1. Does it use lasers?
No. We know that would seem sexier, but it uses infrared LEDs and photodetectors.
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2. Is it digital?
No. Each string's signal starts out analog, and stays that way throughout.
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3. How does it sound?
Like you've never heard before. Players are impressed by the optical pickup's depth and richness; with its ability to capture lower fundamentals and higher harmonics than previously possible; with the clearer double-stops and chords; and with the increased dynamic range - all without the hum and buzz produced by magnetic pickups. Unlike prior pickups that exert their own influence or color the strings' sound, our optical transducers faithfully reproduce each string's natural harmonic content, and better reveal the sound of the instrument's wood, construction, and strings.
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4. What about when I want distortion or other effects?
The signal source being clean certainly doesn't imply that downstream processing is impeded in any way. In fact, having a superior quality starting point is advantageous for overdriving or effects, including those which intentionally produce distortion.
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5. Can I retrofit an existing instrument?
Not yet. Currently, our system is available only on our own Saber Basses and from a select group of boutique bass builders. See our Dealer List. If you are a qualified, experienced builder, we offer builder kits. See our Builder Kits info.
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6. Do I have to do anything special with the output of this pickup?
No. Treat it as you would any active pickup output. It is low-impedance, and can be directly connected to any amplifier rig, effects box, D.I. box, or line input of a mixer/recorder console.
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7. Do I connect up the usual way?
Yes. The standard 1/4" phone jack delivers the expected analog instrument output, at conventional levels.
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8. Do I have to use special strings?
No. Just the opposite, in fact. You can experiment with new strings you couldn't have considered before. Remember, the strings no longer have to be ferromagnetic. They don't even have to be metal at all.
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9. Are there any differences affecting how I should use my amp rig?
Probably. The response from the pickup system is flat, and extends deeper than prior pickups. If you're used to boosting the bass on your tone controls/EQ, you may want to back off on these to start. Caution is advised while getting used to the pickup's powerful bass response.
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10. Are there any differences affecting how I should play?
Probably. The pickup system is very clean, responsive to dynamics, and revealing of good technique. It may bring out your style, nuances, and expressiveness more than ever.
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11. Are you saying that it just won't produce hum or buzz?
Yes, we are. Any such problems you experience on stage or in the studio will be due to old-fashioned AC power corruption or ground loop problems (as between your amp rig and a mixing console). The pickup itself is simply not susceptible to the usual electromagnetic interference.
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12. Since this is an optical based system, does it work in daylight, or under bright stage lights?
Yes. We've gone to great pains to design a system that does.
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13. iceTone™ doesn't sound like it's the usual piezo; what is it?
Unlike conventional piezo systems,iceTone™ is designed as a selective enhancer; you can use the optical pickup signal by itself, or dial in iceTone to add mids or mids and highs. The iceTone™ signal cannot be played by itself, however. The LightWave system's master volume and tone controls affect both the optical and iceTone signals.
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14. What do the indicator LEDs do?
The hi-intensity red LED on our bridge indicates that the instrument is powered by LightWave, and is also a battery status indicator. As long as this LED is lit, you have as much as 15 hours of playing time. When the LED goes out, you still have two solid hours of playing time remaining. The second LED on the motherboard is used for optical adjustments during installation, and when string gauges are changed. The third LED is used for battery charge management, by indicating the charge status when the supplied wall-wart power pack is attached. Red means charging; green means fully charged.
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15. Doesn't the bright LED being on all the time drain the battery faster?
A tiny amount. The power status LED is a special daylight-visible, low-current device, and is an insignificant portion of the total system power draw. Its utility as an in-play battery status indicator more than makes up for it.
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16. How long does a recharge take?
About 60 minutes for a fully-drained battery pack. And, you can play while the charger is plugged in.
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17. How about Road-Worthiness?
The LightWave system is robust. It is designed to endure all of the demands of real musicians.
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