Strings action is one of the most common questions when talking about guitar adjustments because it is related to player's comfort. Strings action has been thoroughly checked in each Alhambra guitar in order to adjust it to certain parameters looking for a compromise between comfort and guitar's features, always based on experience and users' comments.
First of all, we would like to thank you your confidence in purchasing an Alhambra instrument. Alhambra has the manufacturing date of each model registered thanks to its file including all the serial numbers.
alhambra guitar serial number check
From late 1998, all this information is automatically recorded on our computer at the same time we print the initial label when beginning the manufacturing of each guitar. This serial number has 8 digits (7 when it begins with number 0), and together with the guitar code (each model has its own identification code), lets us know the whole building and manufacturing process of that guitar.
If we are talking about guitars built before 1987, we would need some pictures of the guitar such as the internal label, the top (showing the rosette), the back and the head to identify the instrument and give you an approximate manufacturing date, the woods we used to build them and also the equivalent current model (if we have changed it). If you want to know the manufacturing date of your guitar, please send us the serial number or the guitar pictures to this form and we will give you a prompt answer.
If we are talking about guitars built before 1987, we would need some pictures of the guitar such as the internal label, the top (showing the rosette), the back and the head to identify the instrument and give you an approximate manufacturing date, the woods we used to build them and also the equivalent current model (if we have changed it). If you want to know the manufacturing date of your guitar, please send us the serial number or the guitar pictures to info@alhambrasl.com and we will give you a prompt answer.
What is the MIC card? It is an identification and authenticity card of your guitar. This card is unique and exclusive for each instrument and with the registration of the serial number that appears on it, it extends the guarantee of your guitar up to 3 years. Keep your guitar's MIC card, it will facilitate all communication with Alhambra and will give value to your instrument.
Alhambra has been engaged for years in the manufacture of guitars of the highest quality. In order to go one step further, most of their guitars incorporate a card that identifies them in their authenticity, providing information such as the model, serial number, woods that compose it, finishing and internal bracing system.
You can learn more about this guitar by going to the review page of the Alhambra 5P CT E2 > including the sound quality. You can also order the guitar alhambra 7P in any of the following formats. The Gig Bag is a bag for holding music.
Choosing the right strings for your classical guitar can have a significant impact on its tone, playability, and even durability. Because nylon strings produce far less tension (between 50 and 80 percent less) than steel strings, their construction differs. The most important thing is to experiment with the strings to find the one that works best for your playing style, tone, and playability. The materials used to make treble strings are the following: some are made of other materials, but these are usually the only ones. Gut strings and silk strings are also made in larger numbers, but they are less common. This information graphic shows some of the various tonal properties of different classical string materials. Nylon acoustic guitar strings are similar to steel guitar strings because they are made up of different gauges (thicknesses).
An early California instrument can be identified by square slot-ends in the headstock, coverplate screws in the points of numbers on a clock, and the lack of a dot at the 17th fret. The dot at the 17th fret was added in late 1930. By 1933 Dobro moved the screws to the half-hour points so a repairman could open a guitar without removing the tailpiece.
Both Dobro and Regal built tenor guitars with full-size resonators, shortened bodies and 14-fret necks. Dobro called theirs the 37T and 45T, with details corresponding to the Model 37 and Model 45 guitars (a Model 37 guitar was a 37G, and a mandolin a 37M). Regal offered more tenor guitar models but used a different numbering system, calling their tenors the 19 , 27 , 37 , and 45 .
I have a much easier way to tell if a guitar has EIR. I have a Martin D-35 built in 1976. I bought it used. The serial number tells me when it was built and I know Martin stopped using Brazilian rosewood on that model in 1969. It is purplish brown by the way.
I've recently started collecting guitars and picked up this Strat copy called a Cimar. I know that it's made by Ibanez and am familiar with Ibanez serialization. This thing does not have a serial number on it which makes me wonder if it's pre-1975 or if Ibanez simply didn't bother to serialize these. Does anybody know anything about this? Thanks!
We recommend going directly from our passive pickups, such as an EP001 or EP004 into a quality recording interface such as a Focusrite Scarlett Solo, Audient ID4, Steinberg UR22C, or TC Helicon GO Guitar Pro with an apple device (double-check IOS requirements). You can also use our EPS001 active pickup if you want to adjust sound, but for a cleaner signal we recommend re-routing the piezo pickup directly to the guitar cable jack for a completely passive signal, and then making adjustments in your DAW (Ableton Live, Cubase, Garageband).
We ship saddles as blanks, meaning they're not sanded to the correct height for a specific guitar. The reason for this is because every guitar has slight variations in neck angle, nut height, string height, neck curve, etc. Additionally, saddle thicknesses vary well in terms of fractions of a millimeter, and saddle slot depths and widths vary from changes in humidity, and temperature. This means that for every guitar, the saddle needs to be sanded down for that guitar's specifics to the proper fit. Here's a video on how to sand down your saddle for the proper height: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xjWHDHZcGoo Here's a video to show you how to sand down the saddle height and width using straight edges and sandpaper without the use of a sanding belt: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=TL52mKu414I\n\n\n\nIf the spare saddle included in your guitar is too high, we recommend you use a straight edge and sand paper to sand down your saddle to your desired height, referencing the videos above. Reason being, it's impossible for us to sand it down remotely without the guitar in our shop, and every guitarists preferred string height is different.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob"}},"@type":"Question","name":"Can I add a HyVibe System to a Journey Guitar?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nWe currently don't install HyVibe systems on our guitars, but there are several guitarists who have done so. The sides on all of our current wood guitars are laminate (back and soundboard is solid), so this makes cutting into the side much less risky than if it were an all solid guitar. Here's a Youtube video showing the HyVibe installation process and a demo: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=7MsUDZ9Eviw \n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"I've upgraded to the EPS001K active module but I am not getting a signal from one or both of my channels.","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nIt's important to note that you must first have a JourneyTek EP001, EP004 etc pickup to plug into this module. So to start, make sure that your passive piezo unit is functioning properly.\n\n\n\nFirstly, make sure you have switched to the new updated output jack that's included with the EPS001 kit. Some of the older EP001 pickup jacks aren't compatible, so we include a new one in the active pickup kit.\n\n\n\nSecondly, check your battery power and confirm the cable from the battery to the main module is fully clicked-in. If you're low on power, the unit won't function properly. \n\n\n\nThirdly, with the \"v\" volume wheel turned up, check the wheel position for \u201cP\u201d for \u201cPan\u201d between the mic and piezo channels. If the pan setting is set fully towards the microphone, you\u2019ll only pick up the microphone and not the piezo. If it\u2019s turned fully toward the piezo, you\u2019ll only hear the piezo and not the microphone. If it\u2019s in the middle you\u2019ll get both signals. \u00a0Plug the unit in, and dial this knob from left to right and see if you get signal from both piezo and microphone channels.\n\n\n\nFinally, there are two connections you need to double check:\n\n\n\n1) Double-check the connection from the 3 piezos to the main module (press in fully, and twist a little).\n\n\n\n2) \u00a0Check the connection from the main unit to the output jack (both at the main unit, and at the output hack - check connections at both locations. This internal cable is a stereo cable and if it\u2019s not fully connected, it will not function properly.\n\n\n\nAfter you\u2019ve double-checked these connections, go back and increase the volume dial and turn the Pan dial back and forth. This usually solves 99% of connection issues.\n\n\n\n\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Can I modify a JourneyTek pickup by removing piezo elements or splicing them into other pickup systems?