: 14842

Location: NJ
Who did you order the Saddles from? (and are they available GoldPlated)?? th'B and HighE strings on mine are too "Hot" . . . .
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vomer
Posted 2014-08-28 1:38 PM (#493754 - in reply to #493753)
Subject: Re: VXT string volume balance question


Joined:
November 2013
Posts: 9

Location: Somerset, UK
Cliff, they are available direct from Fishman, (sorry, don't know about gold), and I bought mine from an ebay reseller for the same price but for the convenience of using paypal. I think it was bluestarmusic, they still have them on there at the moment.
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