Preamp Installation
Barcus Berry highly recommends that
you choose a reputable guitar service
technician or luthier in your area to
install your new Breeze preamp into
your guitar. The installation procedure
involves modifications to your guitar
that require specialized skills to assure
satisfactory results. Bring this guide
to your technician since it describes
the proper steps for a successful
installation.
Two openings along with mounting screw
pilot holes must be made on the guitar to
allow proper securement of the preamp
system to the guitar. Refer to the figure
below. In addition, resizing of the saddle
slot may be required along with different
shim dimensions.
The preamp body is mounted on the side
of the guitar’s upper bout. Though the
preamp’s escutcheon is capable of
adapting to the curves found on this part
of the guitar, make sure that the upper
bout’s arc radius is greater than 4-3/4”
(120mm) to insure a nice finish.
The output jack assembly is mounted on
the lower bout, on the treble side near
the tail block. The Breeze IV requires
a rectangular cut out and mounting
holes while the Breeze II mounts with a
conventional end pin jack.
The procedure for installation is as
follows:
1. Before deciding on the final
locations for each of these preamp
components, check the construction
details of the guitar to assure
adequate clearances required for
preamp fit.
2. Then, using the templates provided
below, mark the openings to be
made as well as the mounting pilot
holes as shown. Please note that
the Breeze II end pin jack simply
requires a 15/32”hole through the
tail block and generally replaces
the strap knob often located in that
position.
3. Check component fit and make
adjustments as necessary.
4. Next, if necessary, adjust the size of
the saddle slot to accommodate the
dimensions of piezo pickup supplied.
See figure below.
5. Drill a 1/8”hole through the bass end
of the saddle slot and elongate to
5/16”to allow routing of the pickup
cable through the top.
6. Mount the pickup by routing the
cable though the hole in the top and
setting it in the slot.
7. The pickup should fit snugly, but
should be removable.
8. Adjust the saddle slot if necessary
to attain a good fit and install
shims, if necessary, to bring the
saddle height to specification.