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nOccasionally we get questions regarding the modification of our pickups for specialty use (such as removing, adjusting, splicing, or adding piezo elements into our pickups or other pickup systems). While we\u2019d love to be helpful, we\u2019re unable to provide clear assistance or instructions on such modifications because there are a multitude of variables and result preferences that are beyond our control or ability to access. If you\u2019d like to modify your pickup, you will be doing so at your own risk. So, we recommend you reach out to an experienced engineer - or if you are adventurous you can search for instruction on YouTube or other platforms.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"What is the standard action (string height) for Journey Instruments' stringed instruments?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\n(All measurements are at the 12th fret unless otherwise stated. First measurement is for Low string, \n\n\n\nCarbon or wood acoustic guitars: 2.6- 2.2 mmElectric guitars: 2.4- 2.0 mmClassical guitars: 3.8-3.3 mmCarbon bass guitars: 3.8-3.3 mmCarbon fretless bass guitars: 3.8-3.3 mmUkuleles: 2.5-2.2 mm\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Should I use the 4-piezo EP004K on my guitar instead of the 3-piezo EP001K?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nThe vast majority of acoustic guitars should use the EP001K. The EP004K is designed for classical guitars, or guitars with fan bracing that have a center brace. The extra 4th piezo on the EP004K will not provide a significant benefit in terms of volume or frequency detection in comparison to the EP001K. A center brace blocks proper placement of the middle piezo element of the EP001K - so the 4-piezo model lets you place one piezo on each size of the center wooden brace. In general, we recommend using the EP001K for any 6-string guitar that does not have a center brace. For more details about piezo placement you can visit this page.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"How Do I Even Out The Finish On My Matte Or Gloss Guitar?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nTo even out the finish, firstly we recommend you take the guitar to a local luthier to do this. However, if you're good with your hands, you can try a process similar to these Youtube videos to even out the matte finish: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ROkR8zql5bg or https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=hjXYcUgvGgE. Alternatively, you can change the guitar to a glossy finish by a buffing and polishing process similar to this: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PBQebH3OI9w. Please note, Journey Instruments is not liable for any finish modifications you do to your guitar. These videos are for reference only for you to understand how paint finish modifications work.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Why does the inside of my Journey carbon fiber guitar have a rough finish?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nOur carbon guitars are produced by hand with layered pre-impregnated carbon fiber resin cloth so the internal layup is naturally rougher than other plastic injection molded guitars as well as traditional wood guitars. We\u2019ve found that while we can achieve a more pristine internal finish, it comes at additional cost and reduction in roundness\/warmness of tone - hence we keep it as it is to keep the price lower and achieve a warmer tone.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"I Can't Press The Button On My Guitar to Release the Neck!","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\n99% of the time this is due to one of two reasons: 1) An increase in humidity causes the wood to swell, which makes the latch hard to press down. and 2) the string force just makes it hard to press down.\n\n\n\nFor a quick solution try grabbing the neck near the headstock with one hand and pressing the neck against the guitar body. With your other hand, use your THUMB to press down on the button. Pressing against the neck helps add a little distance between the latch pin and latch catch so it can disengage, and using your thumb gives you more force to depress the button.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf these don't work, you can reach out to us via the contact form for direct support. Less than 0.1% of the times is there a need to change a latch or do a major repair.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Can I use JourneyTek pickups on instruments other than guitars, basses or ukes?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nOur pickups are designed primarily for use with the instruments for which they're advertised, and our installation procedures are based on these applications. However, we\u2019ve discovered musicians are using our pickups on a number of other instruments. Because every instrument is different, your installation may be different from our instructions. We recommend you first evaluate the installation on your instrument and consider our pickup specs with reference to the number and diameter of piezos, cable lengths, and output jack size and location. As a general rule, for optimal performance it\u2019s best to place piezos directly and evenly under the saddle on the bridge plate with no more than 3mm of overhang (the actual ceramic piezo element is slightly smaller than the visible metal piezo plate you glue against the bridge plate). You may also glue the pickups to other locations on the bridge plate or soundboard, and you should still get a natural amplification, however the volume will likely be slightly weaker and the tone will be more rounded the further away they are placed from bridge saddle on the bridge plate.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Help! My Nut Fell Out! How Should I Secure It?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nFor a normal fixed-neck guitar, the nut may actually be unglued and you'd never know it until you removed your strings. It's more common than you might think. However, if you're frequently removing and attaching the neck of a guitar as you do with a collapsible guitar - it's not uncommon for the nut to come loose due to the friction and change in pressure against the nut.\n\n\n\nThis is actually a very quick fix. To repair, simply remove the strings, add cyanoacrylate glue (super glue gel or gorilla glue gel) to the bottom of the nut and put it back in place - be sure to align the nut slots with the slots in the black string retainer. Hold it in place for around 3 minutes or until the glue dries, and restring your guitar - you should be good to go.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Why is my string spacing uneven on my collapsible guitar?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nOur collapsible guitars use bridge pins to hold the strings in place. The strings need to exit the pin holes in a straight line over the saddle so that your string spacing is even. If you have a string (or multiple strings) exiting at an angle, then the spacing of your strings will be uneven. To resolve uneven string spacing, simply twist your bridge pins and re-allign your strings so that they exit the pin hole evenly over the saddle. In the pictures below, you see the \"B-String\" exiting at an angle in picture on the right with the red circle, making the string spacing uneven between the 3 higher strings. The picture on the left shows the strings properly exiting the bridge pin holes for even string spacing.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"What are the Thread Specs for Your Pickups?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nStrap Button Threads: 3\/8-32 standard (if you need to replace the strap button)\n\n\n\nInner socket Threads: M12*0.75 metric (If you need to replace a nut for the pickup inner tube threads)\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"How do I position the piezos of the EP001K 4-piezo model on my guitar which doesn't have a center brace or has a pinless bridge?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nThe EP004K is designed for use with guitars that have pinless bridges and\/or a center brace. (like a Torres classical guitar) If you have a 6 string guitar that does not have a center brace and regular pin holes, we recommend the EP001K as it's easier to position the piezo elements, and the additional sensitivity from the extra piezo on this model is minor.\u00a0 If you're using the 4 piezo model on your guitar with no center brace or with a pinless bridge, however, we recommend positioning the piezos equidistant along the bridgeplate under the saddle so that on the 1st and 6th strings the piezo element extends about 4 mm beyond the center of the strings. If this extends beyond the bridgeplate or you don't have room, you can simply line them up as evenly as possible on the bridge plate so that they fit. You can allow for a maximum of 3 mm overhang if your bridgeplate doesn't have enough room. It's impossible for us to give\u00a0 precise positions on this because there are so many variations on bridge plate sizes and string spacing. For detailed instructions, click here: https:\/\/journeyinstruments.com\/pickup-installation-manuals\/\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"How are the piezos wired on your passive pickups? (EP001K, EP002K, EP003K, EP004K)","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nAll piezos are wired in parallel to the 2.5mm mono jack that plugs into the back of the endpin guitar cable connector. (and can also plug into the EPA01 volume control wheel)\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"There's a metal plate under my bridge, can I install a Journey passive pickup?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nSimply put - You can install the piezo on the metal plate attached to your bridge plate, but we're not sure about the impact this will have on the tone of the amplified signal. Our piezos are designed to bond to the bridge plate wood so that energy transfer is maximized and the natural tone of the guitar goes directly to the ceramic elements. If you have a metal plate installed on the underside of the bridge plate, this will impact the the transfer of energy - but we're unsure as to what degree because there are different materials, shapes, and thicknesses in the market regarding these metal plates. \n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Which Pickup works with My Mandolin?