How to get the Best out of your Headway Pickup System in use
1) Control & EQ
2) Guarantees
3) Fitting Experience
4) Quiet Plug In
5) Battery Requirements
6) Cables & Connectors
7) Changing Strings
8) Best Sounds
9) Minimise Feedback
10) Storage Advice
11) Liability
12) Problem Prevention
13) Trouble-shooter Checklist
14) Systems Under Development
1) CONTROL & EQ
Volume controls (“C”, “X” or T.V. ) are useful in matching the output of
the instrument to that of another, to vary volume throughout a
performance, to allow silent tuning, or to help produce the optimum output
to suit an amp or FX unit.
Tone Controls (“C”, “X” ) offer the ability to fine-tune the shape of
your own sound to suit instrument, playing style, environment and personal
taste. Headway active tone controls compliment the instrument type, offer
treble shelving, centre detents and are designed to be immediately to
hand.
On the “FEQ” the main equalisation problem has been solved, in the units
naturalistic mid cut, which counters steel strung instrument’s tendency
to amplify a mid range hump. The FEQ also provides a steeper cut to
low-end bass boom.
“The Snake” & NYL: Here the only EQ is in a low-end roll off to cut body
noise, which is applied to all Headway products. Nylon strings do not
normally require a mid cut to be applied, indeed some players prefer a
slight mid boost.
“Snake” + Controls: The “Snake TV” (Tone & Volume controls) may be
purchased, or with controls added to a standard version. This only offers
a passive treble cut control, similar to that on most electric guitars.
See instructions below.
Volume & tone controls ( where applicable ) boost when turned clock
wise, and cut, when turned anti-clockwise. Centre detents on tone
controls denote a roughly flat response.
When fitted with tone controls on the side of the instrument and the green
fitting label is facing the inside of the instrument’s top, a person
holding the instrument in the normal way, looking at the controls from
above, would find the controls (“C” & “X” ) aligned as follows:
i) treble - small, upper knob on left pot shaft, with
centre detent;
ii) bass - larger, lower knob on left pot shaft, with
centre detent;
iii) vol - small, upper knob on right pot shaft, with
no detent;
iv) mid - larger, lower knob on right pot shaft, with
centre detent.
2) GUARANTEES
“HE1” and “Snake” pickup and pre-amp units are not suitable for
splitting for separate use. Any such attempts may cause damage &
invalidate the guarantee.
HE1 RANGE GUARANTEE - The 5 Year Guarantee, applies,
to labour (not fitting to instrument), plus all parts, for the
original owner, except pots, knobs and end pin jacks. since while these
are high specification components, their life is dependent, primarily,
upon factors beyond Headway’s control, such as care in use and fitting.
A Six Month Guarantee will apply to these other parts. Always
retain proof of purchase.
Guarantees are validated by completing & returning the card. The
removal of the SER No., or attempts to open the pre-amp, damaging its
tamper evident label, will indemnify Guarantees. Products returned,
must be sent pre-paid.
The Snake” Guarantee - As above, but read “12 Months” instead of “5
Years”.
3) FITTING EXPERIENCE? While the “HE1” & “Snake” may be
purchased as a means of improving on your current pickup system, where
existing under saddle pickups or pre-amps have been in place, any
modifications to the instrument that may be necessary would be a skilled
job and SHOULD ONLY BE CARRIED OUT BY AN EXPERIENCED LUTHIER OR
INSTRUMENT MAKER / REPAIRER. Headway will NOT be held
responsible for damage caused to instrument or “HE” System through
attempted DIY, or unqualified fitting of the system.
If in doubt, contact your local luthier or Guitar workshop, via Yellow
Pages, the local/music press, or Headway.
However, it is not necessary to drill the sides of your
instrument for controls to the “C” Pre-amp, since that entire unit can
be fitted inside the body, on a simple bracket. This might be roughly “U”
shaped, with pre-amp held in place on pot bushes, fixing to top block and
with controls pointed towards sound hole, allowing pre-setting of
controls.
4) QUIET PLUG IN: The “HE” Series incorporates an
FET switching system, reducing the amplified clunk, when plugging in and
out of the device.
