Schatten BJ-02 Banjo Pickup Install

Although it's an acoustically loud instrument, putting a mike in front of a banjo isn't always the best solution, especially when you're a player that uses the "clawhammer" picking technique!  The owner of this banjo became tired of not be able to hear himself on larger stages or with a full band, so we opted for the elegantly simple yet very effective Schatten BJ-02.













This is a piezo pickup that is fastened on the underside of the drum skin (head) beneath the centre post of the saddle.  The volume/jack box is clamped to two tension posts (brackets) of your choice, and the wire is hidden discreetly in the resonator after being fed through the rim.

After setting the intonation so the saddle is positioned perfectly, the resonator was removed.  From the underside of the head, the piezo element was fed through the rim and fastened using just a drop of epoxy ~ easily removed with a heat gun and razor blade if need be.  The excess wire is first tied loosely around the tension rod and then a zap-strap around the threads to prevent it from moving.

Before clamping the control box to the brackets, I wanted to make sure the chance of it coming loose and/or damaging the finish was minimized.  Some double sided tape and a thin piece of cork sheet will do the trick ~ it acts as both a lock washer and finish protector.

Installed at the bottom beside the tailpiece is the perfect spot for volume control access and you can still set it on a stand without knocking it.  The cork subsequently acted as a spacer to make the jack positioned at the perfect angle.

The two screws at the bottom of the control box go through the unit to a small threaded bar behind the two brackets, clamping it in place.  A very discreet and excellent sounding unit that any pro would be happy to use!