Repair And Restoration
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Problem fitting an LRBaggs Anthem to a Martin D-16RGT
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Problem fitting an LRBaggs Anthem to a Martin D-16RGT
So, like an idiot, I got well into the installation of an Anthem pickup system when I realized that the soundhole braces on this guitar are effing Lincoln Logs. They’re easily a quarter inch thick (and feel like basswood). Because the Anthem preamp is designed to straddle the soundhole brace, I can’t fit it as-is.
Anybody got any experience with this?
OPTIONS THE CLIENT WOULD NEVER GO FOR (and wouldn’t thrill me either):
1. Replace the brace with a properly thin one made of maple, in hopes of retaining the strength-to-weight ratio.
2. Shave down the brace (I worry I’ll be weakening one side with catastrophic consequences down the line).
OTHER OPTIONS
1. Tape thickening pieces to the preamp so it straddles the brace. This makes controls harder to reach, but might work.
2. Attempt to return the unit, even thought it’s been mostly installed–especially the internal mic.
3. Buy the effing thing off the client and put it in one of my guitars. Have him get something else.
Any other ideas? Any opinions about the ideas I’ve already had? Thanks loads for any help.
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8 Replies
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I don’t have a specific solution here, though I’d probably opt for modifying the preamp to the instrument, not the other way around – maybe removing some plastic from the underside of the preamp? However, I would reach out to the folks at LR Baggs for (1) to ask for their advice and (2) make sure they know what products it DOESN’T work with! Best of luck, Chris
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Thanks for that. In this case I don’t think modifying the preamp is possible. At least not for me, as I’m certain the circuit board fills the case. I could potentially 3D print a new case for it, but that’s starting to sound crazy for what was supposed to be a quick (and therefore low-priced) job.
I suspect LR Baggs already knows that the Martin R guitars don’t fit, which is why they offer a stripped down version of the same pickup system for guitars “where the bracing interferes with fitting the preamp.”
Thanks for weighing in.
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Makes sense and I agree.
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That’s an unfortunate situation for sure. I’ve had a similar issue with a specific Taylor – can’t remember the series.
We opted to alter the bracing and shave it down a bit, just in the area where the preamp was going to go. I have to say that wasn’t a lot though, I wouldn’t take it down over half of its size or anything. As long as your client is informed about potential consequences and is accepting that risk, I guess it’s an option to consider.
Seeing as it’s a 16 series, that should have the hybrid bracing pattern. Apart from having less finger braces, it’s pretty similar to the standard pattern, apart from the fact that the soundhole braces are a LOT thicker. I wouldn’t foresee any huge structural issues with altering that part; compared to the standard bracing, it is heavily overbuild anyway in that area…
You could visit http://www.martinrep.com/bracing.html for a more visual reference.
Good luck to you!
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I agree with Zenn. Basically zero likelihood shaving that brace down will have audible sonic consequences
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Appreciate you surfacing this – I will take note should this present itself in my shop in the future!
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Ditto on surfacing this! Was just about to pull the trigger on the Anthem for a Hummingbird and looks like issues. It’s interesting that Baggs doesn’t have a cheat sheet for models.
Thanks for bringing up!
P.S. I’m going to take the other fork in the road and say that I believe that this product is marketed to be a “universal” fit. Baggs should let consumers know that it won’t work on certain models. I’m going to paraphrase what Ted Woodford said. That anything you do to a guitar is going to change the sound of that guitar. Anything. I personally would not alter the guitar because I bought I pricey after market item that doesn’t work with that instrument. And I would turn down the work at the risk of losing the customer because my personal belief is that I shouldn’t alter the guitar for the sake of making it work when there are other choices that will work. That pickup assembly should be universal or have an alterable capacity as it is an after market item. But it doesn’t work with certain models. Just my personal take.
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I have always offered to install the Anthem SL model as an option. Smaller head unit, but still retains the mic and piezo.
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