This web site uses cookies in order to optimize certain content for you and also to store your prefered page and user settings.
By browsing and utilising our site you declare that you have read and understood our Data Protection Statement and that you agree with it. Our terms and conditions can be found here.

Facebook icon YouTube icon Instagram icon
Dealer login
adjust font size

B-Band Systems

 

The following B-Band systems have been installed from 1998 to 2005

Core99 - see A1
New Frontier -  see A3 (with 2 band controls) 
A1 with UST
A2 (UST / AST Kombination möglich) - (UST = under-saddle transducer, AST = acoustic soundboard transducer)
A2.2 - siehe A2 (mit Regeleinheit im Schallloch, Volume und AST-UST-Balance)
A3 with UST 
A5 with UST
A6 with UST und AST
Battery pocket (for A5 and A6) 


usual pickup fittings for the models

M-1 CCP --> B-Band A1 (Core99)
M-1 CP --> B-Band A3 (New Frontier) - later also A5
M-14 CP, D-14 CP --> B-Band A6
M-32 CP, M-NC CP --> B-Band A6
M-32 CCP --> B-Band A1
on demand (Customshop) --> A2 and A2.2 

 

A1 (UST)

A1This is A1! The best comes in small packages. B-Band has always thought small and unobtrusive, to let the wood work.
A direct descendant of the classic Core99 preamp, the new, single input, A1 preamp has a direct frequency response and 21 dB of gain. The electronics are mounted in a very small tube that is directly coupled with a high quality endpin jack making an all-in-one structure. This makes for easy mounting without adding much mass to the instrument. 
Mated to either a UST or AST, the reproduced sound is amazingly clear and pure.


A1 Features:

  • One input / output for UST or AST
  • High quality endpin jack
  • Battery life about 750 hours

A1 Specifications:

  • Frequency response: 50 Hz - 23 kHz
  • Low-cut slope: -12 dB/oct
  • Voltage gain: 21 dB
  • Input impedance: 50 MOhm || < 10 pF
  • Output impedance 1 KOhm
  • Power supply: 9 V battery
  • Current consumption: 0.8 mA typical
  • Weight: (with accessories): 57 g
  • Dimensions: 13 x 89 mm

Switchcraft® is registered trademark of Switchcraft Inc., with whom B-Band and Lakewood Guitars are not affiliated


A2 (UST and AST)

A2For users, the Core99 has been vital for their performance. Further, significant, changes and updates have been made to enhance this performance – the new A2 is the better result.

The two input A2 preamp allows for an UST / AST combination: a new way for all of instrument's nuances to be reproduced, making the sound more alive. This system gives the player more freedom at high sound levels while retaining all the qualities of the former UST / sound-hole condenser mic system.

The B-Band UST / AST are accessed separately with the use of a standard 1/4" stereo cable. Both outputs are compatible with virtually all outboard equipment inputs.
By using a 1/4" mono cable both signals are mixed in one.

The A2´s UST channel has a unique contour filter for upper register tone enhancement. Inside there is a DILswitch for switching a high frequency (HF) enhancer on or off. When the switch is in the off position, frequency response is flat. When on, the HF enhancer gives a mild boost to the highs.

The A2’s preamp second channel will, if preferred, accept a sound-hole condenser microphone or magnetic pickup as an alternative to the AST. There is DIL-switches to turn on bias voltage for the mic, to turn on a highpass filter for microphone feedback reduction, and to lower the gain from 24 dB down to 0 dB.

The A2 kit provides a high quality Switchcraft® endpin jack, all mounting hardware, 9-volt battery clip and wire harness.

B-Band Condenser Microphone can be used instead of AST on A2 preamp’s 2nd channel.

