Harley Benton HBV870 Electric Violin User Manual

June 5, 2024
Harley Benton

HBV 870
User Manual
Electric Violin

General information

This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device. Read and follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future refer‐
ence. Make sure that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to another user, be sure that they also receive this manual.
Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development.
We, therefore, reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the latest version of the user manual which is ready for download under www.thomann.de.

1.1 Further information

On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and details on the following points:

Download This manual is also available as a PDF file for you to download.
Keyword search Use the search function in the electronic version to find the

topics of interest for you quickly.
Online guides| Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics and terms.
Personal consultation| For a personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.
Service| If you have any problems with the device the customer service will gladly assist you.

1.2 Notational conventions

This manual uses the following notational conventions:
Letterings The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.
Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.

Instructions| The individual steps of instruction are numbered consecutively. The result of a
step is indented and highlighted by an arrow.
Example:
1. Switch on the device.
2. Press [Auto].
⇒Automatic operation is started.
3. Switch off the device.
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1.3 Symbols and signal words

In this section, you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are used in this manual.

Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an

immediately dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
CAUTION!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in minor injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE!

| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs| Type of danger


| Warning – danger zone.

Safety instructions

DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of and are not in the reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard! Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from the product. They could swallow the pieces and choke! Never let children play unattended with the product.
CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
Using headphones for a prolonged period and at a high volume can cause hearing damage. Avoid using the device at high volume, especially when using headphones.
NOTICE!
Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and strong vibrations. Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specified in the chapter ‘Technical specifications’ of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature fluctuations and do not switch the device on immediately after it was exposed to temperature fluctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures). Dust and dirt inside can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be maintained by qualified service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other malfunction.
NOTICE!
Possible damage by leaking batteries
Leaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device. Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer period.
NOTICE!
Possible property damage by magnetic fields
Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field. Therefore, maintain an appropriate distance to devices that can be adversely affected or damaged by an external magnetic field.

Scope of delivery

Thank you for purchasing the electric violin HBV 840AM / BK / RD / WH. The package includes the following components:

  • 1 × electric violin
  • 1 × bridge (pre-assembled)
  • 1 × strings set (pre-assembled)
  • 1 × composite bow
  • 1 × bow rosin
  • 1 × compatible carrying case

Assembling and tuning your instrument are described in detail in the following sections.

Assembly instructions

Overview

A (front side) 1 Bridge
2 Chin rest
B (rear side) 3 Machine heads
C Operating elements
C (operating elements) 4 [Volume] With this control you can adjust the

volume.
5| [TONE] With this control, you can adjust the high and low frequencies.
6| [LINE OUT] 3.5 mm jack socket to connect an audio device.
7| [MIC] 3.5 mm jack socket to connect an instrument microphone.
8| [PHONE] 3.5 mm jack socket to connect headphones.
9| [ON]/[OFF] Main switch. Turns the device on and off.
10| Battery compartment

4.1 Tuning the strings

Tune all strings with the machine heads using a tuner device to the correct pitch (usually g–d’–a’–e”).

Connections and controls

CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
Using headphones for a prolonged period and at a high volume can cause hearing damage. Avoid using the device at high volume, especially when using headphones.
NOTICE!
Risk of breakage, possible deformation
When placing the instrument with the fretboard down, there is a risk of damaging the fingerboard and the tailpiece. Avoid any compressive load on the rear of the instrument, if it is placed for the assembly or for service work with the fretboard down on a solid surface.
**** Before you connect amplifiers or microphones, the volume controls of the violin and the devices to be connected must be set to “Minimum”. This avoids loud crack noises when switching on.

5.1 Connecting and inserting the battery

On delivery of the instrument, a suitable 9-V block battery is enclosed. Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the instrument. Clamp the power cable with the correct polarity to the battery. Insert the battery into the battery compartment and close the battery compartment cover. It must audibly click into position.

NOTICE!
Risk of fire due to the incorrect polarity
Incorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries.
Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting batteries.
NOTICE!
Possible damage by leaking batteries
Leaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device.
Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer period.

