THE PLEK PRO MAKING THE WORLD’S BEST GUITARS EVEN BETTER

ADVANCED INSTRUMENT PROCESSING 3 Introduction 4 Concept 5 The Plek Process 9 Advantages 10 Features 12 Optional Features 13 Configuration 14 Services 16 Contact Us! CONTENTS PLEK: THE ART OF THE FINGERBOARD HIGH-END GUITAR TECHNOLOGY MADE IN GERMANY

LEK is many things to many different people. a precise overview of the fingerboard and fret profiles We like to think of it as a question - What of your instruments, magnified to a resolution of makes for the best possible playability 0.001mm (0.00004’’). P in a guitar? - which we have turned into It is a tool that can take on almost any fingerboard- a machine. and fret-related task, and produce It is also way of looking at the Plek is many things to many consistent and reliable high-quality fingerboard, the frets, the strings, different people results. of your instruments. We are specialists for a particular It is the application of decades of research and aspect of the instrument - the world that exists experience, and dialogue with master guitar builders. between nut and saddle, the playing area that connects It is a philosophy, an idea of quality and playability, as the musician to the instrument. well as a technology. We are convinced that our approach, our machines, are The Plek Pro is an integrated tool that can give you the perfect partners in your work.

3 CONCEPT

he Plek Pro has been designed as a state-of-the art tool for use in guitar production. A tool that not only undertakes precise fret dressing but also helps Twith quality control, R&D and OEM scenarios. All work performed on an instrument is done under simulated string tension to reproduce exact playing conditions. This means that the Plek Pro can identify precisely what needs to be done to achieve a perfect fingerboard and perfect fretwork, whether on an individual instrument or a production series. State-of-the art tool for use in guitar production

Instructions to the machine can be saved in the form of templates, leading to rapid cycle times and highest quality results, instrument after instrument.

Plek Pro helps to speed up the production process and raise the quality of instruments to an extremely high, consistent and measurable level.

4 SIMULATED STRING TENSION One of the beauties and challenges of instrument making has always been that the main component - wood - is an unpredictable and living material, influenced by humidity and other envrionmental factors. THE PLEK Working under simulated string tension helps reduce unpredictability and achieve greater PROCESS consistency in an instrument series.

he Plek Pro is first and foremost a tool that gives you a way of looking at a guitar fingerboard and frets in microscopic detail, T as well as a way of working with that information. So to fully understand the advantages that a Plek Pro can bring to your production, we would like to briefly run you through the fundamental building blocks of the Plek process.

PREPARATION / EXTERNAL STRING TENSION SIMULATOR (STS) LOADING: THE PLEK PRO AND ON-BOARD STS In a production scenario, the first step in the Plek process The instrument is then loaded into the Plek Pro machine. is preparation. Custom-built processing fixtures are Each Plek Pro is equipped with an on-board STS fastened to the instrument, which is then placed under system that makes it possible to perform all subsequent simulated string tension in the external String Tension processes under simulated string tension. This, together Simulator (STS) to ascertain the neck/trussrod adjustment with the previously attached custom-built instrument required for further processing in the Plek Pro. series fixtures, ensure maximum accuracy at every stage.

5 THE SCAN The scan is the first basic step in the Plek process. The Plek Pro analyzes the fingerboard and frets and produces a mass of detailed information about the instrument nut, target string action, fingerboard and frets. The machine then produces various greatly magnified representations of that scan that will tell you all you need to know about the work that needs to be done on the instrument.

THE VIRTUAL FRET DRESS PLEK No. ABC1234 Electric Guitar e’-string The Virtual Fret Dress is one of the key elements of the Plek software. Once you have identified what needs to be done, the Plek Pro can simulate the results of any fretdress that you intend to undertake. This means that you can know beforehand what the best possible results for that instrument will be. Once you have decided on a course of action, the machine will then perform the instructions you have given it.

6 THE PLEK PROCESS THE VIRTUAL FRET DRESS At the core of the Plek Pro software is a feature which lets you simulate fret dress actions based on the results of an instrument scan. This gives you enormous flexibility in optimizing the playability of an instrument series and helps reduce both R&D and cycle times to a minimum.

