PRS SE Hollowbody ii Piezo - volume difference

[Hapee]

Hi everyone,

This is my first posting on this forum! I just got a brand new PRS SE Hollowbody ii Piezo (not my first PRS, I also have the SE Custom 24 which I love).

The HBii is brilliant, although I notice there's quite a volume drop on the high e string when using the piezo (magnetic is fine). Also, when I lightly tap the bridge saddle with a pick, the sound is less strong with this string in comparison to the others.

I found out that unlike the piezo system in the core models, the SE doesn't have individual pots for the different strings. I'm assuming something's wrong with the piezo saddle and / or the wiring, but I really really don't want to have to send the guitar back to the seller (a shop in Germany, I'm in the Netherlands), as I'm not sure he will be able to fix it and I will be without the guitar for weeks. It's not a big box retailer, an exchange is also not really an option as it's basically sold out everywhere.

Any suggestions? I already changed the string, didn't help, and as I said, with the regular pickups it's fine, so it's not an intonation or vibration issue. Is it possible to change the one saddle? Thanks!

 

[shimmilou]

Have you tried adjusting the pot for the piezo? I know it isn’t for individual strings, but couldn’t hurt to try it.

 

[RickP]

I believe there is a cable connecting the piezo, possibly a ribbon type. If there is, a faulty connection at the saddle or control end could cause this. You might peek inside with a mirror or your phone and see if you can make sure all connectors are properly seated.

 

[Hapee]

Have you tried adjusting the pot for the piezo? I know it isn’t for individual strings, but couldn’t hurt to try it.

Haven't tried it, I did remove input plate to take a look, but I'm afraid I will mess something up. Might give it a shot, thanks.

I believe there is a cable connecting the piezo, possibly a ribbon type. If there is, a faulty connection at the saddle or control end could cause this. You might peek inside with a mirror or your phone and see if you can make sure all connectors are properly seated.

That's a good idea, I'll try that. Thanks! I'm also going to call the seller, maybe he has an idea. Replacing the bridge could also be an option, as I believe there's only one connector between the bridge and the electronics. I'll keep you posted!

 

[Hapee]

Ok, an update: I contacted the seller and he said it’s probably a faulty Crystal in the piezo saddle. He sent me return label and I’ve sent the guitar on it’s way

They’re gonna send it to PRS to get it fixed, so this ll take a couple of weeks I suspect. Ah well, due to COVID there’s no rehearsing or gigging over here anyhow, so I’ll just have to be patient.

 

[bodia]

Ok, an update: I contacted the seller and he said it’s probably a faulty Crystal in the piezo saddle. He sent me return label and I’ve sent the guitar on it’s way

They’re gonna send it to PRS to get it fixed, so this ll take a couple of weeks I suspect. Ah well, due to COVID there’s no rehearsing or gigging over here anyhow, so I’ll just have to be patient.

Good to know it's on the way to being sorted out.

 

[Hapee]

Good to know it's on the way to being sorted out.

Yeah, these guys are really helpful (ProMusicTools in Munich, Germany).

 

[Hapee]

So: a short update, the guitar has arrived in the store in Munich today, so now it's going to be forwarded to PRS. Does anyone know where their tech center in Europe is located? I suspect the UK, which is a bummer because due to Brexit it's probably going to take a while to get there and back to Germany (and then back to me) – not counting the repair time..

 

[Hapee]

So, time for an update! It’s been six weeks and I just got the guitar back. It’s perfect now, I think either the saddle or the complete piezo bridge was replaced. All the strings sound equally loud now.

since I only had the guitar for a few hours before returning it, I finally had the time to check it out and play it properly, and wow!! It’s superb, in sound, versatility and playability (which I’m kind of picky about). I love that it has a slightly bigger and thicker body than the solid body prs’s. Same goes for the headstock. Pretty sure this is going to be my number one for the coming months (if not years).

 

[Aahzz]

So, time for an update! It’s been six weeks and I just got the guitar back. It’s perfect now, I think either the saddle or the complete piezo bridge was replaced. All the strings sound equally loud now.

since I only had the guitar for a few hours before returning it, I finally had the time to check it out and play it properly, and wow!! It’s superb, in sound, versatility and playability (which I’m kind of picky about). I love that it has a slightly bigger and thicker body than the solid body prs’s. Same goes for the headstock. Pretty sure this is going to be my number one for the coming months (if not years).

Glad they sorted it out for you!

 

[shimmilou]

So, time for an update! It’s been six weeks and I just got the guitar back. It’s perfect now, I think either the saddle or the complete piezo bridge was replaced. All the strings sound equally loud now.

since I only had the guitar for a few hours before returning it, I finally had the time to check it out and play it properly, and wow!! It’s superb, in sound, versatility and playability (which I’m kind of picky about). I love that it has a slightly bigger and thicker body than the solid body prs’s. Same goes for the headstock. Pretty sure this is going to be my number one for the coming months (if not years).

Sweet! How about some pics?

 

[Hapee]

Sweet! How about some pics?

Yes, I will post a few soon!

 

[Hapee]

<3 <3

 

[shimmilou]

Great top, on a fantastic guitar!