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nThe EP003K can work with mandolins, but the installation is a little tricky. Firstly, you'll need to remove the tailpiece and the bridge (and use masking tape to mark the bridge position on the soundboard after you install so you can position it correctly. You'll need to bend a coat hanger or nail in order press the piezo and hold it in place against the soundboard until the glue dries). Click HERE for a Youtube Demo video on how to do this with a passive piezo.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"How do I resolve the buzzing sound coming from my guitar?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nFrom our experience there are a limited number of factors that cause buzzing on our carbon guitars. Here they are in order of occurrence.\n\n\n\n1) A loose tuning machine. When the hex nut on the tuning machine loosens the washer underneath ends up rattling against the carbon. This is by far the most common occurrence. Simply check the tuning machine nuts are tight and that there are no loose washers rattling. Then tighten if needed.\u00a0\n\n\n\n2) A loose pickup endpin washer. This is the same principle as above. When the endpin nut loosens, the washer rattles against the carbon. Simply check the endpin nut is tight and tighten if needed. There\u2019s a rubber bushing inside so it should be able to tighten snuggly.\u00a0\n\n\n\n3) A Piezo pickup wire is rattling against the inside of the guitar. This is rare (less than 2% of complaints). To fix, you can take a flashlight and look inside the guitar and make sure the wires aren\u2019t touching the soundboard. If they are, you can tape them together and it usually addresses the issue.\n\n\n\nThe above 3 issues account for the usual causes of buzzing on our carbon guitars. Other causes are as follows in order of the rate of occurrence.\n\n\n\n4) The saddle is worn down. If the saddle is worn down, you can temporarily use a shim under the saddle, or just don\u2019t tighten the bolt fully for higher string height - which should alleviate buzzing. \n\n\n\n5) One or more nut slots are worn down (usually causes a buzz on one of the first two frets.) If a nut slot is worn down, you can try the baking soda (or chalk) and super glue trick to fill it in a bit:\u00a0https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=slCMkvEfK_U. This usually is a good fix until you can replace the nut.\n\n\n\n6)You need to adjust the truss rod because there's no proper neck curve. I\u2019d say try this after earlier issues. \u00a0If you tighten the truss rod to add curve to the neck on a carbon guitar, we recommend\u00a0removing the truss rod cover, and turning it clockwise 180 degrees to add relief - then test the frets. Repeat this with 180 degree turns until the relief is appropriate. (If adjusting relief on a wood guitar, we recommend 90 degree turns because wood is softer and adjusts more quickly than does carbon.\n\n\n\n7) Frets are uneven and need filing. This is very very rare - less than 1%.\u00a0 As long as you\u2019re using newer strings you should be able to strum pretty heavily with no buzzing and an action around 2.7mm at the 12th fret on the low E string. If you play lightly or fingerstyle, you should be able to bring action to just under 2.5mm, but you may need to adjust the truss rod to achieve appropriate neck curve.\n\n\n\n8) The latch or latch bolt springs are buzzing. This is literally the rarest occurrence as we\u2019ve never had an issue yet. Our recommendation here is to check all the above issues. If the buzzing still persists, we can send you latch hardware to replace along with an instruction manual. It\u2019s pretty straightforward. \u00a0\n\n\n\n\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"What are the diameters of Journey Instrument's sound holes?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nAll of our wood steel string guitars have a 92mm diameter sound hole. The OC520 and OC522 has a 92mm sound hole as well, but the FC522 has an 86mm sound hole. (give or take 0.8mm). All carbon guitars have irregular sound holes.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Can I Fit a Larger Laptop in a Journey Collapsible Guitar Case?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nThe zippered laptop compartments on the front of our Overhead, First Class, and Puddle Jumper cases easily fit a standard 14\" laptop. If you have a larger laptop between 15-16 inches, these should fit in the slot on the backside of our Overhead BG001 backpack case. However, to access this slot you may need to unclip a backpack strap. The BG001 backpack case is the default backpack case used in all OF*** and OC*** series guitars - OF660, OF312, OF410, OF882C, OC520 etc...\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"How Do I Change Strings on a Collapsible Journey Instruments Travel Guitar.","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nFirstly, when you remove your existing strings, you don\u2019t want to scratch or damage the string retainer. (The string retainer is the black piece that holds the string in place)\u00a0 So before you take off your existing strings, you should first cut them with string or wire cutters. You can do this with the neck assembled or disassembled - just make sure strings are loose if you keep the neck on. You can cut the strings either behind (towards tuners) or before (towards the guitar body) the string retainer. You then pull the straight strings through the string retainer and remove string pegs to remove strings from the bridge. DO NOT PULL CURLY STRING ENDS THAT WERE WRAPPED AROUND THE TUNING PEGS THROUGH THE STRING RETAINER,\u00a0 OTHERWISE YOU MAY SCRATCH OR DAMAGE THE STRING RETAINER.\u00a0Secondly, when you install new strings:We recommend your first secure the neck to the body, and take time to polish the frets or clean the fretboard if needed. Installing strings is very similar to installing on a normal guitar with the following additional two steps:We recommend installing one string at a time. When you insert the string ends (usually a ring or ball) into the bridge pin holes and put the bridge pins in place, make sure the strings are exiting the bridge in a straight line towards the bridge. If the strings come out at an angle, it may impact string spacing on the white bone saddle when you assemble the guitar. If the strings are spaced evenly at the saddle when you assemble the guitar after tuning, you\u2019ve done it right. If they\u2019re uneven, it\u2019s an easy fix -\u00a0 just remove the neck, pull out pins and reposition the strings so that they come out straight and evenly spaced on the saddle.After you\u2019ve inserted the string end and secured the bridge pin, pass the string through the string retainer. Once you\u2019ve passed it through the string retainer, you can then insert them through the hole in the post of the tuner and tighten the string. If you have a newer guitar with our locking tuners, make sure the tuner lock is loose so the string can pass through easily. We recommend wrapping the strings a single wrap, and pulling it tight, then tightening the locking knob clockwise on the back of the tuner - then you can tune to pitch. If you have non-locking tuners (like Grover), you\u2019ll want a minimum of 3 wraps per string as you normally would on a traditional guitar tuner.\n\n\n\nSummary: With strings loosened, cut the old strings before removing, and don\u2019t pull curly string ends through the string retainer.\u00a0 When installing new strings, first install the neck.\u00a0 Make sure strings come out straight from bridge pin holes. For locking tuners: do one wrap, tighten the lock screw knob on the back, then tune to pitch.\u00a0 For normal tuners (like Grover) get 3+ wraps before tuning to pitch - just like a normal guitar.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Is the HA01 Passport Headphone amp really a useful, or just another headphone amp for electric guitar?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\n This little headphone guitar amp is phenomenal! You can stream-in you favorite tunes with bluetooth to play along. You can create a custom sound and select from 10 custom amps and 10 IR cabinets; then adjust tone, gain and volume. You can add Chorus\/Phaser effects and a hall reverb. You can even add a custom Delay with adjustments for time, feedback, and mix wet\/dry signal. This little headphone preamp can work with acoustics, electrics, or hollow-body guitars to give you a crunchy metal sound, sweet bluesy tone, smooth jazz sound, a clear acoustic sound and more. And you can output straight to your DAW via USB3 or 3.5 microphone input for recording and editing. (IOS devices need the Apple lightening to USB camera adapter - but if you record with your IOS device you already know that ;) ) \n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"What Kind of fret wire is on your carbon guitars?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nWe use a hardened nickel alloy that is super durable on all of our carbon fiber guitars. \n","@type":"Question","name":"Where are Journey's instruments made?