While it is impossible to eliminate all plug-in noise by these means, it
will be most effective if you plug into and out of the socket, in one
sharp move. “The Snake” P/U’s modest clunk is also minimised with a
sharp plug in action. The noise can be virtually eliminated, by
Switchcraft quiet switching jack plugs, connected to Pre-amp outputs (not
external pre-amp inputs), or by channel muting.
5) BATTERY REQUIREMENTS - Headway recommends using an Alkali or
Lithium PP3 / 6F22 battery, from a reputable source, in native
text, noting "use by" time. Keep a spare and based roughly on limited
weekend use for:
i) HE1 Range - change an
Alkali at least once a year.
ii) “Snake” - change an Alkali battery at least every 18 Months
iii) Where regular multiple weekly use is made, change alkali battery
every 3-6 months
The Lithium should last 2-3
times longer. Reduced treble/output, offers a warning of low
battery power. Monitor for leaks!
Headway battery terminals are non-reversible to prevent reverse
polarity non-functioning/damage.
UNPLUG WHEN NOT IN USE TO SAVE BATTERY LIFE!
6) CABLES & CONNECTORS - Your weakest points, in the long chain of
devices to the speakers, are invariably leads & connectors, particularly
the jack (guitar) lead, so for best results, Headway recommends that you
use low noise, single core, flexible, screened cable, of up to
around 33 feet (10 Metres) on the output from the pre-amp.
Alternatively, the use of DTI / Government Approved Radio Transmitters is
effective. USE ONLY WESTERN DESIGNED METAL JACK PLUGS, i.e.,
Switchcraft, Neutrik, Deltron, Horizon or Rendar/Schurter.
7) CHANGING STRINGS. When re-stringing, where under saddle pickups
are fitted, you are advised to change strings one at a time, to
minimise the possibility of disturbing the balance. However, the removal
of all strings should not normally be a problem where pickup has been
fully bedded in with saddle.
8) BEST SOUNDS You are be advised to use a full range PA
(3 way speakers with dedicated mid) possibly alongside a decent acoustic
(backline) guitar combo. PIEZO CERAMIC TWEETERS/HORNS ARE GENERALLY BEST
AVOIDED. A little digital reverb should help provide best results for
most situations.
Body boom can be further cut by cutting below 80 Hz for acoustic
guitar bottom “E” or 70 Hz, where a dropped bottom “D” string has been
employed. If you wish to cut treble via a graphic Equaliser, we suggest
first trying around 2-4 kHz.
On “The Snake” or HE1/G2.NYL, we suggest backing off a mid
control for steel strung instruments, or the popular smile shaped
graphic equaliser.
9) MINIMISE FEEDBACK at very high volume levels, particularly where
stage monitors are used, by inserting sound hole plug into sound
hole. They offer the potential of 3-5dB additional level before feedback
and are particularly useful for the relatively problematic Acoustic Bass
Guitar. Beyond that we recommend Behringer Feedback Destroyer Rack
Units.
Sound hole plugs may be constructed by using rubber adhesive to
stick together 3 layers of mouse mat material, where the two outer layers
are larger than sound hole but the inner is slightly smaller.
10) STORAGE ADVICE - Headway suggests a foam lined hard
case, such as the "Hiscox" to lower the risk of damage to
instrument or pickup by storage at extreme temperatures, e.g. car boots,
in continuous direct sunshine.
11) LIABILITY - While such damage is unlikely, Headway
Electronics cannot be held responsible for damage caused by leaking
batteries, the subjection of its products to unreasonably high or low
temperatures, the use of its pre-amps with other pick-ups, or abuse of its
products, or any musical instrument during fitting.
Headway will not be responsible for consequential loss or damages, or
damage due to misuse, accident or neglect. Headway retains the
right to make such determination on its own inspection.
Since Headway products are powered solely by battery and operate entirely
independently of mains based power sources, Headway cannot
be held responsible for injuries or damage caused by electric shocks.
12) PROBLEM PREVENTION:-
i) stop using mains gear
immediately if even minor shocks are detected, and seek pro advice,
ii) have mains gear serviced regularly by professionals (see
EU / Govt. Regs);
iii) avoid venues with suspect wiring;
iv) route mains leads via regularly tested ‘Residual Current
Circuit Breakers’ (RCBs) and surge filters;
v) where mikes are used, try to use DTI/ Government approved
radio microphones;
vi) On External “X” Series Systems: (e.g. HE1/G2 ”X )
ensure that only good condition, high screen quality leads are used from
instrument to external pre-amp (max.: 20’ / 6.1m) and the shorter
the better!
