TRAVELER GUITAR ULA ABNS Ultra-Light Acoustic Acoustic-Electric Guitar User Guide

TRAVELER GUITAR ULA ABNS Ultra-Light Acoustic Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Thank you for purchasing a Traveler Ultra-Light Guitar Powered by Fretlight!

Traveler Guitar is the industry’s leading manufacturer of full-scale, travel- sized instruments. Most travel guitars sacrifice playability for portability—but
at Traveler Guitar, we believe players need both. Since 1992, we have designed full-scale acoustic and electric travel guitars. The Ultra-Light Guitar you hold in your hands is a solid-body acoustic/ electric guitar that can go with you almost anywhere. It has is similar to other guitars, except in its “In- Body” tuning system which allows it to be shorter than conventional guitars. The tuning machines operate like traditional tuning machines, yet they are mounted in the body of the guitar. Strings pass through the end-cap, then around the String Rollers and to the tuning machines mounted to the back of the guitar. The tuning keys are accessible from the front of the guitar to allow tuning while holding the guitar in the playing position.

UNPACKING YOUR GUITAR
If your guitar is factory packed it may be wrapped in a silver, temperature- insulating mylar bag. This bag can be discarded.

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

Gig Bag, Removable Laprest,truss rod wrench,and Fretlight charging cable

CONSTRUCTION & SETUP

INSTALLING STRINGS ON IN-BODY TUNING EQUIPPED GUITARS:
To change strings, you will need a pair of wire cutters. A string winder is not necessary, but can speed up the process.
The tuners on your Traveler Guitar operate just like the tuners on a standard guitar. We recommend changing the strings three at a time because some of the components are held in place by string tension. First remove the old E, A, and D strings, and then install three new strings in their places. Repeat this process on the G, B, and high E strings.

To change, thread the string through its hole in the endcap (or in the case of nylon-stringed models, wrap the strings as you would on a traditional nylon- string guitar’s bridge) and wrap the string around the roller and through the corresponding tuner hole. Leave approximately 2 ½ inches of slack in the string to allow 3 to 4 wraps on the tuner. Bend the string to anchor it in place in order to hold the string after it is fed through the tuner. Over- or under-wrapping the string around the tuner may cause tuning problems.

TUNING:
Hold the guitar in playing position. Tune string to pitch, and when satisfied, clip excess string off.
For further assistance, watch our restringing videos here and here.

Getting Started with Guitar Tunes

1. Get the Free Guitar Tunes Mobile App (IOS or Android) On a mobile device or tablet, go to www.guitartunes.com/app and download the app. You can also search the app store for “Fretlight” and select Guitar Tunes from the results.

2. Open a Free Song or Video
   Open the Guitar Tunes app, tap Library (ICON), then choose from Songs or Videos… tap Free Songs or Free Videos, tap on the itemʼs cloud (ICON) icon and it will begin downloading (you many need to login into your iTunes account), tap on the video or songʼs name to load it. If it is the first time the app is opening an item it will automatically start playing once it is done downloading.

3. Pair a Fretlight Guitar to Guitar TunesOnce a song or video is loaded into Guitar Tunes, press the ON/OFF button once on the Fretlight guitar to put it in pairing mode. In the app, tap the Fretlight Status (ICON) button. Once the Fretlight guitar appears in the list with a green (ICON) icon tap ʻDoneʼ.

4. Play Guitar!
   Tap the play (ICON) icon and watch the song or video light up the Fretlight guitar

Pairing the Fretlight to a Mobile Device

1.  On a mobile device or tablet, open the Guitar Tunes app. Navigate to the song, jam, or video you wish to play (or Chords & Scales).
2. Locate the ON/OFF button on the side of the Fretlight.
3.  once to activate PAIRING mode. Blinking lights indicate ready to pair.
4. In the Guitar Tunes app, tap the “Fretlight Status” button. The Fretlight guitar will appear in the pop-up window. When pairing is successful, blinking lights will disappear and you will see this icon.

Helpful Tips:

• Successful pairing must take place within 30 seconds or the guitar will automatically power off.
• Pairing is required each time Guitar Tunes is launched, your guitar is turned back on,
• To connect multiple Fretlight guitars, repeat the pairing process with each guitar you wish to pair. Assign different guitar or bass parts to each of the paired guitars. For example, set the first guitar to be lead and the second guitar to be rhythm. This will depend on the song and it’s available instruments. Pair up to 7 separate Fretlight guitars with Guitar Tunes.

Battery & Power Information 
To charge the guitarʼs internal battery, connect the micro-USB end of the charging cable to the guitar, and plug the USB adapter to a wall outlet. You can also plug it into any USB connection. The Fretlight uses a standard micro- USB connect so you can use any micro-USB you prefer.
A full charge takes about 4 hours. Battery life depends on individual use. Weeks, or even months is typical with average use.
To check the battery level, press the ON/OFF button twice. LEDs will display across the 5th fret. One LED indicates low charge, 5 indicates full charge.