The Plek Pro software is an PLEK No. ABC1234 Electric Guitar e’-string extremely user-oriented program that makes it possible to perform any preferred dress for any action, and to implement any compound radius and/or upper end fall-off. Neck and fret relief can be implemented on a string-by-string basis, radius can be set at the 1st and 12th frets and at the last fret on the fingerboard. The great advantage of this approach is that many different fret “solutions” can be studied in a virtual mode before any work is done on the actual guitar.

The VFD process can of course be automated in a production scenario to enhance cycle times.

THE PLEK PROCESS 7 PLEK DATA Individualized data files provide a complete processing history for each instrument. Additional data services make it possible to monitor the quality of instrument DATA STORAGE output from any machine, anywhere. Every guitar that passes through the Plek Pro has its own individual data file that records the history of all the work done on the individual instrument by the Plek machine. Such an individualized record is useful not only in terms of production quality control, but also potentially later, when optimizing instrument setup or even servicing the instrument once purchased.

Additional data services can also be purchased to PROCESSING optimize quality control in the production environment. When using the STS and the automated Virtual Fret Dress, These include the Plek Machine Protocol Database, the actual cutting procedures will start immediately after which can be used to monitor machine performance and the initial scan. The frets are cycle times, as well as the cut exactly as designed, the Every guitar that passes through the Plek Remote File Viewer, which nut slots and nut surface Pro has its own individual data file can give access to individual can be cut if selected, and a guitar scan information. saddle, mounted in the saddle vise, can be trimmed, all in Taken together, these tools are invaluable aids not only one process. Again, this will result in an extremely precise for final assembly but also for quality control, whether fret plane, nut slots and a saddle height that yields the in a single or multi-machine facility, or multi-facility exact target action when the instrument is strung. or OEM scenarios.

8 THE VIRTUAL FRET DRESS The Plek Pro provides you with a wide range of advantages in a production scenario. ADVANTAGES These can be briefly summarized as follows:

MAXIMUM AUTOMATION enables precise simulation of all intended fretdress and From automated fret dressing and crowning, to automated boardplaning actions prior to implementation. nutslot and surface cutting, plus a host of additional functions such as fingerboard planing and saddle QUALITY CONTROL cutting, the Plek Pro can deliver significantly enhanced The Plek Pro provides quality control functionality processing times per guitar in a production environment. at key stages within the process. In addition, built-in safety parameters help to ensure consistent quality and ONE-CLICK OPERATION optimal results. Processing of each guitar is recorded in Our software templates and automated virtual fret dress an individual guitar file, creating a complete record of all adjustment makes it possible to standardize the processing actions taken. Additional information can be provided required for individual guitar models. Actions and by the Plek Machine Protocol Database, which gives tolerances can be pre-programmed to minimize operator an at-a-glance overview of your production quality, intervention and effectively achieve one-click operation. machine performance, volumes and cycle times. Remote File Viewing capability can also provide instant access to MULTIFUNCTIONAL SCAN OPTIONS scan visuals of individual instruments from any machine The various options available during scanning can provide location. This is particularly useful not only in final a wide range of data on which to act, including data on assembly but also in a multi-machine or multi-facility fingerboard quality, trussrod adjustment and neck relief, production scenario, as well as for quality control of OEM and fret seating and placement. The virtual fret dress production facilities.

9 Every Plek Pro installation is custom configured to your own production specifications, whether FEATURES single machine, multi-machine, OEM, multi-facility production, special requirements, etc.

The following section is designed to give you an overview of the possibilities and potentials that Plek Pro machines can offer.

STANDARD MODULES The Plek Pro in its most basic form is configured with a scanning module and two cutting modules, as well as with internal and external STS modules.

