KNA AP-2 Universal Stick-On Piezo Pickup Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The KNA AP-2 is a universal stick-on piezo pickup designed to capture the natural acoustic tone of various instruments. It features onboard volume control and a no-battery passive design, offering easy, non-invasive installation for amplified sound without instrument modification. This manual provides detailed instructions for setup, operation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.

Figure 1: KNA AP-2 Universal Stick-On Piezo Pickup with volume control.

2. Key Features

• Surface-Mount Piezo Pickup: Captures natural acoustic tone without requiring instrument modifications.
• Onboard Volume Control: Built-in mini potentiometer for easy volume adjustments.
• Lightweight Wood-Enclosed Sensor: Enhances tonal sensitivity while maintaining a natural aesthetic.
• Easy No-Mod Installation: Securely attaches with non-marring, reusable putty or double-sided adhesive discs.
• Passive No-Battery Design: No battery required, ensuring a pure, unaltered acoustic sound.
• Detachable Cable: Includes an 8-ft. cable with 1/4" to 1/8" input jacks for versatile connectivity.
• Universal Compatibility: Suitable for a wide range of acoustic instruments, including guitars, violins, mandolins, and more.
• Handcrafted in Europe: Built with high-quality materials for durability and superior sound.

3. Setup & Installation

The KNA AP-2 pickup offers flexible installation options using either reusable putty or double-sided adhesive discs. Both methods are designed to be non-invasive and preserve your instrument's finish.

3.1. Using Reusable Putty (Temporary/Testing Installation)

1. Prepare the Putty: Take the provided blue putty. If it feels hard or dry, place it under warm running water for a moment to make it pliable and sticky. Mash it up thoroughly before use.
2. Apply to Pickup: Stretch the putty by hand to cover nearly the entire bottom surface of the pickup. Ensure the layer is as thin and even as possible for optimal sound transfer.
3. Attach to Instrument: Gently press the pickup onto the desired area of your instrument's soundboard. The putty allows for easy repositioning to find the "sweet spot" that sounds best.
4. Connect Cable: Plug the mini-jack end of the included 8-ft cable into the side jack of the pickup, and the 1/4" phone jack into your amplifier, sound card, or mixer.

Figure 2: KNA AP-2 pickup attached to an acoustic guitar's soundboard.

The putty is ideal for temporary installations or when switching the pickup between different instruments. It is designed to be safe for most instrument finishes.

3.2. Using Double-Sided Adhesive Discs (More Permanent Installation)

1. Clean Surface: Ensure the instrument's surface where the pickup will be placed is clean and free of any putty residue or dust.
2. Apply Disc to Pickup: Peel the protective layer from one side of an adhesive disc and place it in the center of the pickup's bottom surface.
3. Attach to Instrument: Remove the protective layer from the other side of the disc and firmly press the pickup onto the desired spot on your instrument.
4. Connect Cable: As with putty installation, connect the cable to the pickup and your audio equipment.

Figure 3: KNA AP-2 installation kit showing adhesive discs, putty, and detachable cable.

For a more permanent and stable attachment, the adhesive discs are recommended. However, be aware that removing them might require more care than removing putty.

3.3. Installation Tips & Video Guide

• Finding the Sweet Spot: Experiment with different positions on your instrument's soundboard to find the optimal tone. There is no single "right" place; it's a matter of personal preference and instrument characteristics.
• Cable Management: Secure the detachable cable to prevent it from interfering with your playing or accidentally detaching.

4. Operation

The KNA AP-2 is designed for straightforward operation, allowing musicians to easily amplify their acoustic instruments.

4.1. Volume Control

The pickup features an onboard mini potentiometer for volume adjustment. Rotate the knob clockwise to increase volume and counter-clockwise to decrease it. This allows for quick adjustments during performance or recording without needing to access your amplifier or mixer.

Figure 4: Detail of the KNA AP-2's integrated volume control knob.

4.2. Connectivity

The detachable cable connects the pickup to your audio system. Ensure a secure connection to avoid signal loss or noise. The passive design means no batteries are required for operation, simplifying setup and ensuring consistent performance.

5. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your KNA AP-2 pickup and the preservation of your instrument's finish.

5.1. Removing the Pickup

• Putty Removal: When removing the pickup installed with putty, use slow, gentle, but constant pressure with a slight twisting motion. This allows the putty to peel off safely without leaving residue. Store the putty in its container for future use.
• Adhesive Disc Removal: If the pickup is attached with adhesive discs and feels stuck, you can gently warm the area with a hairdryer on a low setting for a very short period. Be extremely careful not to overheat the instrument's surface, as this can damage the finish. Once slightly warmed, apply slow, gentle pressure with a twisting motion to peel off the disc.

5.2. Cleaning

• Pickup: Wipe the pickup's wooden housing with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Instrument Surface: If any residue remains on your instrument after removal, a small amount of instrument polish can be used to gently clean the area. Always test on an inconspicuous spot first.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your KNA AP-2 pickup, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• No Sound or Low Output:
  • Ensure all cable connections are secure and fully inserted.
  • Check the volume knob on the pickup and your amplifier/mixer.
  • Verify the pickup is making good contact with the instrument's soundboard. Reposition if necessary.
  • If using putty, ensure it's pliable and spread thinly and evenly for optimal sound transfer.
• Poor Tone or Feedback:
  • Experiment with different placement positions on the instrument's soundboard. Different spots yield different tonal characteristics.
  • Adjust the EQ settings on your amplifier or mixer.
  • Ensure the putty or adhesive disc layer is thin and even to maximize direct contact with the instrument.
• Pickup Not Sticking:
  • For Putty: Ensure the putty is warm and pliable before application. Mash it up well. The instrument surface should be clean.
  • For Adhesive Discs: Ensure the instrument surface is clean and dry before applying.
• Concern about Finish Damage:
  • Always test the putty or adhesive on a small, less visible area of your instrument first to observe any reaction with the finish. Leave it for a while and check after peeling it off.
  • Use slow, gentle, twisting motions when removing the pickup, especially if using adhesive discs.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty & Support

Specific warranty information for the KNA AP-2 pickup is not provided in the product details. For warranty claims, technical support, or additional inquiries, please contact KNA customer service directly or visit the official KNA website.

You can visit the KNA Store on Amazon for more information and contact options.