LR Baggs Installation

[@driveman6490]

This video gave me the confidence to go ahead and pay a professional to install this for me.

[@rickylakemusic]

nothing ventured, nothing gained. i didn't know i could fly til i threw myself into a wing shredder. i got skinned up and then soared on my new and well earned skills. ok wings.. but skills. learned skills. see, it's a metaphor, the wings thing is a metaphor. oy!.

[@ToddRussellHall]

The best, most thorough, and most correct installation video for Baggs that I've seen on KZbin! And all within about 7 minutes. Great job!

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

Thank You !

[@mayhameggs6460]

I am a simple man - I see a helpful tutorial, I give a thumbs up. I see that said tutorial is ended with a Led Zeppelin tune, I sign in with a second account and give a second thumbs up ;)

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

Your the best - Appreciate it -Thanks!!!

[@patricklundquist9869]

Since installing the microphone is a completely blind operation, it's easier to feel where to place it if you stick the pins back in the holes first. They extend far enough into the guitar to provide a reference point. When installing wire clips, do not place them anywhere that will bring the wires in contact with the top, or sound board vibration will make the wires buzz like crazy and you'll think you've blown a speaker.

[@OutontheRanchwithDrLee-xb4lo]

Thanks for the help, Jamie! Good job; sounds really nice! Good playing too!

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

You're welcome , and thank you !!!

[@gabestearman7605]

...and then he finishes it of with Led Zeps "Ramble On"...i am so sold.....

[@Tomtart1]

Hands down, the best install video I’ve seen. Thanks

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

You're very welcome Tom !!!

[@versafireguitars3145]

Can you let me know where I can get that nut tool you used to trace the line to know how much to remove? If it's home made what material and size increments is it? Thanx Jason

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

www.lmii.com/measuring-tools/2871-nut-and-saddle-setup-gauge-132-116-332-18-troughs.html

[@woodscopywriting]

Came here because I have a Furch Blue D MM - Furch's version of the D15m. Amazing tone, but I would like to have a preamp installed for gigging. Looking at this exact LR Baggs one. Thanks for a good vid!

[@andreasrys883]

Thank you very much, Jamie! Good job!!

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

You're welcome !!!

[@Majnun74]

I just bought this for my Epiphone EJ-200. I didn’t know I would have to drill my acoustic. Thinking of returning it.

[@rayseely7]

I am having a hard time altering my D-45 by drilling the hole larger for the end pin. How does this effect the value of a nice vintage D-45?

[@JimDanDeeBand]

Fantastic job.

[@pauladamtablante6955]

Hi what size is the drill bit you used for the piezo hole? And can I use regular wood drill bit for the end pin hole? Thanks man

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

After checking the saddle slot width ,this Marin could take a 7/64" bit for the piezo hole. Sometimes people use a 1/2" bit in reverse to start the hole in the endpin. Other times they use masking tape on the guitar to protect the finish. Just be careful - secure the guitar and hold the drill well. There is still no guarantee it won't chip the finish. Good luck.

[@danielgrove1300]

Jamie, great video. Thank you. I cannot get the baggs preamp to stick. Just got my Mackenzie & Marr Grand Manon back from my luthier and he couldn't either. I tried their tape, my tape...I was thinking of a flexible glue. My luthier thought about a thin piece of spruce to give the preamp more surface to adhere to. Any suggestions?

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

I wonder if the sound hole "Popsicle " size braces are not allowing for a proper fit, and your luthier wants to add to this somehow to increase the surface area, which doesn't seem like a bad plan.Otherwise I've never heard of this dilemma . There are many strong 2 sided tapes available and industrial Velcro might work. Also making sure the area is nice and clean and the sawdust blown off the area prior to adhesion. You should let me know when you do find a solution . I'll be interested to know what worked.

[@elliot1405]

Damn I need one of those endpin jack rods. I’ve been using guitar strings and it’s a pain in the ass and takes forever. Really have to be careful not to scratch the finish too.

