Lakewood Sonic System Classic System Owner's manual

3. Functions of the Sonic System 

The system is powered up auto-

matically as soon as a jack-plug is 

inserted into the guitar’s end-pin 

socket. The guitar and pick-up 

system are now ready to use. 

The overall signal output can be 

controlled by the VOLUME control (1). Finger-sensitive graded 

markings simplify desired adjustments. Turning clockwise raises 

the volume up to an end position of 100%. Anti-clockwise motion 

reduces volume. 

The overall quality of the output is controlled by the second con-

trol. The TONE control (2) offers a wide variety of tone variations 

by turning from one end to the other. It functions as a bass and 

treble control simultaneously. Turning clockwise adds clear and 

transparent highs, without cutting bass frequencies. Turning the 

opposite way (anti-clockwise) adds warmth and some bass, slightly 

reducing the high-end. 

The nerve-centre of the Sonic System is the BLEND control (3). 

This balances the signals from the two pick-ups, the magnetic 

Nanomag under the fingerboard and the Nanoflex under the 

bridge. In the central position both pick-ups are active. Turning 

the control towards the neck increases the output of the magnetic 

pick-up, while decreasing the volume of the bridge pick-up. In the 

end position only the magnetic pick-up is active. 

Moving the BLEND control (3) towards the bridge slowly reduces 

the output of the magnetic pick-up while increasing the volume of 

the Nanoflex under the bridge. In the end position the output of 

the bridge pick-up is increased to 100% while the neck pick-up is 

off. 

The BLEND control (3) is the most important element of the 

Sonic System for determining the finer points of different tones. 

With the combination of a highly responsive bridge pick-up, 

(putting out clearly defined, crisp and transparent highs and a 

punchy sound) and a magnetic pick-up under the fingerboard 

(depending on how it is played, creates a warm, almost ‘jazzy’ tone 

with rich lower middle and bass) makes for a fantastic range of 

sounds and colours. 

 The slightest adjustment of the TONE control (2) alters the 

soundscape. It should be used subtly and within sensible limits so 

as not to falsify the natural acoustic sound of the guitar. 

Its full spectrum can of course be used to create experimental or 

intentionally extreme sounds. 

1. Introduction 

Congratulations on the purchase of your guitar with the new 

Lakewood Sonic System. The pick-up system is the result of a 

collaboration between the Shadow Electronics and Lakewood 

companies, to design a pick-up capable of producing a wide spec-

trum of tones and atmosphere, without the loss of the natural 

sound of the guitar. 

The system works with two pick-ups. First is the Nanoflex located 

underneath the bridge and perfectly placed to transfer vibrations 

from the soundboard and strings. The Nanomag on the other 

hand, is a magnetic pick-up placed beneath the fingerboard  and 

invisible to the eye. The signals from both pick-ups are routed 

through the Sonic Systems preamp control unit where they can be 

adjusted further. 

The preamp control unit is located above the soundhole, on the 

inside of the guitar, scarcely visible from the outside, thus pre-

serving the look of the instrument while easily reachable for man-

ual adjustments. 

Nanoflex = bridge pickup (left above) 

Nanomag = magnetic pickup at neck position (right above) 

(The displayed components are mounted invisibly)

On the underside of the control unit is a phase switch (5). This 

will seldom be used but comes in handy in situations where the 

guitar is only slightly amplified, for instance in a small room with 

a 50% balance between pick-up sound and the natural sound of 

the instrument. The phase switch (5) reverses the phase of the 

vibrating strings on the guitar in line with the output signal from 

the pick-up system. This switch compensates for any signal 

losses. 

The phase switch does not reverse the phase between the 

two pick-ups (as with vintage electric guitars)! 

The power for the Lakewood Sonic System is provided by two 3-

volt Lithium batteries. These tiny batteries are located in a battery 

holder (6) on the control unit. A battery display (4) shows battery 

status. Normally the light is switched off. When battery power is 

low it lights up and batteries should be replaced immediately. To 

open the battery holder, push the left and right clips gently to-

gether and remove the battery container. When exchanging bat-

teries, the plus side of the battery must face upwards (towards 

the top). Replace the battery container. An audible click is heard 

when it finds its correct position. 

4. Suggested settings for different styles 

Strumming : Blend control (3) in the central position. Tone 

control (2) in central position. 

Fingerpicking : Blend control (3) 75% from bridge pick-up and 

25% from the magnetic pick-up. Tone control (2) slightly to-

wards the treble end (clockwise from the centre). 

Jazz : Blend control (3) 90% from the magnetic pick-up and 

10% from the bridge Pick-up. Tone control (2) turned ¾ to-

wards the bass end (anti-clockwise).  

SONIC

SYSTEM

VOLUME

TONE

BLEND

PHASE

NANOFLEX

NANOMAG

2.  Directions for using the Sonic System Preamp Control Unit 

1 2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

In

– a

nd 

ou

tp

ut

 f

or 

picku

p c

abl

es 

an

d 

jac

k-

plug