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nWe own our own workshop and assembly facility in Xiamen, China, which is managed by Founding Partner\/ Managing Director Rob Bailey. We source components from multiple countries, including the USA, China, Korea and Germany, and we produce according to the highest quality standards for the product segments at the pricepoints we offer. As we have a sister company that specializes in supply chain management, we\u2019re able to maintain a clean and ethical supply chain that is safe, professional, and free from child and slave labor as well as hazardous materials and components. We work in tandem with our US office and quality distributors around the world to ensure our products arrive on time and perform excellently for your next musical journey.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Do JourneyTek\u2122 pickups have a stereo or mono output?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nCurrently we have no electronics with stereo output.\n\n\n\nOur Active EPS series pickups (any pickup with EPS as the first 3 letters such as EPS001-05K) are dual source pickups with a standard mono output.\n\n\n\nOur Passive EP series pickups (any pickup with no \"S\" as in the product ID such as EP001K, EP002K etc...) are mono output only.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"If my battery dies, how do I reconfigure the pickup back to passive mode?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nStep 1: Unplug the wire from the active module main unit to the guitar jack inside the guitar. We recommend you remove this wire entirely or tape it to the side of your guitar to prevent rattling.\n\n\n\nStep 2: Unplug the wire from the three piezo elements to the main active module unit, and plug this back into the guitar jack inside the guitar.\n\n\n\nYour pickups will now passively amplify your guitar's natural sound with no volume or tone controls.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"What does the phase button do on the EPS001 sound hole remote?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nThe phase button changes the polarity of the electrical signal, which can be helpful to remove feedback in certain situations.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"My EPS001 produces a humming sound when I touch the sound hole controls.","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nThe EPS001 sound hole control unit is designed to be ultralight and have minimal impact on soundboard resonance. To achieve this, we do not add a metal or plastic cover to the control unit. However, this may cause you to encounter a slight hum when pressing the PHASE button, or when touching the metal connectors on the surface of the control unit. This is normal and should not cause concern. The EPS001 unit should have a very transparent sound and low noise floor when you are not touching the controls.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Why is there a red light on my EPS001?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nThe red light indicates your battery power is low and you need to replace your battery. In most circumstances, if the red light is illuminated then the power to the microphone is cut off to conserve power.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Can I use Steel Strings on the OC660M Nylon Carbon Guitar?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nNo.\n\n\n\nThe carbon OC660M collapsible nylon string guitar doesn't have a truss rod built in the neck, and we haven't tested steel strings, so we don't recommend it. However, this guitar does handle hard tension and extra hard tension nylon strings with no problem.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"My saddle fell out - what's the right way to put it back?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nAll of our saddles are compensated - which means they have an adjustment under the second string to \"compensate\" for the change in string diameter from the wound strings and the non-wound strings. (strings 3-6 have a wire core and another wire wrapped around it so that they're thicker, whereas strings 1 and 2 are just two thin wires)\n\n\n\nIf your saddle falls out and you need to place it back, simply put it back in place with the compensating \"notch\" under the second string. The second string is the B string, or second highest-pitch string using standard EADGBE tuning.\n\n\n\nUsually a saddle height is taller towards the bass strings and lower towards the treble strings - so if you incorrectly put the saddle in, you'll likely find that the string hight is too low in the bass strings and too high in the treble strings. See pictures below:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"How do I remove existing under-bridge piezos from earlier pickup versions?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nOur newer EP001K passive pickup is not only upgradable, but it uses an improved German-made Piezo element that sounds phenomenal and is compatible with the new dual-source active modules EPS001-05K for normal sound hole steel string guitars and the EPS001-15 for our OF660 offset sound hole guitars.\n\n\n\nIf you need to remove our previous pickups, we recommend you use a razor blade scraper tool, or a putty knife with a 2-4cm flat edge. \n\n\n\nSimply pull down on the wires leading to the piezo elements and use the scraper or putty knife to slowly unwedge the piezo. GO SLOW. Don't be in a hurry. If you do not bend the elements you should be able to use them with another instrument if you wish.\n\n\n\nAfter you remove the piezos, take a piece of fine-grit sandpaper and make sure the surface is nice and smooth for affixing the new pickups.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Which Journey Guitar is Best for My Travels?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nFirstly, every airline has their own policy, so be sure to read the policies of the airlines on which you fly.\n\n\n\nSecondly, when traveling by plane, there can be situations in which airplane staff can force you to check your baggage, regardless of it\u2019s size \u2013 so the best perspective to have is one of risk mitigation. For example, some airlines have a rule that if they run out of overhead space, they will require all unboarded passengers to check in all carry on luggage. (So we always recommend you go to the front of the line at check-in if you travel with any instrument)\n\n\n\nThirdly, you can check out our Collapsible Guitar Size & Spec Comparison Here.\n\n\n\nIn General, all our instruments fit in the overhead bins on medium and large sized airplanes like the Boeing 737, 747 and the Air Bus. For smaller propeller planes and jets with 4 seats across or less, we recommend the Overhead or Puddle Jumper models, but keep in mind every airline has their own guidelines. You can search the website for your flight and the plane used and determine the overhead bin dimensions as well.\n\n\n\nFor Frequent International Travel:\n\n\n\nIf you plan to travel around the world, we recommend either our Puddle Jumper (PJ410N), Overhead (OF660, OF420, OF310 etc), or Overhead+ (OF312, OF422 etc) sized guitars. These guitars were designed for overhead carry-on dimensions for most major airlines and we don\u2019t have a single report of these not traveling on the overhead bin. The Puddle Jumper is the smallest guitar we make, and can fit under most airlines seats - so it's the safest bet if you want the smallest guitar possible. The Overhead line, however, has the best sound\/scale\/bag feature set - if you want a guitar that feels most like a full-sized guitar that can be safely carried on board under most circumstances.\n\n\n\nFor Domestic US Air Travel:\n\n\n\n49 U.S. Code \u00a7\u202f41724.Musical instruments states if your instrument can fit in overhead bins or under your seat, you can bring it on board even if it is larger than the airline\u2019s carry-on size limit. However, if the overhead bins are full, you may be required to gate check your instrument along with all the other passengers who must gate check their carry-on luggage also.\n\n\n\nThe smaller Puddle Jumper, Overhead, and Overhead+ guitars are safe on any airline.\n\n\n\nIf you want a larger guitar sound, you can try our First Class Guitars (FF412C, FP412, FC522 etc) and you should have no problem on domestic USA airlines, as long as your cabin is not full. We have several professional artists who travel with the FF412C First Class GA sized guitar in the US with no problems.\n\n\n\nThe FP412 Parlor and FC522 Torres Classical models are about \u00bd inch wider and taller than most airlines carry-on guidelines \u2013 however we\u2019ve never had a report of these not being brought on board. These both have a full-sized guitar sound and come with a roller-case, which is very nice.\n\n\n\nFor Local Travel:\n\n\n\nFor Local around-town travel and gigs the Journey Junior or RoadTrip models are great. They\u2019re much smaller than most competing guitars, and they sound great plugged in. We have several artists who play the FF412C at local gigs simply because of the wheels and storage capacity of the roller case. (Great if you don\u2019t want to carry a heavy guitar on your back)\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"How do I determine if my EP001 passive pickup is upgradable such that it can accommodate the new EPS active module?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nTo evaluate if your guitar's pickup is the newest upgradeable version, you'll need to get a mirror and a phone or flashlight to look into the sound hole. Position the mirror so that with the use of a flashlight or phone, you can clearly see the pickup connector on the inside of the guitar. You can even try to just use a cell phone by using the movie function with the light - if the focus is good enough, this will work as well.\n\n\n\nThe newer upgradeable pickups will have a socket with a 2mm connector that you can remove from the back of the pickup jack. This connector can be removed and re-routed to the active pickup module for upgrade. The picture below shows these as type A (which have no sleeve), and type B (which have a sleeve); both of these can be unplugged and upgraded.