Geosh: 'poss U should check out the Mi-Si Align XT (which includes NOT the Anthem but, rather, the Element....otherwise, tho, may JUST be the ticket, & less expensive that you might guess).....I copy/paste the following, good luck: CONTENTS
• Align XT active battery-free preamplifier
• L.R. Baggs undersaddle pickup
• Power Charger
OVERVIEW
The Mi-Si Align XT is a direct replacement for the Taylor Expression System. It
features an active, battery-free preamp designed specifically to work with the L.R.
Baggs Element undersaddle acoustic guitar pickup. This enables Taylor fans to take
advantage of Mi-Si’s innovative battery-free technology.
The Align XT comes standard with volume and active bass and treble controls that
fit the exact spacing of your Taylor’s existing Expression preamp. You can also use
the same knobs from the Expression System, so the appearance of your instrument
remains unchanged.
The Align XT preamp uses Mi-Si’s custom piezo linearization scheme - allowing for
the most truthful and accurate sound from the pickup. The battery-free design is
a benefit for both the stage performer and the environment. All you have to do is
power up for 60 seconds using the Mi-Si Power Charger, providing you with up to 8
hours of performance time.
CAUTION
• Mi-Si strongly recommends professional installation of your Align XT pickup /
preamp system.
• Please read the installation instructions before proceeding.
• Mi-Si will not be responsible for any damage to your instrument or personal
injury resulting from installation, improper installation or any misuse of the
product.
• Use only the Power Charger provided with this package to power up this
product.
• Use of any other power supply or modification of an existing power supply may
cause permanent damage to the system and will not be covered under the
warranty.
PICKUP INSTALLATION
The Mi-Si Align XT System includes the L.R. Baggs Element Pickup. This flexible
under-saddle piezo pickup provides superb response and is easy to install.
Note: For optimum performance of the Element pickup, the bridge slot must
have a clean, flat surface free of any debris or over-spray from the finish.
The slot must be a minimum of .125” (1/8”) deep, but we suggest a depth of at least
.187” (3/16”) to avoid excessive saddle tilt.
Follow the 50/50 Rule: The amount of saddle visible above the bridge surface
(with the pickup installed) should be no greater than the amount of saddle in
the slot beneath the bridge surface; otherwise the balance and output of the
pickup may suffer.
Inspect the inside of the guitar and note the position of the braces and the pickup
in relation to the saddle slot. Drill at the end of the slot on the side that will enable
you to avoid all braces as you penetrate the top (FIGURE 4). Blow out the slot with
compressed air and check for remaining debris.
Important: Round out the inside of the hole where it meets the bottom of the
slot with a small, sharp knife or a small file to avoid pinching the pickup as the
saddle sits on it.
Mi-Si Align XT
www.mi-si.comExtension
Drill Bit
Figure 1
Figure 2
Normal Saddle: Drill Floor
Figure 3
Short Saddle: Drill Side Wall
Jewelers’ Screwdriver
Slot
Bridge
Drill Bit
Guitar Top
Brace
Figure 4
This view depicts the bridge at an angle level with the guitar top and
perpendicular to the saddle slot. Note the rounded edge where the hole
has been drilled.
Figure 5
Proper saddle / pickup contact
(exaggerated saddle lean)