 

A2 Features:

  • Two input and output channels: Channel 1 – UST or AST. Channel 2 – AST or sound-hole condenser microphone or magnetic pickup
  • On/off-switchable treble enhancer at Ch 1
  • On/off-switchable high-pass filter at Ch 2 (-6 dB/oct; 500 Hz)
  • On/off-switchable mic bias (phantom) voltage at Ch 2
  • High gain / low gain switch at Ch 2
  • Battery life about 400 hours

A2 Specifications:

  • Frequency response: 50 Hz... >> 20 kHz on both channels
  • Low-cut slope: -6 dB/oct on both channels
  • Ch 1 voltage gain: +18 dB
  • Ch 2 voltage gain: +24 dB
  • Ch 1 input impedance: 50 MOhm || < 10 pF
  • Ch 2 input impedance: 20 MOhm (2.2 with mic phantom on)
  • Output impedance: 150 Ohm on both channels
  • Nominal output level: -10 dB ref. 775 mV r.m.s. on both channels
  • Mic bias voltage: 9 V through 2.2 KOhm
  • Preset treble enhancer boost: +3 dB @ 6,3 KHz; +5 dB @ 14 KHz (when on)
  • Power supply: 9 V battery
  • Current consumption: 1.5 mA typical (2 mA with mic)
  • Weight (complete w accessories): 49 g
  • Dimensions: W 32 mm, H 18 mm, L 82 mm (incl. jack)

Switchcraft® is registered trademark of Switchcraft Inc., with whom B-Band and Lakewood Guitars are not affiliated

 

A3 (UST)

A3Breaking away from B-Band’s heritage, the A3 is pure tradition. In respect to all previously made tone designs, the A3 brings together the modern with the future, by melding a in-line 3-band qualizer with B-Band transducer technology.

Formerly called 3Tone, the A3’s new graphic EQ design, with rotary cut / boost bass, middle and treble controls, has the mid and treble controls affecting the higher frequencies more than before and features linear potentiometers for greater range.

Simple in thought, comfortable to use but powerful to the ear, this single input side mount preamp works with a choice of UST or AST.

A Lakewood Guitar comes with completely installed pickup system, with all hardware and includes a Switchcraft® endpin jack with battery power switch. powered by a 9-volt battery. The included custom battery clip is made of spring-steel, is mounted to the back of the pre-amp and has a safety belt for the battery. For quicker battery changes, an optional side mount battery box can be ordered.

 

A3 Features:

  • Single input for either UST or AST
  • Bass, middle, treble and volume controls
  • Battery status LED
  • Pre-wired Switchcraft® endpin jack
  • Complete metal enclosure
  • Custom spring-steel battery clip with safety belt
  • 750 hours battery life typical

A3 Specifications:

  • Bass control range: ±11.6 dB @ 70 Hz
  • Mid control range: ± 11.3 dB @ 1.1 KHz
  • Treb control range: ± 11.3 dB @ 10 KHz
  • Frequency response: 50 Hz...>> 20 KHz
  • Nominal output level: -10 dB ref. 775 mV r.m.s.
  • Power supply: 9 V battery (not included)
  • Input impedance: 50 MOhm
  • Output impedance: 150 Ohm
  • Voltage gain: 21 dB
  • Current consumption: 0.8 mA typical
  • Weight: (with accessories): 87 g
  • Dimensions (incl. battery clip): L 60 mm, W 47 mm, H 45 mm
    Options:
  • Black or Wood-image front control plate for A3
  • Side mount battery box

Switchcraft® is registered trademark of Switchcraft Inc., with whom B-Band and Lakewood Guitars are not affiliated

 

A5 (UST)

A5The B-Band A5 is for the player who takes a more straightforward approach to their sound and wants more EQ possibilities. The single input A5 takes its basic design from the A6 and can be used with either a UST or AST transducer. Easy to view and use slider controls are used for the volume and the 4-band EQ. The volume slider is at a right angle from the EQ sliders controls providing a "smart" read and use for quick changes.
Rotary feedback controls, notch depth and frequency, differentiate the control field for less control error. Nestled between the rotary knobs there are a phase switch and a low battery LED.

All Lakewood guitars are now equipped with a battery compartment near the output jack (lower bout). It houses the 9V-battery that supplies the preamp.