\n\n\n\nThe older non-upgradeable connectors (depicted below as type C) have heat-shrink tube where the connector jack and the 3 wires going to the under-saddle piezos connect. This pickup can\u2019t be upgraded because the wires are soldered directly to the pickup connector\n\n\n\n\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Lina","@type":"Question","name":"I'm getting feedback on my passive pickups, how do I deal with this?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nThere are countless situations in which acoustic guitars are played live or amplified, so it's beyond the scope of our expertise to go into each one of these. So Firstly, we recommend you educate yourself on the factors that contribute to feedback, and some of the most common methods to deal with them. This will help you tremendously for future live events, regardless of the guitar you're using. Here are a few guides we've found useful:\n\n\n\nClick here for Acoustic Guitar Magazine's Guide (most thorough)Click here for Thomann's GuideClick here for Reverb's Guide\n\n\n\nThere are numerous videos on YouTube as well, so you can do a simple search on \"guitar feedback\" and see dozens of great videos as well.\n\n\n\nFor a quick and affordable fix for feedback on an acoustic guitar, you can try a sound hole cover - aka \"feedback buster.\" This is what we recommend most, and sooner or later you'll come into a \"feedbacky\" environment and this will save a ton of time and headache.\n\n\n\nFor a more versatile but more expensive approach, you can try a preamp with a phase switch and notch filter included. This gives more customization for tone, and lets you dial out the offending frequencies.\n\n\n\nFor our carbon fiber OF660 guitars and OB660 basses, you can also try our YKG004 sound hole cover that's custom designed for these sound holes. This is the simplest and most reliable solution for dealing with feedback on these models. IMPORTANT: This sound hole cover only works with the second generation of OF660 - see description for details.\n\n\n\nIf you're using our EP001 upgradeable passive piezo pickup, you can try upgrading to our EPS001-15K dual source active module for our OF660 and OB660 sound holes, or the EPS001-05K module for traditional sound holes. These include a phase button and the ability to pan between two pickups as well as adjust treble and bass volume. Note that this is a powered unit. \n\n\n\nNOTES: 1. You must use the newer upgradeable model that has a removable 2mm connector from the piezo elements to the pickup jack. 2. The EPS001-05K and EPS001-15K modules are not complete pickups, they require the EP001K, EP004K, or other passive piezo pickup to be previously installed or to be purchased and installed at the same time.\n\n\n\n\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"How can I install a passive pickup on a pinless bridge? (ukulele or gutiar with no bridge pins)","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nIf you want to install our pickups and you're working with a pinless bridge (as used in ukuleles, Breedlove or Takamine type guitars), you can search on YouTube for \"under bridge pickup instal on pinless bridge\" and one of the top results show how you can drill into the saddle slot to use a jig for positioning the piezos on a pinless bridge.\n\n\n\nAlso, check out the instructions at the bottom of our installation guide here.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"How do I clean my Journey Instruments guitar?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nFor general smudges and fingerprints, we recommend saline solution and a clean microfibre cloth.\n\n\n\nIf you have deeper scratches or dings, you can use polyurethane-friendly buffing compound or polish like you'd use for a boat or car. You should double-check the compound you use is nonreactive with polyurethane finishes.\n\n\n\nThe above approaches work for both our carbon fiber and wood guitars as all our finishes are polyurethane.\n\n\n\nFor cleaning fretboards on our wood guitars, we recommend the traditional lemon oil treatment. (Just search \"how to clean a guitar fretboard\" on YouTube.)\n\n\n\n\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Can I order a specific guitar without a pickup?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nWith the exception of a few models which are clearly stated as not having electronics (PJ410N, JF410 etc), we don\u2019t offer any guitars without a pickup. However, our installed pickups are passive, non-intrusive, and easy to remove should you wish to remove them or upgrade to another pickup of your preference. If you wish more advanced controls, all of our newer guitars can be upgraded with our EPS001-05K (or EPS001-15K for our carbon guitars) active dual-source modules.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"Missing Nut? What to do if you don't see the white bone nut on the top of the fretboard.","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nIt sounds like your nut has fallen out. It is the piece of bone between the string retainer and the fretboard that positions the strings above the fretboard.\u00a0\n\n\n\nCheck in your bag - or in the slot area where the neck sits in the bag. If not here, check around the last place you opened your guitar case and noticed the strings were too low on the fretboard.\n\n\n\nTo reglue the current nut, the easiest method is to remove the strings completely, then add super glue to the bottom of the nut, then position it with the flat side facing the fretboard so that the thicker slots match the thicker slots in the black string retainer. It is VERY important that you line up these slot as closely as possible so when you assemble the guitar the strings will naturally fall into these nut slots.\n\n\n\nIf you can\u2019t find the original nut, our steel string guitars use standard 1 3\/4 nut (OF422, OF310, OF660 etc..) unless they have an \u201cN\u201d at the end of the model number - in which case they use a 1 11\/16 nut (Like PJ410N, OF312N etc..), so you can purchase one on our website or from a local guitar store. If you try to install a new nut, please note you\u2019ll likely need to sand the bottom the nut to the proper height so that your action is not too high. \n\n\n\nHere\u2019s a good video on how to sand down and install a new nut on a standard guitar. https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=-_0wAb7PZ0k\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Is a bridge ground needed in the passive EPS001K and other pickup systems?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nNo. No bridge ground is needed in any of our passive pickup systems.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"What are the Advantages of Journey's Carbon Guitars?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nOur carbon guitars use pre-impregnated carbon fiber fabric, which translates into 10-20 times the amount of carbon fiber found in guitars that are injection-molded. There are a number of low-budget injection molded plastic guitars with around 5-7% carbon fiber. All of our core components are made from pre-impregnated carbon fiber materials: the body, the neck, the fretboard, the bridgeOur carbon fiber guitars have dual-action adjustable truss rods to let you fine-tune curvature for maximum playability.Our hardware is stainless steel and our mechanisms have been cycle-tested for 4000 assembly processes, so they're super precise and reliable.Our collapsible model necks are adjustable on the fly. With the OF660, with the twist of a knob, you can go from ultra low fingerstyle action, to heavy-handed cowboy strumming and maintain maximum comfort and playability for each style.Our patented soundboard technology provides the tone of a full-sized acoustic guitar.The benefits of pre-impregnated carbon fiber technology with our patented designs are:Longer sustain: The higher carbon content of our guitars make for a more consistant transfer of energy and thus a significantly longer sustain.General Durability: Injection-molded guitars are likely to crack in extreme cold temperatures, and warp under hotter temperatures. Our guitars have been played in Antarctica, the Sahara, and the Rain Forest, and we have a proven track record of durable, quality carbon guitars.More Stable Necks: injection-molded necks lack the reinforcement offered by actual woven carbon fibers and will warp over time. Using pre-impregnated carbon fiber in both the neck and fretboard makes our guitar necks the most stable in the business.Secure Components that don't delaminate: Because all of our components are actually carbon fiber, our fingerboards don't delaminate, and our bridges don't pull off. Competing carbon guitars with wood or plastic bridges will frequently suffer from this problem as temperature and humidity will affect the different materials in various ways.Ultra Comfort: We conducted 2 years of research and testing in designing the ergonomics of our guitars and the result shows. The bevels, wedged body, and geometry of our guitars make them the most comfortable guitars you'll ever play.Transparent, Premium Quality Electronics: We spent years researching the best components for a transparent, reliable pickup that's maintenance free and perfect for recording. Consequently the included EPS001K passive 3-piezo pickup provides one of the best clean sound reproductions of any pickup in the market. And our new EPS001-05 and EPS001-15 active modules give dual source capability with EQ and Phase adjustment as well. If you're looking for a gimmicky, reliable pickup that sounds phenomenal, you'll be satisfied with our electronics.Ultra-portable Design: You simply won't find a more portable travel-friendly guitar that feels and sounds like a real acoustic guitar.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"Will the EP001K fit my guitar?