Thomann HBV 870AM / RD / BK / WH / BEM Harley Benton electric violin User Manual

Table of Contents

HBV 870AM / RD / BK / WH / BEMelectric violinuser manual

General information

This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device.Read and follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to another user, be sure that they also receive this manual.Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development.We, therefore, reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the latest version of the user manual which is ready for download underwww.thomann.de.1.1 Further informationOn our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and details on the following points:

Download	This manual is also available as a PDF file for you to download.
Keyword search	Use the search function in the electronic version to find the topics of interest for you quickly.
Online guides	Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics and terms.
Personal consultation	For a personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.
Service	If you have any problems with the device the customer service will gladly assist you.

1.2 Notational conventionsThis manual uses the following notational conventions:LetteringsThe letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.InstructionsThe individual steps of instruction are numbered consecutively. The result of a step is indented and highlighted by an arrow.Example:

Switch on the device.
Press [Auto].Automatic operation is started.
Switch off the device.

1.3 Symbols and signal wordsIn this section, you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this manual.

Signal word	Meaning
DANGER!	This combination of symbols and signal words indicates an immediately dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
CAUTION!	This combination of symbols and signal words indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in minor injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE!	This combination of symbol and signal words indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in a material and environmental damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs	Type of danger
	Warning – danger zone.

Safety instructions

DANGER!Danger for childrenEnsure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of and are not in the reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard! Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from the product. They could swallow the pieces and choke! Never let children play unattended with the product.CAUTION!Possible hearing damageUsing headphones for a prolonged period and at a high volume can cause hearing damage. Avoid using the device at high volume, especially when using headphones.NOTICE!Operating conditionsThis device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and strong vibrations. Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specified in the chapter ‘Technical specifications’ of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature fluctuations and do not switch the device on immediately after it was exposed to temperature fluctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures). Dust and dirt inside can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be main‐ trained by qualified service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other malfunction.NOTICE!Possible damage by leaking batteriesLeaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device. Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer period.NOTICE!Possible property damage by magnetic fieldsLoudspeakers produce a static magnetic field. Therefore, maintain an appropriate distance to devices that can be adversely affected or damaged by an external magnetic field.

Scope of delivery

Thank you for purchasing the electric violin HBV 840AM / BK / RD / WH. The package includes the following components:

1 × electric violin
1 × bridge (pre-assembled)
1 × string set (pre-assembled)
1 × composite bow
1 × bow rosin
1 × compatible carrying case

Assembling and tuning your instrument are described in detail in the following sections.

Assembly instructions

Overview

A (front side)	1	Bridge
2	Chinrest
B (rear side)	3	Machine heads
C	Operating elements
C (operating elements)	4	[Volume] With this control, you can adjust the volume.
5	[TONE] With this control, you can adjust the high and low frequencies.
6	[LINE OUT]3.5 mm jack socket to connect an audio device.
7	[MIC]3.5 mm jack socket to connect an instrument microphone.
8	[PHONE]3.5 mm jack socket to connect headphones.
9	[ON]/[OFF]Main switch. Turns the device on and off.
10	Battery compartment

Tuning the strings

Tune all strings with the machine heads using a tuner device to the correct pitch (usually g–d’–a’–e”).

Connections and controls

CAUTION!Possible hearing damageUsing headphones for a prolonged period and at a high volume can cause hearing damage.Avoid using the device at high volume, especially when using headphones.NOTICE!Risk of breakage, possible deformationWhen placing the instrument with the fretboard down, there is a risk of damaging the fingerboard and the tailpiece.Avoid any compressive load on the rear of the instrument, if it is placed for the assembly or for service work with the fretboard down on a solidsurface.Before you connect amplifiers or microphones, the volume controls of the violin and the devices to be connected must be set to “Minimum”. This avoids loud crack noises when switching on.

