Will N-Tune Work for Me?

N-Tune is designed to work in most electric guitars and basses. If you've got questions whether N-Tune will work in your specific instrument read the FAQ below. If you still have questions, fill out the form at the bottom and your request will be routed to one of our guitar tech gurus. They'll get in touch with you and let you know!

Can I install N-Tune myself?
We HIGHLY recommend that you have an experienced guitar technician install N-Tune, but if you are experienced with electronic soldering techniques and have previous extensive experience with guitar modifications (such as pickup installations or pot swaps) you may be able to do the work yourself, at your own risk. Be sure to read the installation manual completely before beginning the N-Tune installation. N-Tune/Zero Crossing Inc. accepts no responsibility for any damages or injuries sustained in the installation of N-Tune products or recommended modifications.

What do I need to check to find out if N-Tune will work with my axe?
The first thing you'll want to be sure of is if there is enough room in your control cavity for a 9 Volt battery and that there is enough depth in the cavity to accommodate the N-Tune's push/pull pot assembly, which is 1" deep.

Does N-Tune with work with passive or active pickups?
The current models of N-Tune are designed for passive pickups. We are currently finishing up the development of “N-Tune Active” which should be available in early 2010. You can modify the passive version of N-Tune to work with active pickups and to share the battery that is currently in your axe. See the “SUPPORT/DOWNLOADS” section of the N-Tune website for details. This

Does N-Tune work on basses?
Yes! As well as electric guitar, N-Tune will also work on 4, 5 and 6 string basses.

Which N-Tune model should I get?
N-Tune comes with two different potentiometer (pot) values. 250kohm (for most single coil pickup guitars and basses) and 500kohm (for Humbucker pickups). It is recommended that you check the pot values of your guitar before purchasing N-Tune and buy the corresponding N-Tune model. Generally, most guitars that have both single coil AND Humbucker pickups will use a 500k pot.

Can N-Tune be installed in my tone knob position?
Yes. See the support / downloads section of the N-Tune for installation details and options.

Can N-Tune be installed in semi-hollow body and hollow body guitars and basses?
We have had good success with various models of semi-hollow body and hollow body guitars. The main issue to consider is where to put the battery. You can use the supplied battery clip, but we have had reports from some of our more active performers that the battery has come lose inside the guitar after jumping around the stage a bit, so some N-Tune users with guitars like yours have opted to get a battery bag from Stew-Mac or All Parts and place the battery in the bag to prevent it from getting loose.

Can N-Tune be installed on an axe that has recessed pots?
Some guitars and basses have a curved recess under the volume and tone controls. The N-Tune requires a flat surface underneath it so the printed circuit board will not bend, which could damage components on the board. Some techs that have overcome this issue by using some foam rubber or a felt washer (like drummers use under their cymbals) as a filler underneath the N-Tune circuit board to support it. Care needs to be taken so as not to over-tighten the mounting nut on the pot to prevent the circuit board from getting bent or stressed. It may also be necessary to get a long-shaft N-Tune pot assembly for recessed pots in order to accommodate for the depth of the recessed area. (More details below).

EXTENDED LENGTH POT
There are some instances where the standard N-Tune push/pull pot shaft length (13mm) may not be enough to clear the circuit board and plastic tuning ring. (This has been found to be the case with Gibson Les Paul Studio models due to the metal ground plate used in the control cavity.) N-Tune can provide you with an extended length pot assembly (20.9mm ) for situations like this at no charge. You may want to consult a guitar technician to check out these issues before purchasing a N-Tune.

QUESTIONS?
Email: techsupport@ntune.com

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