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

I really use it a lot - Thanks for watching ! www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/tools-by-job/tools-for-electronics/jack-installation-tool/

[@MrBrianDuga]

And of course I'm here because the double sided sticky tape on mine failed on the transducer mic and need to figure out if I can replace the sticky tape and reinstall in the right position. Thanks for posting.

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

Transfer tape will work (2 sided tape) .But your pickup box should have come with spare stickers, if it's the LR Baggs. What I do with the transducer is to ever so slightly stick it where it feels right , then look with a mirror and see. If you placed it wrong then it easily comes off and then try it again. When you have it where you like then really push it on there. I now sometimes use the bridge pins in there to get a feel for where I am. Good luck

[@MrBrianDuga]

@@Barringtonjohnbruce thank you!

[@LonskiBig]

......Sounds better than I thought.....

[@enriquetrejo3003]

Hi. Thanks for the video. Can you tell me what size drill bit you used to drill the hole for the piezo? Thanks.

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

After checking the saddle slot width ,this Marin could take a 7/64" bit for the piezo hole.

[@bagdad9782]

Dog the zeppelin tune at the end. Ramble on!

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

Who doesn't love Led Zeppelin Right? Thanks for watching !!!

[@art_santora]

What is the tool called that you used to mark the 1/32" line on the saddle?

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

LMI once carried these

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

Nut and saddle setup gauge

[@jinsilgame]

Thanks for sharing this. If you don't mind, may I ask you for an advice on the problem of anthem that I'm having? Sound is on and off when I turn the volume knob. In other words, I can only get sound in certain spots. What possible causes make this problem?

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

I might first spray the volume pot with de-oxit spray - www.stewmac.com/Pickups_and_Electronics/Amp_Kits_and_Parts/Cleaners_and_Lubricants/CAIG_DeoxIT_Pot_and_Switch_Cleaner.html

[@christhorpec]

Unleashed ramble on at the end ;)

[@icarocosta4302]

Hi, friend! thanks for the video! do you think the anthem (this full version) affects the unpplugged/acoustic sound? Thank you!

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

Great question...... out of almost 80000 views , no one has ever asked that. Personally I haven't noticed a difference, but this could be a good comparison video for someone with the right recording equipment.The added mass (although light) of the transducer pickup attached to the bridge plate ,must have a slight effect on the vibration of the top, and even the piezo might rob the guitar of some string energy. Stewmac has claimed that vintage (yellow in color) bone, has better tone than bleached (white) bone nuts and saddles, yet I can't notice a clear difference myself.Thanks for the great question ,you've got my curiosity peaked .I'll have to do some googling of this.

[@icarocosta4302]

@@Barringtonjohnbruce thanks for you attention, my friend! i'll install it but i love my acoustic one hehe hope doesnt change.

[@jericocanceran7849]

Can i use the pick up hole as also my button strap or do I have to drill for it ?

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

The final piece that I screw on the end pin jack is designed as a strap button. So It's all in one - Strap button and a jack

[@estimatora1419]

Could you use just 1/2 “ drill if you don’t have what you have for a drill bit

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

Yes . Maybe even start with a step drill bit to get the 1/2" established on the outside, then continue through with the 1/2" bit. Good luck ,you'll like this pickup.

[@clovis2012]

Can I send my D28 to you with the same Anthem system and have you install it? There is literally no one close to where I live that could do this. Can we discuss offline?

[@MrShamus07]

Great job 'splainin.' Thanks.

[@flordecactus1776]

How length ih this piezo? I play 7-strings guitar, and the strings spacing is about ~7cm. Thank you!

[@julieb7635]

Great video thank you!

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

You're welcome !

[@larrydavis4064]

Thanks for knowledge share.