SCANNING MODULE For further processing Plek Pro’s simultaneously. Plek Pro fretcutters The scanning module basically software analyzes and displays are accurate down to 0.01 mm consists of a sensor finger all measurements numerically (0.0004’’). Each fret cutter comes combined with a high-resolution and as diagrams. with 2 or 3 customized shapes magnetic linear encoder. matched to your fretwire specs. This sensor is able to measure all CUSTOM FRET CUTTER HEAD relevant parameters of a guitar’s For fret dressing the Plek Pro HIGH FREQUENCY SPINDLE / NUT CUTTING playability: action, fretboard relief, makes use of a specially Plek Pro’s second cutting module fretboard contour, fret height, fret manufactured carbide cutting is a High Frequency Motor Spindle spacing as well as nut and saddle wheel contoured for cutting (HFS) rotating at 5.000 – 50.000 details. All this at a resolution of the desired fret height as well r.p.m., which is used for cutting nut 0.001 mm (0.00004’’). as rounding the fret crown surface and nut slots, as well as

10 MADE-TO-MEASURE COMPONENTS Every Plek Pro machine includes carefully customized components designed to meet your own specific production requirements. Custom STS fixtures ensure perfect stability for each intrument series in the Plek machine. Custom fretcutter heads are made according to your own fretwire specs. Neck relief gauges are customized according to the scale of your instrument series.

a range of other optional functions. device which can be used adjustment when the instrument A selection of several precision to undertake standardized trussrod is placed under simulated string rotary bits (ball-, shaft-, cone-type) adjustment prior to insertion tension. Each neck relief gauge can be automatically loaded from in the Plek Pro. This results in is customized according to the scale a toolholder panel. significant production time speed-up of the instrument series. Taken by minimizing load/unload times together, these two components INTERNAL STRING TENSION SIMULATOR and avoiding interruptions in the help to greatly reduce cycle times. (STS) main machine. One single external The internal STS is controlled STS can serve multiple Plek Pro CUSTOM STS FIXTURES by the software. All the relevant machines. The Plek Pro is optimized To ensure the 100% accuracy process parameters for the selected to work together with the external of the Plek process, all guitar guitar/bass model are loaded via STS in a production environment. STS fixtures are custom-made a pre-assigned template, including for your instruments. One set the required STS air pressure. NECK RELIEF GAUGE of fixtures is included as standard The external STS comes together in our production packages. EXTERNAL STS with a neck relief gauge which can Additional fixtures may The external STS is a stand-alone be used to check neck/trussrod be purchased as required.

FEATURES 11 OPTIONAL FEATURES

hen configuring a Plek Pro to your For example, the HFS can also be used to plane the individual requirements you would typically fingerboard, cut the fret slots, mark the pin holes on an take advantage of our range of optional acoustic bridge, cut the pocket for a nut or an acoustic W features designed to enhance specific saddle, or trim an acoustic bridge saddle to the exact height. aspects of your production. The result is a machine that Optional functions may require additional hardware, e.g. is perfectly suited to your production environment. additional cutter bits.

SOFTWARE ADD-ONS automated version of the virtual (compound radius, falloff etc). TEMPLATES fretdress which can automatically Our software templates make suggest a setting according FRET SLOT CUTTING it possible to define the recurring to operator-defined tolerances. Fret slot cutting can be specified properties of instrument models The system then either waits for in terms of width and depth and also set parameters of the manual confirmation or can be to follow the fretboard radius. Plek processes to be performed configured to continue automatically. The machine can be instructed to for a given model. A major time saver for production. perform a "natural binding" by not cutting through the entire board. AUTOMATED VIRTUAL FRETDRESS BOARD PLANING ADJUSTMENT (AVFA) Fingerboard planing can NUT POCKET CUTTING One of the core template be undertaken based on scan A "pocket" for the nut can be cut functionalities is the AVFA - an results and required parameters into the fingerboard.

