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P-SERIES STANDARD MODELS
(without piezo systems)
The P-38 Standard features Custom Parker Alnico pickups along with
volume, tone and a 5-way pickup selector switch.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
AND CONTROLS
Stereo / Mono Operation
"Smart Switching" Output Jack
A special active circuit featuring a Fishman
jack, automatically senses whether a stereo or mono jack is inserted.
This circuit makes it possible to mix (sum) the piezo and magnetic
pickup signals, by automatically sensing the output cable, and play
both sounds through a single amp, or split them to two separate amps
or mixers.
1. Mono Guitar Cable
When a standard mono guitar cable is inserted, the guitar's two
signals (magnetic and piezo) are automatically mixed (summed).
Both sounds can be played through a single guitar amplifier or
mixer.
2. Stereo Cable
When a stereo guitar cable is inserted, the guitar's two signals
(magnetic and piezo) are automatically split into stereo. The
special stereo Y-cable provided with the guitar allows you to send
the two signals to two separate amplifiers. The buffered piezo
pickup signal (Ring) will sound its best through a PA, an acoustic
guitar amp, a keyboard amp, or some other high-fidelity unit.
Send the unbuffered magnetic pickup signal (Tip) to a traditional
electric guitar amplifier. Switching between the two signals (or
blending) is done with the 3-way Piezo/Magnetic pickup selector.
Battery
The 9-volt battery that powers the Fishman
life of approximately 150 hours. The circuit switches on when a cable
is plugged into the guitar, so to conserve batteries, unplug the cable
when you're not playing your piezo equipped Parker guitar.
NOTE: To replace the battery, unscrew the small battery cover on the back of the guitar.
P-Series Standard Controls
Magnetic Pickup Volume
5-Way Magnetic Pickup Selector
Forward: Neck Single Coil
Middle and Neck Single Coils (Hum-canceling)
Middle: Middle single-coil
Inside Coil of Bridge Humbucker and
Middle Single Coil (Hum-canceling)
Back: Bridge Humbucker
Magnetic Pickup Tone
®
"Smart Switching" output
piezo pre-amplifier has a
®
Piezo Frequency Response
Piezo pickups have a far greater treble response than magnetic
pickups. Some amps have no trouble with the additional high
frequency output, but others may distort. If this happens, either lower
the piezo volume at the guitar or amp, or try lowering the treble
control of the amp.
Ground Loops
Sometimes when using two amps, there may be a loud hum when the
guitar is plugged into the second amp. This hum is caused by a
ground loop. This ground loop isn't the fault of the guitar (or the
amps for that matter), but rather the result of essential electrical safety
code requirements. Ground loops can occur whenever two pieces of
electronic equipment are connected.
NOTE: Do not disconnect or otherwise attempt to defeat ground connections on your
electrical equipment !!
There is ONLY ONE safe way to rid yourself of ground loops: Use a
Direct Box with a ground lift to isolate the two amps. Plug the
magnetic end of the stereo "Y" cable into one amp and the piezo end
into the Direct Box. Plug the Direct Box's output into a balanced input
on the second amp.
ADJUSTING YOUR GUITAR
If you're unfamiliar with adjusting instruments, we suggest that you
take your guitar to a qualified guitar technician. He or she can help
demonstrate these adjustments and you can decide which ones you
are comfortable making yourself and which ones you might prefer to
have made professionally.
Action
Action (bridge / string height) is adjusted by the two bridge post
screws located at the front edge of the bridge (illustration). Using the
larger 3mm allen wrench, turn the screws clockwise to lower the
bridge, and counterclockwise to raise it. Also, it's a good practice to
alternate between the two screws, taking no more than ¼ turn at a
time.
Individual string height is adjusted by the two small Allen screws on
each of the six bridge saddles. First loosen the saddle screw and then,
using the smaller 1.5mm allen wrench, turn the screws clockwise to
lower the saddle, and counterclockwise to raise it.
NOTE: P-Series guitars are shipped from the factory adjusted to a very low action of
.070" on the treble side and .080" on the bass, at the 14th fret (string open, not
fretted). If you lower your action even further, be aware that some buzzing may occur.
Intonation
To set the intonation (string length), loosen the screws that hold the
bridge saddles using the smaller 1.5mm allen wrench supplied with
the guitar.
· If a string plays sharp: Insert the same 1.5 mm allen wrench into
the back of the saddle. Turn the screw clockwise to move the saddle
back to make the string length longer.
· If a string plays flat: Turn the screw counter-clockwise to move the
saddle forward to make the string length shorter.
Once the strings are intonated re-tighten the saddle screws. Do not
over-tighten the saddle-screws. The piezo-electric elements in the
bridge are delicate, so be careful.
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