[@travelthebest2676]

Great video Jamie, Does the system come with full instructions? It looks tricky especially when you mention the black dot phase

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

Thanks ! Here are there instructions ..... .static1.squarespace.com/static/5772af1029687f3cdf68994e/t/583cd141be659429d1156451/1480380741791/lr-baggs-anthem-install-manual.pdf

[@matthewswanson8247]

What is the drill part you are using to drill the hole for the jack?

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/types-of-tools/reamers/endpin-jack-reamer.html

[@BradM766]

What would be a fair labor cost for this? I want to have a LR Baggs™ Element VTC installed on my Peavey acoustic. This isn’t a job I want to attempt myself despite my DIY background. I’ll gladly pay an expert to properly do this but I’d like to start shopping around for the best estimate.

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

I'd guess you're looking at $75- $110 depending on what part of the world you're in !

[@xiongli3563]

Can you install the pickup for my D28?

[@Tunes2go]

Hey, great video! I have a question, do you have to take all the strings out to change the battery? That would be a little inconvenient if it happens in the middle of a show, wouldn’t it?

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

Thanks ! The battery will easily last a year ,unless you keep the cord plugged in when not in use. So as long as there is no cord in the output jack ,there should be no (minimal) draw on the battery. As far as the strings, just loosen all of them so you can place your hand in the soundhole. No need to actually take them off as such. Thanks for watching !!!

[@Tunes2go]

@@Barringtonjohnbruce thanks a lot man! Keep being great!

[@saywhat7349]

there's also a battery meter on the control module.

[@normcote270]

So did you install the Piezo wire from inside the sound hole or from the top, you totally skipped that, what if the acoustic has no sound hole like The Godin Acousticaster or others built like that? Nice playing BTW!!

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

From the inside; an easy way to find the piezo hole from the inside is to stick a toot pick from the top side, into the hole - then when you feel around the inside, you'll feel the tooth pick, and then you would fish the piezo upwards ,into , and up the hole into the saddle groove. These manuals can be found on line, so for an acoustic that has no sound hole , I would assess accordingly. Thanks for watching!!!

[@normcote270]

@@Barringtonjohnbruce You don't seem to understand that there is NO WAY I can feel around for a toothpick, the instrument HAS NO SOUNDHOLE and is 3" wide, I cannot get inside to feel a toothpick as my hands are normal size not microscopic. Ihope I'm going to somehow with use of a guide wire (or something else) and pull the piezo through the hole in the bridge from the input jack hole. That is unless you have a better idea. This was my original question, I guess you missed where I had NO access. Any installation tips would be really helpful if you have and tricks up your sleeve how to pull the piezo wire from the input jack hole, through the body to the bridge hole where the piezo wire sits would be most helpful. Thanks!!

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

@@normcote270 What you are suggesting with the guide wire might be your only solution - Good luck !!!

[@normcote270]

@@Barringtonjohnbruce OK, sounds like my only option, thank you Jamie!!

[@christhorpec]

Ps the drilling bit on bridge would make me nervous doing it with a high price guitar!! 😬

[@Acekilla213]

Hey brother that was a really great installation video! I had a question.. I just had my LR BAGGS anthem pickup installed by a local luthier. He says the pickup generally dampens the sound a bit but I noticed the low E string is more dampened then the rest of the strings. I also got my guitar setup at the same time so he took off a good chunk of the saddle. Does the new setup and the Lr baggs anthem pickup explain the dampened sound? How does your acoustic sound unplugged? Did anything change? Thanks for your time!

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

Sorry I'mm just seeing this now. Technically having something between a bone saddle and the rosewood should make a difference, but I have to admit that I rarely if ever notice a tonal difference of the acoustic unplugged. At some point take the saddle off, and see how flat the bottom is. Hold a light to the backside of the saddle when on a straight edge, and if there is light where the Low E string should be then that "might" be why it sounds dampened .Other things to look at , is 1. if the the saddle is loose in the slot, 2. the possibility that the bottom of the saddle is filed at an angle rather than 90 degrees to the sides, or3. if the bottom of the bridge slot is not flat (this is quite unlikely but worth a check). Another possibility is the strings themselves if you had them changed. Good luck...write me back if you need to.