5.1 Connecting and inserting the batteryOn delivery of the instrument, a suitable 9-V block battery is enclosed.Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the instrument. Clamp the power cable with the correct polarity to the battery. Insert the battery into the battery compartment and close the battery compartment cover.It must audibly click into position.NOTICE!Risk of fire due to the incorrect polarityIncorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries.Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting batteries.NOTICE!Possible damage by leaking batteriesLeaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device.Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer period.5.2 Connecting audio devicesThe connector for audio devices (3.5 mm jack socket) is located on the rear side of the instrument.5.3 Connecting headphonesThe connector for headphones (3.5 mm jack socket) is located on the rear side of the instrument.When using headphones with a 1/4″ jack, you need an appropriate adapter.5.4 Adjusting Volume and ToneThe controls to adjust the volume [Volume] and the tone (treble, bass) [TONE] are located on the back of the instrument.

Maintenance

6.1 Changing stringsStrings are subject to a natural aging process, which is also affected by the frequency of use of the instrument. Changing the strings is recommended if the sound quality of the instrument decreases audibly. Always replace the complete set of strings (strings of 4/4 length) and always go string by string. In this way, you avoid a strong temporary bending of the neck due to reduced string tension. The bridge also remains in the correct position and does not have to be readjusted.Proceed as follows to change the strings:

For example, loosen the run-down E string from the capstan of the machine head and from the tailpiece.
Thread the new E string into the tailpiece, pull it over the bridge into the cap-stan bore of the machine head.
Hook the string end to the capstan and tighten the string tension slowly. At the first windings, pay particular attention that the string is taut to the mechanics.
Make sure that the string is running correctly through the grooves of bridge and nut at the upper end of the neck.
Slowly increase the string tension until the correct pitch is reached. Use a tuner or a pitch pipe for reference.
Proceed in the same way with the A, D, and G strings and then tune all strings again successively to the correct pitch. Note that the string tension will drop a little and the instrument needs to be returned several times until the strings stay in tune.

6.2 Battery change

Replace the inserted battery if necessary (weak output signal) or at regular intervals.Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the instrument.Clamp the power cable with the correct polarity to the battery. Insert the battery into the battery compartment and close the battery compartment cover. It must audibly click into position.NOTICE!Risk of fire due to the incorrect polarityIncorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries.Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting batteries.

Technical specifications

HBV 870AM	HBV 870RD	HBV 870BK	HBV 870WH	HBV 870BEM
Item no.	225647	225648	225650	456461	511891
Colour	Amber	Red	black	White	Birds Eye Maple
Scale	approx. 32.6 cm
Body material	Paulownia
Material fingerboard, pegs, chin rest	Birch (Betula albosinensis)
Neck material	Maple
Pick-up	Shadow NFX Nanoflex, active
Machine heads	Machine heads
Dimensions (W × H × D)	20.8 cm × 9 cm × 59.5 cm
Weight	700 g
Ambient conditions	Temperature range	0 °C…40 °C
Relative humidity	20 %…80 % (non-condensing)

Further information
Number of strings	4
Size	4-Apr
Electronic	On
Incl. bag	No
Incl. case	Yes
Incl. bow	Yes
Incl. shoulder support	No
Incl. 4 fine tuners	Yes

Plug and connection assignment

IntroductionThis chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.Please note these devices, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated:Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short circuit, or ‘just’ in poor transmission quality!Balanced and unbalanced transmissionUnbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environments and in hifi use. Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical representatives of the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding while the signal is transmitted through the core.Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low levels, such as microphone signals and when using long cables.In a professional environment, therefore, balanced transmission is preferred, because this enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conductors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission, a second core is added. This also transfers the signal but is phase-shifted by 180°.Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted signals, the interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise interference.Three-pole 1/8″ mini phone jack (stereo, unbalanced)

1	Signal (left)
2	Signal (right)
3	Ground, shielding

Cleaning

Clean the instrument and especially the strings after playing with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth. Stubborn dirt can be removed with a slightly dampened cloth.Never use cleaners containing alcohol or thinner.

Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packaging materialFor the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are fed to a recovery. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.Disposal of batteriesBatteries must not be disposed of as domestic waste or thrown into fire. Dispose of the batteries according to national or local regulations regarding hazardous waste.To protect the environment, dispose of empty batteries at your retail store or at appropriate collection sites.Disposal of your old deviceThis product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose of of your normal household waste.Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.