For optimal system performance, we recommend keeping the battery above two LEDs.
To turn off, or reset the guitar, press and hold the ON/OFF button for at least 3 seconds. The guitar will turn on all of it
LEDs briefly before shutting down. If the guitar is connected to an app the battery-saving auto-shut-off will occur after 60 minutes of inactivity.
Do not operate your guitar while charging! This could damage the USB port and void your warranty!

The Fretlight Guitar Neck
The advanced polymer fretboard uses standard, silver-nickel frets and cleverly conceals the patented Fretlight Learning system. The ultra-thin circuit board contains 132 low-profile LEDs and a dedicated Sonix micro-controller that powers the learning system to display any chord, scale, song or riff in real time.

Cleaning Your Fretboard

• The advanced polymer fretboard acts and behaves like a normal rosewood or ebony fingerboard in many ways except for cleaning and/or sanding.

• Use only a dry or damp cloth (water only) to clean any finger oil or residue from the Fretlight
  fretboard. After youʼve been playing for a few months, you may notice small scratches on the surface of the fretboard.

• Smooth small scratches by buffing the fretboard lightly with a Scotch-Brite™ pad.

• Do NOT use any solvents, oils or fluids other than water. Doing so will VOID the warranty.

• Do NOT use a powered sander or sanding device on the

• Fretlight. Doing so will VOID the warranty

Understanding Humidity
Itʼs true! Climate affects every guitarʼs playability. A common issue with any guitar is “String Buzz” (buzzing occurs when a vibrating string touches the metal fret on a fretboard).
Buzzing is usually the result of wood acclimatizing to new surroundings, especially when a guitar has recently traveled for shipping or relocation. As tough as it is to wait, adjusting an acclimatizing guitar is a never-ending battle. Give your guitar a few days (maybe more if it’s been exposed tonxtreme climate change) to settle before you attempt any adjustment. Your guitar may settle higher or lower than what was set by a Fretlight Guitar Tech. Most likely, there is insufficient relief (upwards or concave curve in the neck). A few turns of the truss rod should fix the issue. You may need to make periodic truss rod adjustments, especially when the seasons change. This adjustment is best performed by your local trained guitar
technician.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: How do I get more content?
   A: New content is added to the Guitar Tunes app all the time! Shop Songs, Videos, Jam Alongs and more, right in the app!

2. Q: Does Fretlight require an internet connection?
   A: Yes, to download apps and content but not to play content.
   You can download your content as many times as you need.

3. Q: Does the Fretlight need to be charged after I receive it?A: Yes, you should charge the Fretlight overnight when you first receive it and after that about once a week should be fine.

4. Q: Does the Fretlight Bluetooth pairing require that all nearby Bluetooth devices are turned off, except the device that you are attempting to pair with.
   A: Yes, it is recommended that all other devices in the vicinity have their Bluetooth turned off.

Troubleshooting Guide

I hear buzzing on the strings and frets—whatʼs going on?

• Player is playing the guitar too hard
• Your guitar is not set-up properly ·
  Try playing the guitar a little softer.
  A simple and routine truss rod adjustment or guitar setup can solve most fret buzz issues. See “Adjusting the Neck of your Fretlight” on page 8.

Iʼm having Bluetooth connection Issues—whatʼs can I do?

• Battery Level
• Multiple Fretlight Apps running at the same time.
• Other Bluetooth devices
• GPS

1. Make sure your device has Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) 4.0 or higher and running Android OS 4.4. or higher. Check with your device manufacturer’s website for the specs. Most devices made after 2012 will have 4.0 or higher.

2. Make sure your guitar’s battery has a full charge. A full charge takes 4 hours. Press the on/off button on the guitar twice to check the battery’s level. The more LEDs across the 5th fret the higher the charge.

3. Hard close all the apps running on the device. How to – iOS or Android Device.

4. Remove all other Bluetooth devices connected to your device. How to – iOS or Android: In the Bluetooth settings, tap on a deviceʼs name, then “Unpair”. Do not connect your Fretlight guitar through the Bluetooth
   settings like other devices. It has to be done through the apps only.

5. Turn the Bluetooth off and back on again in your Bluetooth settings on your device.

6. Turn on your GPS or location services.

7. Relaunch the app you are trying to connect to.

8. Reset the guitar by pressing and holding the on/off button on the guitar until all of the LEDs flash then let go and LEDs will turn off.

9. Press the on/off button on the guitar once to put it into pairing mode

10. Pair with the guitar through the app’s steps. How to – IOS or Android

I hear noise through t he amp—whatʼs going on?