 

A5 Features:

  • Single channel input (UST or AST)
  • Single channel output
  • Volume
  • 4-band equalizer
  • Notch frequency and depth controls
  • Phase switch
  • Battery status LED
  • 150 hours battery life typical


A5 Specifications:

  • Bass control range: Shelving ± 11.9 dB @ 70 Hz (.... 3 dB @ 300 Hz)
  • Middle control range: Peaking ± 11.5 dB @ 400 Hz; (Q = 0.5)
  • Treble control range: Peaking ± 12.3 dB @ 2.7 kHz; (Q = 0.5)
  • Presence control range: Shelving ± 12.4 dB @ 10 kHz (.... 3 dB @ 2.2)
  • Notch frequency range: 100 Hz ... >> 330 Hz
  • Notch depth range: -15 dB; Q 3.3
  • Frequency response: 50 Hz >> 20 kHz
  • Input channel voltage gain: +24 dB
  • Output impedance 1 kOhm
  • Nominal output level: -10 dB ref. 775 mV r.m.s.
  • Input impedance: 50 MOhm
  • Power supply: 9 V battery
  • Current consumption: 4 mA typical
  • Weight (with accessories): 139 g
  • Dimensions: H 79 mm, W 56 mm, L 61 mm

Switchcraft® is registered trademark of Switchcraft Inc., with whom B-Band and Lakewood Guitars are not affiliated

 

A6 (UST und AST)

A6The A6 preamp is something totally different from what B-Band has done in the past. Raised from the beginning to give guitarists everything they need from their fingertips to their ears. The sonic journey starts with A6's support for a B-Band UST / AST transducer combination. This combination achieves the best reproduction, with more freedom at higher sound levels, of a universe of sound called The Acoustic Guitar.

For total sound control, the A6's tactile controls include sliders for volume, 3 band EQ and UST / AST mix. The volume slider is at the nearest edge to the soundboard and is at 90 degrees from UST / AST mix control for fast virtual access. Rotary feedback controls, notch depth and frequency, differentiate the control field for less error. Nestled between the rotary knobs is a phase switch. Dual gain trim controls, at the control field, makes perfecting the balance of the UST / AST combination easy.

The A6 comes with a high quality endpin jack with battery power switch. Mono output provides a two-channel (UST / AST) mix. All A6-equipped Lakewood guitars are powered by a 9V battery that sits in the battery compartment near the output jack (lower bout).

A6 Features:

  • Two channel input (UST and AST)
  • UST / AST gain trim controls
  • Two-channel (UST / AST) mix mono output
  • UST / AST mix control
  • Volume
  • 3 band equalizer
  • Notch frequency and depth controls
  • Phase switch
  • Battery status LED
  • 150 hours battery life typical

A6 Specifications:

  • Bass control range: ±11.6 dB @ 70 Hz
  • Middle control range: ± 11.3 dB @ 1.1 KHz
  • Treble control range: ± 11.3 dB @ 10 KHz
  • Notch frequency range: 100 Hz ... >> 330 Hz
  • Notch depth range: -15 dB; Q 3.3
  • Frequency response: 50 Hz ... >> 20 KHz on both channels
  • UST channel voltage gain: +18 dB
  • AST channel voltage gain: +24 dB
  • Output impedance 1 KOhm
  • Nominal output level: -10 dB ref. 775 mV r.m.s.
  • UST channel input impedance: 50 MOhm
  • AST channel input impedance: 20 MOhm
  • Power supply: 9 V battery (not included)
  • Current consumption: 4 mA typical
  • Weight (with accessories): 139 g
  • Dimensions: H 79 mm, W 56 mm, L 61 mm

Switchcraft® is registered trademark of Switchcraft   Inc., with whom B-Band and Lakewood Guitars are not affiliated

 

Battery compartment

Guitars with the systems A3, A5 and A6 had battery compartments in the lower bout near the end block. Guitars that have been equipped with those systems before 2003 have no battery compartment, but the battery sits inside the guitar on the rear of the preamp, held by a metal clip. 

Battery pocket
Position of battery pocket

content partly from b-band ltd. infopage
Lakewood Guitars is not liable for technical information given
© by b-band ltd. (formerly EMF Acoustics Oy Ltd.)