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nThe three EP001 pickup elements are 20mm in diameter, so as long as the bridge plate has more than 60mm of width, and about 18mm between the bridge pin holes and the sound hole-facing edge of the bridge plate, and there is no bracing crossing the center of the bridge plate, the EP001K should be fine and it should work with most 12-string guitars as well. You can allow for about 2 mm overhang off of the bridge plate with negligible degradation in acoustic transfer. If you're using a classical guitar with a center brace, we recommend the EPS004K with 4 piezo elements. \n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"What frets do you use and can you re-fret your carbon fiber guitars?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nWe use medium jumbo white brass frets on our carbon fiber guitars. We chose this material over stainless steel because it helps the guitar have a softer tone. Our fretboard is all carbon fiber.\n\n\n\nYou can re-fret our guitars, but the process is a bit more involved because you must use epoxy resin and a jig to press and hold the frets in place. If needed we have clear instructions for this that have been used by a few luthiers already.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"What are Journey Instruments' warranty and return policies?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nOur Warranty, Shipping Policy and Terms of Conditions are listed at the Shipping, Returns and Warranty section below.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"What is a B-Stock Model?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\n\"B-Stock\" refers to a new instrument that came in from the factory with minor surface blemishes. Sometimes these will be a smudge in the finish, a pimple in the carbon fiber, some slight oxidation in the finish, or a small scratch. None of these blemishes affect the playability, but they are merely cosmetic issues that prevent us from sending these instruments to our dealers.\n\n\n\nAll \"B-Stock\" units come with the same warranty as our standard instruments.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"What Pickups does Journey use and why did they select these?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nOur Passive Pickups: \n\n\n\nGuitar - EP001K, Classical - EP004K, Bass - EP002K, Uke EP003K (click model to see specs or order)\n\n\n\nIn all of our instruments that use pickups, we use our in-house developed passive piezo pickups as our base pickup. These pickups use german-made ceramic piezo elements that are bonded to the bridge plate inside the guitar using cyanoacrylate (like super glue gel). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe advantages to these pickups are as follows:\n\n\n\nThey have efficient transfer of transparent tone. When installed properly, these pickups amplify the ACTUAL sound of your guitar. Since we make instruments that sound great to begin with, this is a great match for our instruments. The unadjusted tone is much better than most under-saddle piezos. Our pickups sound more natural and less compressed than most under-saddle pickups - and they don't sound metallic or compressed.They require no battery and are virtually maintenance free. This is great for travelling when you come to a situation where you have no access to batteries. It's also great for high humidity environments as they are resistant to corosion as compared to pickups with traditional circuit boards.They are discrete. The natural instrument is a thing of beauty and cutting a \"barn door\" for a preamp or huge soundhole magnetic coils detract from the aesthetic beauty of a guitar. We get rave reviews from customers like this one. We increasingly find guitarists buying our pickups for installation on vintage and boutique guitars that cost thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.\n\n\n\nOur Active Pickup Modules\n\n\n\nEPS001-05K for all traditional soundhole acoustic guitarsEPS001-15K for offset-soundhole carbon acoustic guitars like OF660 or RT660\n\n\n\nOur Active pickup modules are used with our upgradeable passive piezo pickups above. Please note - these are not stand-alone modules and must have one of our passive pickups installed in order to use.\n\n\n\nWe recently developed these battery-powered modules for artists who want more control over their tone when playing live. They comprise an additional microphone that can blend with the passive piezo elements already installed. This module has a dual source preamp with wheel controls for bass, treble, pan from microphone, master volume and a phase switch. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Advantages of our active pickup modules are:\n\n\n\nSuper-easy tool-free installation. You can install this in around 5 minutes on a guitar that has our passive piezo pickup already installed.Great transparent amplification with full control of your tone.Discrete access to all controls. Since the control module is around the edge of the soundhole, you preserve the guitar's natural aesthetic beauty, while maintaining easy access to control the tone and volume to your preference.Ability to switch back to a passive pickup if your battery dies and you can't find a replacement. You can re-route the passive elements to the pickup jack in a matter of minutes and still play amplified if your battery dies.\n\n\n\nFor more information, check out the specific model pages.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"How do I install my Journey Instruments pickups?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nYou can see our installation procedures here: https:\/\/journeyinstruments.com\/pickup-installation\/. \n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"Is The guitar In tune after assembling the neck?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\n\n\nAfter assembling the neck, our collapsible wood guitars are usually less than a semitone off pitch. We recommend pulling on the strings before tuning to pitch to help them settle. Here's a good video to show the assembly process: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHowever, here are a few things to clarify: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you've recently removed the neck, then assembled it, it's usually much closer to being in tune than if you've removed it a month ago and just assembled the guitar.Our carbon fiber guitars are VERY close to being in tune after assembly, while our wood guitars may take 5-15 minutes of playing to settle fully after assembly. This is because carbon fiber is very consistent in all temperatures and humidities and is more precise material. For all collapsible guitars, usually after you've played a guitar for a bit, the strings have settled and intonation should not change significantly. Remember, you're removing the neck of a guitar - so the strings go slack. When you re-assemble the neck, the strings loose some tension around the tuning posts, which is the main reason for the pitch to go down after they have been played for a while.Some of our newer models have locking tuners - these really help minimize the amount you need to retune after assembly. This is because part of the reason the guitar is out of tune is because the strings become loose around the tuner posts when removing the neck. Since a locking tuner requires less than a single wrap around a post the string is tight around the post and the tone doesn't change much.If you're playing live, we recommend you play for 15 minutes and adjust the tuners before playing live to prevent any need for retuning during your performance. If there are big swings in temperature or humidity, you can expect the action to change, so you may need to retune or re-tighten the neck joint. Note - all wood guitars will experience changes in neck relief under large variances of temperature or humidity.Our necks are also adjustable - you can use the knob on the back of the guitar to adjust the neck angle to raise or lower string height. However, keep in mind that this will slightly affect your intonation as it would with any neck adjustment. \n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"Can I use your passive pickups with my existing on-board preamp or with various other configurations?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nSimply put, we have no idea. There are so many on-board preamps on the market, and their specifications all vary. Even if the plug is identical, the volume and balance may not work well with your existing onboard preamp. \n\n\n\nIf you need an onboard preamp, we strongly recommend our EPS001 series - we've benchmarked it against systems that cost hundreds of dollars more and our system offers amazing tone and control for the price. \n\n\n\nThe EPS001 unit has a socket that's mono output, and the lead from the EP001 passive piezos is a 2.5mm mono connector which either plugs into our EPS001 preamp or the actual output jack.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"Can I sand down or change the profile of a carbon fiber neck?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nNope. Carbon fiber guitar necks have a hollow foam core, so if you file down the carbon fiber, it's possible you'd file down to the foam core. If a neck were solid carbon fiber it would be significantly heavier than wood - and impossible to achieve relief adjustment with a truss rod. \n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"I want to record to a computer interface, what's the best setup?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nWe recommend going directly from our passive pickups, such as an EP001 or EP004 into a quality recording interface such as a Focusrite Scarlett Solo, Audient ID4, Steinberg UR22C, or TC Helicon GO Guitar Pro with an apple device (double-check IOS requirements). You can also use our EPS001 active pickup if you want to adjust sound, but for a cleaner signal we recommend re-routing the piezo pickup directly to the guitar cable jack for a completely passive signal, and then making adjustments in your DAW (Ableton Live, Cubase, Garageband).