• Pickup Position
• Effects
• Grounding Issues
• Power Strips
• Power Adapters
• Pickups The Fretlight Learning System utilizes 132 LEDʼs, which naturally produce a slight electronic noise that, if improperly connected to your device and amp, could be heard through your guitar’s connected amp. A proper musical setup should ensure proper grounding with all powered items.

DO – The electric guitar should only use its 1st position bridge pickup while running the lights. The closer the pickup is to the neck, the louder the noise will become. Only use a clean channel (no effects; especially overdrive or distortion) while at a moderate
volume. Plug directly into the amp whenever possible and do not go
through pedals or other devices if possible as they can create ground loops or and their own noise to the channel.
Make sure any plugged in device (amps, computer, effects, pedals, etc.) uses a power supply has a grounded, 3-prong, plug. Most newer amps come standard with grounded power supply.

If you are connected to a device like an iPad or laptop to record or modulate the guitar’s sound use it without connecting its power supply, thereby running it off its internal battery. Make sure that the Fretlight charging USB cable is not plugged into the guitar. Make sure that any powered item if plugged is going into a wall outlet that is grounded, in other words, has 3 prongs.
DON’Ts – Do not use a two-prong plug or a 3-to-2 adapter plug. Do not use a two-pronged wall outlet. Only use 3-pronged,
grounded, wall outlets. Do not use the middle or neck pickups or any effects while running the lights.

CAUTIONS – Try not to use power strips or extension cords, as they WILL introduce extra noise into the system. For best results, connect your system as described previously. Make sure that you are using a shielded guitar cable as there is a difference when it comes to extraneous noise introduced into the system when using a good cable and as such we recommend using a name-brand cable.
PRACTICE MODE – When the LEDs are not on you can use any effects, pickup setting, etc. that you want. When the LEDs are on you are in “practice mode” so those options are limited as described previously.

CLEANING, STORAGE, AND GENERAL CARE

CLEANING:
Periodic cleaning and polishing will help protect your Traveler Guitar. Use a polish formulated for musical instruments and apply it according to the polish directions—or, you can wipe the guitar down with a clean, damp cloth followed quickly by a clean, dry cloth. To clean residue off the fingerboard, you can use extra-fine steel wool to rub up and down the length of the fingerboard over the top of the frets. Never use furniture polish on the guitar, as you may damage the finish.

STORAGE:
When not in use, your Traveler Guitar should be stored in its included gig bag to protect it from exposure to the elements. Protect your guitar from extreme temperatures and changes in humidity. Never leave your Traveler Guitar in a closed vehicle or any other location where the guitar will be exposed to extreme heat. If you live in a dry climate, you may want to use a guitar humidifier.

ADJUSTMENTS:
We recommend leaving complicated operations (such as truss rod adjustments) to a trained guitar technician. Improper truss rod adjustments may damage your guitar and void your warranty.

“BUMPER TO BUMPER” LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Each Traveler Guitar instrument is warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for as long as it is owned by the original retail purchaser except strings, tuning machines, frets, switches, electronic components, jacks, pick guards, and plated surfaces, which are warranted for a period of three (3) years from the date of the original purchase. The warranty is only eligible to the original owner, and the guitar must have been purchased from an authorized Traveler Guitar dealer.
Traveler Guitar will replace or repair, at its discretion, any Traveler Guitar instrument or part thereof, which is found by Traveler Guitar to be defective. Traveler Guitar reserves the right to use original replacement materials or materials of similar design at the time of the repair.
The Fretlight electronics are warranted for a period of 1 year from the date of the original purchase.

To become eligible for warranty service, the original purchaser must:

1. Submit a completed warranty card or online registration form to Traveler Guitar.
2. Contact Traveler Guitar to obtain a Return Authorization Code before returning any instrument for service.
3. Provide proof of purchase with all requests for warranty service (original receipt.)
4. Be responsible for all freight and transportation to and from Fretlight Facility in Carson City, Nevada

The Traveler Guitar Warranty does not cover:

1.  Instruments that have been altered or modified in any way, including altered or removed serial numbers.
2. Instruments that have been subjected to extreme temperature or humidity, chemicals, synthetic materials or other abnormal conditions.
3. Wear, discoloration or marks on the finish, metal plating or wood grain of the guitar.
4. Setups, adjustments, tonal characteristics or routine maintenance of any kind.
5. Instruments that have been damaged due to misuse or neglect.
6. Normal wear and tear to hardware including strings, tuning machines, frets, switches, electronic components, jacks, pickguards, and plated surfaces.

Please contact us first to resolve any warranty issues.
Warranty Questions:
Traveler Fretlight Guitar
Email to : [email protected] 

References

• The Fretlight Wireless Guitar Store – The Fretlight Guitar Store
• Traveler Guitar | Acoustic | Electric | Hybrid | Bass Guitars
• Product Registration – Traveler Guitar

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>