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Joined:
March 2011
Posts: 6
| Hi everyone! I have a request in to Ovation on this topic, but have not had a response.
I have an Applause AE128. I tried lowering the action by reducing the bottom side of the compensated saddle. As I removed the saddle from the bridge, I was expecting to find a simple ribbon type transducer under the saddle, but found it had more components than expected and a strange type of saddle.
When I removed the saddle from the metal "tray" there was a ribbon transducer and a plastic carrier loaded with small metallic pieces (magnets?). These pieces fell out of the carrier. I reinserted them into the carrier, reduced the bottom of the saddle and reassembled everything, also eliminating the shim.
Note: Just removing the shim did not lower the action sufficiently.
When I reassembled everything, the high E & B strings were were muted, and only produced microphonic type tones from those two strings. I removed the assembly again, checked to verify that the "magnets" were all shiny side up (darker side down), and reinstalled the assembly.
Now I get no sound at all from the transducer, so evidently I have something very wrong (LOL) :rolleyes: .
The following is the current configuration in the saddle slot (from the bottom up):
copper strip (shielding?)
metal tray
plastic carrier w/ "magnets"
ribbon transducer
plastic bridge
Can anyone tell me what I may have assembled incorrectly?
Should I replace the original transducer with a different ribbon transducer (or button type transducer), and replace the saddle with a traditional compensated saddle. Would the onboard preamp support a diferent transducer? |
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Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | There are many people with more repair/rebuild experience than me at the OFC... That said:
"Should I replace the original transducer with a different ribbon transducer (or button type transducer), and replace the saddle with a traditional compensated saddle. Would the onboard preamp support a diferent transducer?"
That is what I would do.
I do not know what type of connection the Applause preamp has. But I have used Artec PP-607 Under-Saddle Transducers on Ovations and Celebrity's.
The little plug goes right into the cans of OP-Pros and OP-20, or 30. It is 1/8" or 3.5mm(?).
Here are your size choices...
I have not tried a ribbon transducer, but I imagine that would, could, should work.
Like I said, I have never worked on an Applause.. But that is what I have done.
Good Luck with your Project... And wait for more responses, opinions, instructions and wisdom. :cool: |
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Joined:
March 2011
Posts: 6
| This is the response from Ovation. I have sent an additional inquiry regarding the recommended method for lowering the action, since they state here that modifying the bottom of the compensated saddle can affect the performance of the pickup.
From Ovation:
The pickup should be assembled like this from the bottom up:
metal tray
plastic strip with piezo elements dark side facing up
ground metal
saddle
The strip at the bottom of the saddle slot, underneath the pickup, is a shim. Also note that filing the bottom of the saddle can affect the performance of the pickup. |
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Joined:
March 2011
Posts: 6
| The response I received back from Ovation suggested that if removing the shim did not lower the action sufficiently (it did not), then I should lower the action further by adjusting the truss rod.
This seems like a totally inappropriate response.
I have never considered truss rod adjustment a function of lowering strings, but rather to flatten the fretboard. If the neck was slightly bowed, truss rod adjustment might help string height somewhat in the mid neck positions.
All in all, I would say that this model AE128 is either a poor design or the neck on this one was set too low. I firmly believe the transducer is a poor design and contains too many unnecessary parts for an entry level/student guitar.
The guitar would have been much more functional with a traditional under saddle transducer, and utilizing a standard compensated saddle.
Please Note: This AE128 is the older style with the large plastic rosette. Maybe they addressed these issues in the newer models (with multiple inlaid rings).
I will probably replace the transducer with another type, and replace the saddle with a regular compensated saddle. |
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Joined:
October 2005
Posts: 4081
Location: Utah | Do you have pictures? I've never seen an Ovation pickup that wasn't encapsulated and attached to the bottom of the saddle. Not saying they don't exist, just I haven't seen it. Did you buy this guitar new or is this possibly an aftermarket pickup/saddle?
The action is lowered by removing shims from below the saddle/pickup assembly.
If that doesn't do it, a neck reset may be required, presuming the truss rod and nut are properly set up. Potentially the saddle slot in the bridge could be routed deeper, though it would surprise me if the slot were the cause of the problem to begin with. |
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Joined:
March 2011
Posts: 6
| Sorry I don't have any photos. It is the original transducer. I purchased it new a few years ago.
I have already removed the only shim that was installed. The saddle slot is plenty deep enough for most under-saddle transducers.
Keeping in mind that this is a $200 entry level guitar, it would be impractical to shell out for a neck reset.
I will probably replace the transducer, and replace the saddle with a regular compensated saddle.
I just want to pass along this info to others who may be considering this guitar for students, etc. It is a poor introduction to the Ovation family, in my opinion. |
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Applause AE128 transducer help/info
