K&K Big Shot
Internal Installation
The internal
K&K set up includes the 19mm piezoelectric ceramic transducer on a 6” lead
soldered to a ¼” standard jack. The transducer has double-sided tape for
fastening to the underside of the soundboard.
A 3/8”
diameter hole in the body is required to mount the jack. We locate the hole 1
5/8” up from the flat bottom of the Fluke, (1 3/8” up on the Flea body) and 1”
down from the top on the lower right hand corner so the cord hangs down toward
the floor when played right handed. This hole can be drilled with a brad point
wood drill or any sharp metal drill – slowly and carefully.
With one
fiber washer on the threads of the jack, use a string or fine wire to help pull
the jack thru the sound hole and out the 3/8” hole from the inside. There
should be just enough thread left on the outside for the metal washer and nut. It
can be a challenge preventing the jack from spinning while tightening the nut
but try expanding a needle nose plier inside the jack or using a stick thru the
sound hole from the inside. Tighten with a 13mm or ½” wrench as much as
possible while preventing the jack from spinning.
Once the
jack is secured, feel thru the sound hole to determine the transducer position.
It should be easy to locate about 2” from the edge of the sound hole in an open
space between the braces either on center or closer to the treble side of the
instrument. Access the transducer thru the sound hole and peel off the tape lining
for adhesion. An extra piece of tape may be useful to temporarily attach the
transducer to a finger to get it into position. Position the element such that
the wire does not contact the top since this could cause a vibration. If the
transducer is to be removed, a knife or thin blade is required – avoid pulling
on the lead.