\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"My action is high after assembling my collapsible guitar. How do I bring the action down?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nIf you\u2019re experiencing undesirable action (string height) on your collapsible Journey Instruments Travel guitar, this can be addressed quickly with one of the first two steps in most cases.\n\n\n\n1) Firstly, please check to see that the knob on the back is fully tightened. Fully tightening the main knob on the back will resolve 95% of any high action issues. To tighten fully, there\u2019s two effective methods:\n\n\n\na. Placing the body of the guitar between your knees, Twist the knob with one hand while pressing the headstock downward against the guitar body \u2013 this makes it easier to twist fully.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nb. Alternatively, you can grab the neck of the guitar near the headstock and angle the guitar soundboard facing down at about a 45degree angle against a floor, table, desk, chair or flat surface. Now tighten the knob while applying downward force against the guitar back until it\u2019s tight.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nc. If you experience high swings of humidity and have kept your collapsible wood guitar assembled during this time, it\u2019s likely that the bolt may be very tight. Apply force to the neck in one of the above two methods while twisting the knob to loosen the bolt. (this is not an issue for carbon models as the material does not swell and contract with humidity or temperature changes.\n\n\n\n2) Secondly, check your truss rod adjustment. After confirming the neck mechanism is fully tightened \u2013 if you still find string height is too high or two low, this may also be due to changes in temperature or humidity causing changes in the neck of the guitar. Usually in high humidity and a wood guitar neck will have a more forward bow (causing high action), and in low humidity it will have a backward bow (causing low action and buzzing). Here\u2019s a great video by Tony Polecastro that clearly explains how to do this: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=KFlIFN8oPDw\n\n\n\na. Start by evaluating the neck bow. There should be a very slight neck bow (nearly flat) to achieve proper string height.\n\n\n\nb. If the neck bow is high, causing high action \u2013 remove the truss rod cover and use the included hex wrench to tighten the truss rod. Turn the truss rod clockwise a quarter turn and then evaluate the neck curve. Repeat this process\n\n\n\nc. If the neck bow is backward or too low, causing low action \u2013 remove the truss rod cover and use the included hex wrench to tighten the truss rod. Turn the truss rod counter-clockwise a quarter turn and then evaluate the neck curve. Repeat this process\n\n\n\n*Note OC660 carbon nylon neck has no truss rod.\n\n\n\n3) Thirdly, you can file down the saddle. Here\u2019s a great video from StewMac that shows how to file down the saddle, change nut slot depth, as well as adjust the truss rod. https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=6DpLRfbv9ok\n\n\n\n4) Fourthly, we can provide you with precision shims to adjust the neck angle if needed. This is rarely needed, but can be done within 5 minutes if needed.\n\n\n\nFrom our experience, tightening the neck fully and adjusting the truss rod if necessary usually fixes 98%+ of string height issues. Steps 3 and 4 are rarely needed.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"Is intonation or sustain impacted from the removable-neck design?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nSustain: Actually sustain is better on our guitars than on a normal traditional acoustic guitar. The main reason is that we use premium grade Mahogany for our necks, and we embed stainless steel latch and bolt components. The neck plate connector is also stainless steel. As energy transfer is primarily horizontal (from nut to saddle through the neck), our design makes for very efficient energy transfer, hence prolonged sustain.\n\n\n\nIntonation: Our guitars have intonation in line with premium brand guitars in the US market - which is very good. Moreover, because our necks are detachable, you can quickly add shims behind the neck connector plate to compensate for any intonation issue that may occur over time. (Though we don't have a single report of this being done to date)\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"What is a Shim Kit and why would I need one.","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nOur shim kits are basically 2-3 shims of wood that are laser cut to fit the slot of our collapsible guitars, and are used to adjust the neck angle. Before you consider installing a shim kit, we recommend you first 1) make sure you've fully tightened the main bolt on the guitar. 2) Adjusted the saddle if needed and 3) Adjusted the truss rod if needed. If you've done these things and your string height (action) is still high, you can use a shim kit to quickly lower the action. Here's a link to the FAQ with pictures on how to do the above steps.\n\n\n\nShim kits can be installed permanently with all purpose wood glue, or temporarily. Here's a link to the installation process.\n\n\n\nHere are the links to our shim kits if you need one. Please note the shim kits are precision cut for the necks of the corresponding model, so make sure you order the shim kit for your precise guitar.\n\n\n\nShim Kit for Puddle Jumper\n\n\n\nShim Kit for Overhead and First Class Parlor\n\n\n\nShim Kit for First Class Grand Auditorium\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"Does removing\/assembling the neck impact string life?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nNope. We've been producing our collapsible guitars for years and our guitars are played by some of the best guitarists on earth. We've personally been on hundreds of flights with our collapsible guitars. Not a single complaint to date about string life. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHOWEVER, if you play your guitar daily, and you're a tone freak, you should change your strings at least once every 3 months or every 300 hours - whichever comes first. This assumes you're using coated strings, and is recommended for all acoustic guitars - regardless of if they're collapsible or not.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"Why is there a crack in the plastic piece on the headstock?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nThere is no crack in your string retainer (the plastic component above the neck that holds your strings in place when you remove your neck). Our string retainer is made from two parts that come together like two jigsaw puzzle pieces. We designed the retainer in two components so that a luthier or guitar technician can remove this piece and have access to file down the nut without removing the strings. Click the image below to order a replacement. NOTE: We have Two sizes one NARROW 1 11\/16\" and one STANDARD 1 3\/4\". If your Guitar ends in the letter \"N\" you need the narrow version, otherwise you can order from clicking the image below.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Click here to see a picture of this component, or to order one if yours is broken.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"What Strings Do You Recommend for Your Collapsible Basses?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nWe recommend the following strings for our bass guitars. To install, we recommend assembling the guitar, installing the entire untrimmed string (through the string retainer), and making 2-3 wraps to tune to pitch. After tuning, then trim the strings.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFlat Wound: D'Addario ECB81S Chromes Bass Guitar Strings, Light, 45-100, Short Scale Round Wound:D'Addario EXL170S Nickel Wound Bass Guitar Strings, Light, 45-100, Short Scale Tape WoundD'Addario ETB92S Tapewound Bass Guitar Strings, Medium, 50-105, Short Scale\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"What Strings Do You Recommend for My Journey Guitar?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nWe recommend the following strings for use in our instruments:\n\n\n\n For Collapsible Steel String Guitars (All Carbon and Wood Overheads, Carbon RoadTrip, First Class) we use: Elixir 80\/20 Phosphor Bronze 12\/53 Lights \n\n\n\n*For collapsible wood guitars (with the exception of the Puddle Jumper series) , we recommend only light gauge strings. Using medium or heavier gauge strings on our collapsible wood guitars will void the warranty. \n\n\n\n* For Puddle Jumper Series, because of the shorter 23-inch scale, we use D\u2019Addario EXP17 Coated Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, Medium, 13-56. This is the only collapsible wood guitar for we recommend medium gauge strings.\n\n\n\nOur carbon fiber steel string guitars (OF660, RT660) can use up to medium gauge strings.\n\n\n\nFor Journey Junior and Puddle Jumper Series we use: D'addario EXP16 Coated Phosphor Bronze Lights\n\n\n\nFor our Classical Guitars: All OC520, OC522, FC522, JC520, OC660M we use:Savarez 520 White Card Traditional Series classical guitar strings for our OC520, OC522, and FC522.\n\n\n\n*we do not recommend high tension nylon strings on our collapsible wood classical guitars, but they can be used on the OC660M carbon model.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"I'm not getting a signal from my JourneyTek Pickup. What's the problem?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nWe test all our pickups twice before shipping so there's a very low probability this will happen. But just in case, here's a short checklist to help you troubleshoot:\n\n\n\n\nCheck your battery. You can use a voltmeter or do the \"tongue test\" if you're feeling gutsy.