[@Acekilla213]

@@Barringtonjohnbruce it could be the strings. I’ll test the saddle light technique. Also the luthier added aluminum foil in between the saddle and bridge to “have better connection”

[@scottohara2230]

Jamie, thanks this is very helpful. Quick question on the “tool” you used to measure 1/32 to shave off the saddle, did you make that yourself? If not, do you know the name of it, looks very handy. Thanks

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

www.lmii.com/measuring-tools/2871-nut-and-saddle-setup-gauge-132-116-332-18-troughs.html. Thanks for watching !!!

[@TheSufferingJukebox]

@@Barringtonjohnbruce Any chance you can update this link? I can't find this tool anywhere? It looks amazing!

[@jimdesanto4992]

Quick Question - where did you get that really handy tool for measuring the saddle height?

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

www.lmii.com/measuring-tools/2871-nut-and-saddle-setup-gauge.html

[@chrispaulick]

How do those wire clips install?

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

They have a self stick adhesive. Thanks for watching

[@StGosch]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

you're welcome !

[@davidmathley5877]

I do not want to cover the neck block. Where is another place that the battery can be mounted?

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

Sometimes the neck block has a marking or paper that I wouldn't want to cover either. So then I would choose to mount it on the guitar's back, near the neck block. ( or the side of the neck block if at all possible.)

[@ariascruz172]

Jamie Surette so everytime you need to change the battery you need to loosen the strings? How many days did the battery last?

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

@@ariascruz172 Yes, loosening the strings is necessary, and the battery could easily last a year or more as long as you don't forget to remove the cord from the output jack. Leaving a cord plugged in will drain the battery fast.

[@ariascruz172]

Jamie Surette thanks for the reply i already buy one 😅

[@jeffallen3372]

Cool to watch!

[@Pharesm]

Do you realize you're marring the finish of the guitar, dragging stuff including the 3.5mm plug over it? You may not see it, but if you were to inspect it carefully, you'd see it. Over the years, it all adds up... Unless you're very nimble, you should cover the top before working on it.

[@poguie]

Yikes... I'm not going anywhere near my guitar with an electric drill - it would slip for sure... fully agree... let the professionals do it every time!

[@leswhite3524]

Did you have to take out a second mortgage to afford that ScrewMac tool? LOL

[@k3804g932]

How long does the tape last? kg

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

The controls/Battery bag/ and transducer ,will stay stuck on there without any problem for years if the area is clean. I usually sand (120grit) lightly, then clean the area with a dry rag first.

[@garygotori5022]

If you were to mix a small amount of epoxy and apply it to the area where you want to stick the tape. Would a light coat of epoxy effect the sound board ? The tape would be almost permanent. RC modelers do this so double sided tape adhered and didn’t release

[@davidbunin6492]

Unfortunately, you kept getting your hand and/or your arm in the way of the camera, making it very hard to see what you were doing.

[@Tenasscity]

too bad you skipped over the important parts of the installation!

[@obscurazone]

I think I'll stick to a mic set up. I'm 100% bound to screw this up.

[@turkmusik]

Jesus show the inside of the guitar. I can't believe this.

[@mojoshipman6825]

Be more descriptive

[@rayprice9819]

And you do all that without covering the top of the guitar to avoid unnecessary scratches, dings, marking etc or, heaven forbid, drill slip while using it as a work bench. Unbelievable!

[@garvolt]

Sound a bit boomy to me.

[@john-zw9rw]

Element system is a piece of crap....... under bridge is not the way to go..... ELEMENT IS JUNK

[@Steven-Duffy]

Always one Arsehole

[@fathimukhlisrozali5049]

What is the tool name you use to mark the saddle before you filing?

[@Barringtonjohnbruce]

www.lmii.com/measuring-tools/2871-nut-and-saddle-setup-gauge-132-116-332-18-troughs.html