13) TROUBLE-SHOOTER CHECKLIST
i) Uneven string amplification, harsh or boomy sound - Pickup
is usually not fitted/seated correctly or evenly, Seeing under Pro fitting
instructions for techniques above to check problem & correct;
ii) intermittent or no signal –
(a) check battery snaps are
fully pushed home and pinched on tight via female connectors on both
terminals;
(b) check that jack plug is fully pushed home, socket terminals are not
distorted and socket body is not too far sunk into end block to allow
jack plug from reaching internal contacts,
(c) check that plug is not out of spec. & too long for socket by pulling
out slightly, as far east plugs are often too inconsistent, featuring
various lengths & tip profiles. If this works, change jack plugs, or
loosen hidden external inner hexagonal socket nut, at point where when
fully tightened, visible end pin nut must slightly restrict entry of
jack plug, in order to attempt proper terminal contact;
(d) avoid all jack plugs except Switchcraft (USA), Horizon (USA),
Neutrik (Aus),
Schurter/Rendar (UK) & Deltron (UK
iii) weak, dull or distorted sound
- change PP3 Battery for new Alkali or Lithium unit, / avoiding Zinc
Carbon/Heavy Duty or rechargeable PP3’s or batteries leaking, or those
reading less than 8 Volts, (particularly when under electronic load) ;
iv) interference on PA or Combo, such as hum -
(a) check that any tail piece is
earthed to jack socket;
(b) change instrument/Guitar jack lead, or check /re-solder
earth connections;
(c) change signal routing to avoid earth loops or try earth lift switch;
(d) use mains filter on all mains inputs;
(e) access mains via different ring main from that of lighting;
(f) turn off other electrical/electronic devices.
If problems persist, contact
your dealer or Headway.
IMPROVE-ISATION: Headway operates a policy of continuous
improvement and reserves the right to alter specifications without notice.
Copyright: Headway Partnership c2001
*All Rights Reserved.
14) SYSTEMS PLANNED:
- Circuits for Electric Guitar & Electric Bass Guitar;
- Systems for Violin, Cello, Double Bass and raisable bridge instruments
- Magnetic Sound Hole Pickup for Acoustic Guitars
- Slider Pre-amp systems for acoustic Guitar
15) HEADWAY PRODUCTS AVAILABLE
HE1 Range & The Snake - Specialist Active Under Saddle Pickup
systems tailored for:
Acoustic Guitar, Nylon Strung Guitar, Acoustic Bass Guitar, Mandolin,
Bouzouki & Harp.
Options include:
On Board Controls, Fixed EQ/No Controls, External/Belt Mount
Controls.
“Limpet” Range - Easy fit range of 20mm Diameter low profile, high
quality Ceramic Disc Contact Pickups. Features Pickup screening, superior
flexible co-axial cable, sturdy epoxy construction, damping/insulating
layer and hardwood filter baffle to minimise boom and feedback.
Suitable for permanent internal or temporary external fitting. Available
singly or:
“Limpet Dual “ - Twin P/U’s wired in parallel to broaden sensing area and
enrich sound;
“Limpet Plus” - with Active Class “A” All Discrete component pre-amp for
Low Impedance for consistent sound and performance across various cables,
amps and other devices. Also delivers smoother response and harmonically
enriched Headway tone.
“Limpet Drum” & “Limpet Drum Plus” - Unique Open Percussion Pickups
(Bodhran/Tabor/African etc.), easy fit rosewood housed Pickup Assembly,
minimises feedback, moderates excessive rimshots and allows variations in
tone, via adjustable thumb bolt pressure.
“The Band” - Revolutionary strap around body Violin Pickup,
requires no modifications, no fitting charges, and no Pre-amp in vicinity
of Instrument. Realistic sound, good feedback rejection, strong passive
signal.
Validate your guarantee by sending back the card enclosed
with product. Or find out more about Headway products from:
HEADWAY,
Units 4-5,
Home Farm Works,
Clifton Road,
Deddington,
Nr. Banbury,
Oxfordshire.
OX15 0TP
UK
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