VC-1 PICKUP
Features
Safe install
A wood-encased piezo sensor installs in the eye slot of the bridge, held in place via friction. Neatly-finished shim discs ensure the perfect fit. The 1/4" socket jack attaches securely to the tailpiece with an innovative clamp and Velcro band.
Wooden Sensor
The piezo sensor has a lightweight wooden casing to achieve maximum tonal sensitivity and transmission.
Natural Sound
VC-1 has a passive design that reproduces the natural sound of the instrument with no need for a battery.
Innovative Attachment
It features upgraded clamp and jack holder for improved durability and enhanced stability during performance. Easy to attach it provides security for both the instrument and pickup.
Complete installation set
The pickup comes with additional neatly-finished shim discs for fitting the sensor in narrow bridges.
Instructions
Follow our installation guide through the following steps:
Remove the pickup and other materials from the box.
The VC-1 is designed to fit any cello bridge. Some bridge slot openings will need to be widened slightly. We recommend 200 grit sandpaper, folding the paper appropriately to make it sturdy. If possible, use a thin piece of plastic or metal plate between the sandpaper. This will help while sanding and keep the sanded surface flat, which is important. Before you start sanding, use appropriately cut cardboard placed around the bridge to protect the varnish of the instrument. Widen the slot slowly, stopping frequently to try attaching the pickup sensor. This will avoid making the slot too wide.
If the slot is wider than the sensor use the additional provided shims. Line up the necessary number of shims along with the sensor and slide them in the slot under the 1st (A) string. The sensor will operate equally well from either side of the bridge. We recommend installing the sensor on the right side of the bridge (A string side). Some players prefer to install the sensor on the left side (C string side).
The sensor should be facing down with the flat side of the lead cable. Hold the bridge with one hand so it does not move while installing the sensor. The sensor should fit tightly but install without force. It should not move while playing or even shaking the cello, but not too tight where the sensor or bridge can be damaged or broken.
Unroll the Velcro band and rest the jack housing on the front surface of the tailpiece. Choose preferred position according to your playing technique.
Wrap the Velcro strap around the tailpiece and tighten to secure the jack housing in place.
With the volume of your amplifier set to zero, plug one end of a high-quality instrument cable into your pickup and the other into your favorite direct box, preamp or acoustic amplifier. Always hold the jack while plugging and unplugging the cable.
The cable plug will click into place when fully inserted. Gently press until it’s all the way in. Be aware you may feel a stopping point before it’s in all the way into the jack and operation in that position could cause disconnection.
You are now ready to enjoy your new pickup!
Video Review
Specifications
| Specifications | |||||
| Wood | White beech | ||||
| Maximum Impedance | 800 Ω | ||||
| Measurements | |||||
| Specified part | Letter | Size in MM (from*) | Size in MM (to*) | Size in INCH (from*) | Size in INCH (to*) |
| Pickup sensor side diameter | a | 15,0 | 15,1 | 0,591 | 0,594 |
| Pickup sensor side diameter | b | 16,5 | 16,6 | 0,650 | 0,654 |
| Pickup sensor bottom diameter | c | 15,0 | 15,1 | 0,591 | 0,594 |
| Lead wire length | d | 20,0 | - | 0,787 | - |
| Pickup sensor thickness | e | 2,5 | 2,6 | 0,098 | 0,102 |
| Jack housing length | f | 61,0 | 62,0 | 2,402 | 2,441 |
| Shim diameter | g | 15,0 | - | 0,591 | - |
| Thin shim thickness | h | 0,6 | - | 0,022 | - |
| Thick shim thickness | i | 1,0 | - | 0,039 | - |
| *Our handmade pickups may vary slightly in size due to the nature of the building | |||||