\n\n\n\nPull your guitar cable out by 0.5-1mm. We've tested dozens of guitar cables with our guitar cable connectors and there are about 5% of guitar cables that need to be backed out by 0.5-1mm. \n\n\n\nCheck all the internal connections on your pickups:\n\nFirst make sure the strap button cover is flush with the socket for the guitar cable. If the guitar cable socket is too far recessed then this will prevent you from making a secure connection to get signal. To evaluate if this is the case, just remove the strap button cover and plug the guitar cable into the socket. If this gives you a signal, then you know you need to adjust the screw and washer positions on the pickup jack so that the button is flush when fully assembled.\n\n\n\nFor EP001 and passive piezo units (EP001, EP002, EP003, EP004) , our newest versions have a 2.5mm mono male connector that plugs into the back of the guitar cable jack inside the guitar. Make sure this connection is secure.\n\n\n\nFor EPS001 series (dual-source pickups) check:\n\n2.5mm connection from piezos to the preamp unit\n\n\n\n3.5 mm connection from cable jack to the preamp unit and 2.5mm connection from this wire into the cable jack.\n\n\n\nthe battery connection\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you're upgrading your existing passive pickup to an EPS001 module, please note that we've upgraded the connector connector you plug your guitar cable into. YOU MUST SWITCH THIS OUT. The previous connector works only with the passive pickups. Be sure to upgrade your connector to the new one included in the EPS001-05K and EPS001-15K kits. If you purchased EPS001 modules along with your EP001 or other passive piezo modules, this is not necessary.\n\n\n\n\n\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"I'm getting an uneven signal on my passive piezo pickups - HELP!","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nIf you're getting an uneven signal from your pickups (some strings are louder than others), this could be caused by several factors. We recommend you troubleshoot in this order:\n\n\n\nPoor connection: Make sure the 2mm male connector from the piezos is is fully plugged into the guitar jack female connector inside the guitar body, and that your instrument cable is plugged in properly.The bottom of the saddle is not even.If the bottom of the saddle is not evenly pressing against the base of the saddle slot, this can result in a reduction of energy transfer to the pickup located under the section of the saddle that is not flush with the base of the saddle slot. To check for this, remove the saddle, place on a flat surface, and check for unevenness from both sides of the saddle. If you see a section that is not flush with the flat surface, you'll need to sand down the saddle to make the entire base of the saddle even. This may mean you'll need to replace the saddle if you're not able to get the strings to your ideal height.The saddle material has inconsistent densityIf the saddle material is natural bone, it may have inconsistent densities that can impact the transfer of energy to the piezo elements.Incorrect or poor positioning of the piezos on the bridge plate.If the piezos are positioned improperly this could cause a variance in the signal transfer. Check our pickup installation guides and manuals here for positioning instructions.Poor adhesion to the bridge plate or soundboard.There are several factors that can cause poor adhesion, but most common causes are: The surface of the bridge plate or soundboard where you glued the piezo is uneven or rough. To solve this, you'll need to remove the piezo, and re-sand the area and glue again. Make sure the area is sanded evenly and there are no rough spots.There is insufficient glue applied between the piezo and the bridge plate, so that signal transfer is limited. To solve this, you'll need to remove the piezo, and re-sand the area and glue again. Make sure surface is smooth and glue covers the entire surface of the piezo when applying.Defective or damaged piezo or wire.If a piezo is bent or damaged, or if a wire has poor connectivity it can lead to reduced signal transfer. This is a rare event, but if this is the case, we will replace the piezo free of charge. It's important to note that many of these issues will present problems for any pickup (like uneven saddle, inconsistent saddle material, uneven saddle slot, etc.) so it's important you deal with the root issues, otherwise these tonal issues will be present with any pickup you try to install.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob","@type":"Question","name":"Can I change the tone of my passive piezo pickups?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nFor balanced tone, we recommend placing the piezos under the saddle on the bridge plate under the guitar - as shown in our installation manuals. However, since each guitar has a different tone, you can try experimenting with different placement of the piezos inside your guitar. By positioning the piezos closer to the treble side of the bridge plate (towards the thinner strings), you'll get a brighter tone, whereas positioning them on the bass side of the bridge plate (towards the thicker strings), you'll get a darker or deeper tone. There are some artists who like to use preamp to further alter the tone. We recommend either the EPS001-15K for our OF660 guitars, or the EPS001-05K for guitars with traditional sound holes.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"Which Nylon String\/Classical Journey Guitar is Best for Me?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nHere's a concise overview of our collapsible classical guitars and their main differences:\n\n\n\nOC520 - solid top only, matte with sound port, full scale, backpack case that fits on all airlines, even prop jobs. 80% of a full-sized classical sound.OC522 - same as OC520 but with solid top and back. 90% of a full-sized classical guitar sound with great sustain.FC522 - solid top\/back, all gloss, standard Torres size, full scale (not short scale like the one he demoed), figured binding, arm bevel, gold tuners, and a roller case. Fits in most airlines, but maybe not smaller pro-jobs. I\u2019ve compared this to $2000 Alhambra and Yamaha classical and it sounds just as good and way more comfortable.FC522LTD - same as FC522 but with the figured American Redwood top.OC660M \u2013 All carbon fiber with no truss rod, same body format as our OF660M, and same scale as our OC520 but with a narrower nut.JC520 \u2013 our budget travel classical guitar with standard classical scale and nut width, solid top, wedged body.\n\n\n\nHere's a good summary of which models are best for which purposes:\n\n\n\nIf you want this for just a nice holiday guitar - go for the OC520.If you want it for lots of travel and like best tone with no risk - go for OC522.If you want a guitar that travels great with wheeled-carry-on, and sounds and plays like a standard classical go for the FC522.If you want premium guitar with the eye candy, go for FC522LTD.If you want a go-anywhere with no-stress classical guitar and don\u2019t mind the narrower nut, go for the OC660M. Sounds great on stage with the passive or add-on active pickup as well.If you want a smaller travel-friendly classical with a narrower nut, try the JC520 Journey Junior \u2013 this guitar sounds great for its size, has a full scale, and is super comfy.\n\n\n\nAll of our classical and nylon gutiars come with our passive piezo system preinstalled.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"Why does Journey Instruments use a Wedged (asymmetrical body) design in many of their guitars?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nFirstly, it's a way to increase the volume inside the guitar which give a little louder and deeper sound. Secondly, it's super ergonomic. The design angles the guitar against your body so that when you strum, the movement of your arm is more ergonomic and causes less fatigue on your shoulder. It's also a bit easier to play barre chords as it causes the fretboard to be more naturally angled - which helps gravity add a little extra pressure with your barred finger on the fretboard - the weight of your arm naturally adds more force against the strings. For guitarists with shoulder issues or injuries, this asymmetrical design makes guitar playing much more comfortable.\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"Rob Temp","@type":"Question","name":"My EPS001 pickup has rapid battery drain - what's the deal?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"\nOur very first version of the EPS001 had a design flaw in which the output cable and jack from the preamp module was mono, but should have been stereo. There were only a handful of these first versions, so it's unlikely that your unit has this issue. To check, you can look at the wire that goes from the preamp \"Out\" socket to the guitar cable socket. This wire should be a stereo wire as shown as wire \"A\" (which features two black bands on the male connectors) in the picture below. If your wire has only one black band on the male connectors as shown in wire \"B\" then you need to replace this cable along with the guitar cable jack connector shown below. Simply reach out to us on our contact form and request for the cable and connector and provide us with your address and phone info, and we'll send the replacements at no charge.\n\n\n\nEPS001 Cables\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","author":"@type":"Person","name":"rob"]}(function() function maybePrefixUrlField() if (this.value.trim() !== '' && this.value.indexOf('http') !== 0) this.value = " + this.value;var urlFields = document.querySelectorAll('.mc4wp-form input[type="url"]');if (urlFields) for (var j=0; j 2ff7e9595c