5.2 Connecting audio devices
The connector for audio devices (3.5 mm jack socket) is located on the rear side of the instrument.
5.3 Connecting headphones
The connector for headphones (3.5 mm jack socket) is located on the rear side of the instrument.
** When using headphones with 1/4″ jack, you need an appropriate adapter.
5.4 Adjusting Volume and Tone**

The controls to adjust the volume [Volume] and the tone (treble, bass) [TONE] are located on the back of the instrument.

Maintenance

6.1 Changing strings

Strings are subject to a natural aging process, which is also affected by the frequency of use of the instrument. Changing the strings is recommended if the sound quality of the instrument decreases audibly. Always replace the complete set of strings (strings of 4/4 length) and always go string by string. In this way, you avoid a strong temporary bending of the neck due to reduced string tension. The bridge also remains in the correct position and does not have to be readjusted.

Proceed as follows to change the
strings:| 1. For example, loosen the run-down E string from the capstan of the machine head and from the tailpiece.
2. Thread the new E string into the tailpiece, and pull it over the bridge into the capstan bore of the machine head.
3. Hook the string end to the capstan and tighten the string tension slowly. At the first windings, pay particular attention that the string is taut to the mechanics.
4. Make sure that the string is running correctly through the grooves of bridge and nut at the upper end of the neck.
5. Slowly increase the string tension until the correct pitch is reached. Use a tuner or a pitch pipe for reference.
6. Proceed in the same way with the A, D, and G strings and then tune all strings a gain successively to the correct pitch. Note that the string tension will drop a little and the instrument needs to be returned several times until the strings stay in tune.
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6.2 Battery change

Replace the inserted battery if necessary (weak output signal) or at regular intervals. Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the instrument.
Clamp the power cable with the correct polarity to the battery. Insert the battery into the battery compartment and close the battery compartment cover. It must audibly click into position.

NOTICE!
Risk of fire due to the incorrect polarity
Incorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries.
Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting batteries.

Technical specifications

| HBV 870AM| HBV 870RD| HBV 870BK| HBV 870WH| HBV 870BEM
---|---|---|---|---|---
Item no.| 225647| 225648| 225650| 456461| 511891
Colour| Amber| Red| black| White| Birds Eye Maple
Scale| approx. 32.6 cm
Body material| Paulownia
Material fingerboard, pegs, chin rest| Birch (Betula albosinensis)
Neck material| Maple
Pick-up| Shadow NFX Nanoflex, active
Machine heads| Machine heads
Dimensions (W × H × D)| 20.8 cm × 9 cm × 59.5 cm
Weight| 700 g
Ambient conditions| Temperature range| 0 °C…40 °C
Relative humidity| 20 %…80 % (non-condensing)

Further information

Number of strings 4
Size 4/4
Electronic On
Incl. bag No
Incl. case Yes
Incl. bow Yes
Incl. shoulder support No
Incl. 4 fine tuners Yes

Plug and connection assignment

Introduction

This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equipment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.
Please note these advices, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short circuit, or ‘just’ in poor transmission quality!
Balanced and unbalanced transmission

Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environments and in hifi use. Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical rep representatives of the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding while the signal is transmitted through the core. Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low levels, such as microphone signals, and when using long cables.
In a professional environment, therefore, balanced transmission is preferred, because this enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conductors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission, a second core is added. This also transfers the signal but is phase-shifted by 180°.
Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase- shifted signals, the interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise interference.

Three-pole 1/8″ mini phone jack (stereo, unbalanced)

1 Signal (left)
2 Signal (right)
3 Ground, shielding

Cleaning

Clean the instrument and especially the strings after playing with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth. Stubborn dirt can be removed with a slightly dampened cloth. Never use cleaners containing alcohol or thinner.

Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packaging material

For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.
Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that they are fed to a recovery. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.
Disposal of batteries

Batteries must not be disposed of as domestic waste or thrown into the fire. Dispose of the batteries according to national or local regulations regarding hazardous waste. To protect the environment, dispose of empty batteries at your retail store or at appropriate collection sites.
Disposal of your old device

This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose of with your normal household waste.
Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.

References

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

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