12 SADDLE CUTTING guitars or mandolins. CLOUD PRODUCTION DATA BACKUP This software add-on makes Production guitar files can be it possible to cut guitar saddles. HARDWARE ADD-ONS automatically backed up to our cloud String action is defined, and the ADDITIONAL CUSTOM STS FIXTURES storage facility. Together with the saddle is placed in a vise during STS fixtures can be made to order Plek Remote File Viewer, this means cutting. Options include cutting of for individual guitar series. that data is available not only for the top and/or bottom of the saddle. backup purposes, but also for quality ADDITIONAL FRET CUTTER HEADS (FCH) control from remote locations. SADDLE SLOT CUTTING Each Plek Pro comes with two This add-on makes it possible FCH as standard. Additional FCH MACHINE PROTOCOL DATABASE to cut a slot into acoustic bridges. can be purchased as backup. The Machine Protocol Database The cut is based on the Plek scan, can be used to gather invaluable so that the string spacing and the ADDITIONAL NECK RELIEF GAUGES (NRG) information about production quality, length compensation will perfectly Additional NRG can be purchased machine and operator performance, fit the given instruments specs. for instrument models with and cycle times. The database can different scales. be accessed from any computer with BRIDGE PINHOLE MARKING an internet connection. As with saddle slot cutting, this DATA ADD-ONS add-on for acoustic guitars is based on CLOUD CONFIGURATION BACKUP REMOTE FILE VIEWER the Plek instrument scan, resulting Your machine configuration files The Plek Remote File Viewer makes in perfectly placed pin hole markings. can be automatically stored online it possible to monitor individual as an insurance against data loss. guitar quality, with complete access PAIRS Cloud Configuration Backup means to scan records, from any location. Nut slot cutting for instruments that machines can be rapidly Ideal for high-level production with "paired" strings, e.g. 12-string restored to their pre-loss settings. monitoring and quality control.

OPTIONAL FEATURES 13 CUSTOM QUALITY CONTROL, SMALL LARGE LARGE MANUFACTURER PLEK MODULES/ADD-ONS PRODUCTION/REPAIR DISTRIBUTION, R&D MANUFACTURER MANUFACTURER MULTIPLE MACHINES

MODEL STATION* STATION* STATION* PRO PRO

Core Functions: Scan / Fret & Nut Cutting X X X X X Standard Fret Cutter X X Custom Fret Cutter Shape Combinations X X X Custom HFS Cutter Set X X X Internal STS X X External STS X X Neck Relief Gauge X X STS Fixtures X X

OPTIONAL SOFTWARE Templates (X) (X) X X AVFA (X) X X Board Planing X X X (X) (X) Fret Slot Cutting X X X (X) (X) Nut Pocket Cutting X X X (X) (X) Saddle Cutting X X X (X) (X) Saddle Slot Cutting X X X (X) (X) Bridge Pinhole Marking X X X (X) (X) HARDWARE On-Instrument STS (X) X Additional Neck Relief Gauge X X Additional STS Fixtures X X DATA Cloud Configuration Data Backup X X X X X Cloud Production Guitar File Backup (X) (X) X X X Production Protocol Database X X X X X X

CONFIGURATION Remote Guitar File Viewer Options marked (X) are possible, but untypical * See our “Plek Station” brochure for further details 14 Please refer to our Service Plan brochure for full details on each service plan.

Service is a key part of the Plek system and ranges from support, to software updates, fret SERVICES cutter blade sharpening, machine tuning and maintenance, to operator training and consulting.

SETUP & TRAINING FRET CUTTER RESHARPENING SERVICE PLANS Machine setup and on-site operator We offer fret cutter resharpening We also offer our customers a range training by experienced Plek experts. services for all machines. of service plans to suit their needs: Further/advanced training is also available on request. MACHINE MAINTENANCE SERVICE • Services On Demand Regular maintenance and servicing A service plan for customers SUPPORT & MONITORING ensures that your machines with low or sporadic service Our global support and monitoring are kept in a state of optimum requirements network is available to help you productive readiness. with any questions relating to Plek • Plek Standard machines and the Plek process. SPARE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS This flexible service plan We offer a full range of spare is designed for small and SOFTWARE UPDATES and replacement parts. medium-sized businesses with Plek Pro software is constantly relatively low instrument turnover being updated and developed CONSULTING SERVICES further, normally at the rate Further consulting services • Plek Premium of two major releases per year. are available to deal with all your Ideal for larger enterprises. Please refer to our service plans Plek-related requirements. The full range of premium services for pricing and payment details. plus complete cost control.

15 CONTACT US!

he best way to decide on the optimum Plek Pro configuration for your production requirements is to contact us. Our team has many years of T experience working with guitar makers of all sizes and can provide expert advice on how to incorporate the Plek system into your production workflow.

