Stagepro Anthem Preamp Smaller Than Existing Preamp

[d_eickelberg]

I have a Gibson J185 EC with a fishman pickup system (including a barndoor style preamp). I would like to update to an anthem pickup system and need some assistance.

It looks like the stagepro preamp is smaller than my existing fishman.

Would you recommend having my luthier create some kind of custom bezel to hold the stagepro? Or would you recommend getting the standard Anthem system and just leaving the unused fishman preamp in my guitar?

[Caleb_Elling]

The choice is really yours. I've seen people go both routes, and be perfectly content.

Here is one of our customers who did the retrofit: http://cozadguitars.com/articles/anthem_retrofit.html

The regular Anthem is definitely an easier option. Both systems sound identical, they just have different control layouts.

[Bryan Parris]

This is one I did on a Taylor. The Stagepro bezel actually covers MOST of the fishman route but still needs to be filled in to support the preamp. The screw holes will still show unless you repair them. You'll see in the photo that I filled in on both sides of the Fishman hole and repaired the four screw holes. It turned out great. I will do this again. I love the regular Anthem, but the extra controls and Tuner on the StagePro is nice to have.

[Caleb_Elling]

Thanks for sharing. This is great!

This is a really good visual-aid for anyone who might be considering the same type of retrofit.

What did you use to fill in the screw holes?

[Bryan Parris]

What did you use to fill in the screw holes?

Thanks. I cut dowels from rosewood to fill the holes (recessed slightly) then drop filled with super glue...sand, polish, buff. The harder part was filling in the sides of the route, but it it wouldn't have to be perfect since it is all under the new bezel except for a tiny bit of the corners.

The new bezel is almost exactly the width of the fishman route. it is longer though so it covers at the top and bottom, just not the sides.