LR Baggs RT System - Manual

L . R . B A G G S S Y S T E M S
U S E R ' S G U I D E A N D
I N S T A L L A T I O N M A N U A L
R E A D M E F I R S T
This product must be installed by a qualified L.R. Baggs dealer or professional luthier only. We do not warranty or provide
assistance to home or hobby installers.
The RT System is designed for use with the L.R. Baggs Ribbon Transducer pickup only. We cannot warranty the unit when it
is used with other pickups. We recommend that the RT System preamp be mounted on the inside side of the guitar on the
straight spot just above the waist. This will facilitate installation of the RT Remote Control Module (optional) and
replacement of the battery.
Since the pickup and output harness plug into the preamp modules, there is no soldering required and installation is a
snap. Just be sure that there’s room to plug and unplug the pickup and output harness before you stick the preamp in
place. If you are installing the optional Remote Control (or you think you might install one in the future), be sure that you
choose a preamp location that will allow the Remote to reach the side of the soundhole (the length of the Remote cable is 3
1/2”). The output and pickup connectors must point towards the strapjack for the Remote to fit properly.
Before you stick the preamp to the side of the guitar, carefully consider its location and be sure that the area is free of dirt
and dust. The adhesive used for sticking the preamp to the guitar is very strong. It’s great for holding the preamp firmly but
difficult to remove or reposition. If you ever need to remove the preamp, slide a spatula into the gap between the preamp
and the wood. Now push and wiggle the spatula until the adhesive is loosened. Do not attempt to pry the preamp from the
wood as this may result in a cracked side or back.
R T S Y S T E M
I N S T A L L A T I O N
1. Start by installing the strapjack. Drill a clean 1/2” hole in the guitar’s tailblock using method "a” or “b” below depending on
the situation. Place a piece of masking tape over the drilling area on the side of the guitar to avoid chipping the finish and:
(a) Drill a 1/2” hole with a Forstner or Brad Point bit, or
(b) Drill a small pilot hole in the tailblock (if the guitar already has a strap button, use the existing hole as you drill
the guide/pilot hole), and widen it with a sharp 5/16” drill bit. Using a tapered reamer, you can then ream the hole large e-
nough to use a standard 1/2” drill bit to drill through the tailblock without disturbing the finish.
2. Remove the strap ring, retaining nut and one washer from the end of the jack. There should still be one star locking
washer, one flat washer, and nut remaining on the mid section of the jack. Bring the jack down into the soundhole and
through your pre-drilled hole on the tailblock. Using the internal nut (be sure to include the flat and star washers), set the
proper depth that will allow the entire threaded brass section of the jack to protrude out the end of the guitar. With the jack
in place, lay the remaining washer over the threads and attach the external retaining nut until its tight. Finish by attaching
the strap ring (it should cover the retaining nut and washer) carefully so as to not crack the finish of the guitar by asserting
too much pressure).
3. If you are installing the RT Remote Control, do so now according to the directions included with the unit. Be sure to pull
the two wire jumpers from the strip socket before insertion. If you ever wish to remove the remote, you will need to reinstall
these. One jumper connects pins 2 and 3, the other connects pins 5 and 7 (Note: you may use a piece of resistor lead or 22
to 24 gauge wire in place of the jumpers). Plug the remote cable into the strip socket making sure the colored stripe goes to
pin 1. It helps to rock the cable from side to side as you plug it in. Insertion is stiff on purpose for reliability.
4. Plug the pickup (see Ribbon Transducer Installation Instructions for installing the pickup) and output harness into the
jacks as labeled on the preamp, then install a 9V battery (not included). Be sure to observe polarity, then snap the battery
firmly into place. It will help to lift the end of the battery slightly, to clear the rivets on the battery clip, as you press. Now
stick the preamp on your chosen spot.
5. Secure the output wire to the inside of the guitar with two of the peel-and-stick cable platforms provided. Secure the