Of course, don't hesitate to contact us about any aspect of the Plek system. We pride ourselves on our customer service and our close contact with our customers. We know that the decision to purchase and install Phone +49 (0)30 536 963-39 a complex, customized, state-of-the-art system can only Fax +49 (0)30 536 963-40 be the result of a dialogue between you, the guitar maker, E-Mail [email protected] and us here at Plek. Internet www.plek.com

16 SERVICES APPENDIX: TECHNICAL DATA PROCESSING CYCLE SPECS

EXTERNAL STS PLEK PRO AVERAGE PROCESSING AVERAGE PROCESSING PROCESS GROUP PROCESS TIMES (MIN:SEC) PROCESS GROUP PROCESS TIMES (MIN:SEC) Load guitar Mount fixtures 0:30 Load template INSTRUMENT LOADING Load instrument and 0:30 Tension simulation 0:30 PREPARATION tension simulation Adjust truss-rod and 0:50 Pre-scan unload instrument (fret number check) PREPARATION, TRUSS-ROD ADJUSTMENT ~2:00 BASELINE SCAN Neck width measurement

Scan 1:40

Automated Virtual Fretdress 0:30 FRET DRESS 3:00-10:00 Fret cutting depending on pre-production conditions

HISTORY SCAN Rescan for QC 1:00 A complete evaluation of the instrument and fret dressing can be done in less than 13 minutes. LOAD, SCAN, FRET CUT, QC 6:00-12:00

17 SYSTEM ACCURACY FURTHER PROCESSING TIMES AVERAGE PROC. TOTAL AVG ACCURACY MILIMETERS INCHES PROCESS GROUP PROCESS TIMES (MIN:SEC) (MINS) SENSOR FINGER Magnetic transmission linear FRET DRESS Fret dress encoder resolution: 0.001 mm (0.00004'') +/- 0.005 +/- 0.0002 3:00-10:00 6:00-12:00 FRET DRESS FRET CUTTER +/- 0.01 +/- 0.0004 AND NUTSLOT Nutslot +0:40 ~7-13 HFS FRET DRESS, NUT- (NUT/SADDLE CUTTING) +/- 0.05 +/- 0.002 SLOT, NUTSURFACE Nut surface +2:10 ~9-15 FRET DRESS, NUTSLOT, NUT- Saddle +1:30 ~11-16 SURFACE, SADDLE INSTALLATION SPECS

POWER SUPPLY AC 110-220 V, FUSE 15 A COMPRESSED AIR 0.6 – 0.8 MPa / 85 – 116 PSI If you wish to protect the Plek Pro machine in the (no minimum tank capacity) event of a power failure we recommend to use a UPS (uninterruptable power supply) with a power of approx. OPERATOR REQUIREMENT AND TRAINING 1000 W. Any person with basic computer skills and a knowledge of guitars can operate the machine. PHONE LINE AND INTERNET ACCESS (DSL) An operator can be trained in 2-3 days. Is required for online support / maintenance via remote computer. LIFTING DEVICE FOR MACHINE SETUP The ethernet connection (internet access) of the Plek e.g. fork lift, crane, etc. for moving the shipping crates Station machine is not set up for wireless access points. (2 crates approx. 500kg / 1100lbs each). For operational safety reasons and for a smooth online remote Plek support wireless is not an option.

18 APPENDIX: TECHNICAL DATA SPACE FOR MACHINE EXTRA SPACE FOR EXTERNAL STS (width/depth incl. operator space/height): (width/depth/height): 158 x 180 x 230 cm / 62.21" x 70.87" x 90.6" 60 x 51 x 180 cm / 23.6" x 20.1" x 70.9"

158 cm / 62.21" STS EXTERNAL TYPE

VACUUM EXTENSION CABINET CABINET

MAIN 60 cm / 23.6" FRAME

ELECTRONIC CABINET 72.6 cm / 28.58" 51 cm / 20.1" INTERNAL STS 102 cm / 40.16" 102 cm / 40.16"

KEYBOARD MOUSE 80 cm / 31.5" STS DOOR

64.3 cm / 25.32" OPERATOR

APPENDIX: TECHNICAL DATA 19 ADVANCED INSTRUMENT PROCESSING