FAQ’S
Can I use my existing strings, or do I need new ones?
Yes, you can use your existing strings but only if you are the kind of guitarist that winds a reasonable amount of string around the tuning pegs / machine heads when restringing. TONEbloc sits under the bridge of your guitar, beneath the bridge plate where your string eyelets usually sit when held in place by the bridge pegs. It therefore needs about 20mm more string to reach the eyelet notch.
Of course any opportunity to clean and restring your guitar is a good thing, and a new set of strings will compliment the brightness and extra tone that TONEbloc can help deliver.
Can I remove TONEbloc if I’m not happy with it?
Yes of course. TONEbloc is a set and forget accessory and we’ve found that the only time it requires attention is during the restringing process. In contrast to the answer above about extra string length, removing TONEbloc will mean that your guitar strings are probably longer than they need to be, so there is no need to purchase a new set if you want to remove it for any specific reason.
Do I still need my guitar pegs?
When installed, the guitar pegs become surplus to requirement because the string eyelets are held in place by the TONEbloc itself. The tell-tale sign of a guitar with TONEbloc installed is the lack of pegs in the bridge. However, if you prefer the cosmetic look of pegs in the bridge, then inserting them back into the bridge holes after the TONEbloc has been installed is fine.
That said, please note that one of TONEbloc’s secondary benefits is the ability to replace broken strings much faster than when pegs are used, so if you are a performer who needs to be able to restring as quickly as possible, then it’s probably best to leave the bridge pins out.
Where exactly should I kink the string near the eyelet?
The reason for kinking strings when installing TONEbloc is to enable the eyelet to easily hook into its corresponding groove. String tension holds the eyelet in place and in-turn secures TONEbloc to the underside of the bridge. As a general rule, kinking the string some 2-5mm from the eyelet is the optimal distance to enable the eyelet to lock into place. Note that the kink only needs to create a shallow angle of approximately 45 degrees.
Will TONEbloc affect the pickup inside my acoustic guitar?
No. TONEbloc is constructed with materials which will not affect the qualities or performance of a passive or active guitar pickup. That said, be careful when installing TONEbloc that you don’t pinch any pickup wires between the bridge plate and the TONEbloc. If your acoustic has a pickup, using a small mirror inside the guitar body and a torch can help to identify where the pickup wires are and if necessary push them out of the way when fitting your TONEbloc.