Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by ChickenboneJohn on January 6, 2010 at 9:55am

I've done this with regular piezo disks (using sharp pair of kitchen scissors) to fit under a bridge..I think Roosterman cuts them in two and solders on wires to get two out of each one!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Skeesix on January 6, 2010 at 11:05am

I've had success cutting the metal edges, but things seem to get a little weird when you try to cut the crystal part. Maybe I'm not using the right tool or a sharp enough tool. I was using a tin snips I think.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on January 6, 2010 at 11:10am

I am actually going to put it under a bridge like you mentioned. I have a 1" forstner bit to make the hole with, but the piezo is just a teeny bit too big to fit in the hole.


ChickenboneJohn said:

I've done this with regular piezo disks (using sharp pair of kitchen scissors) to fit under a bridge..I think Roosterman cuts them in two and solders on wires to get two out of each one!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Fergus Morris on January 6, 2010 at 11:17am

I have been trying to do the same thing recently, but i was trying to encase the piezo with wood on both sides. I cut a piezo in two to fit in because I didn't have a big enough drill bit, it stopped working very soon after I finished it, probably because i resoldered it shabbily. I consequently have now purchased a 40mm forstner drill bit on ebay for about £3.20($5), and am eagerly awaiting its arrival! I am sure it is possible to cut them, but I bought it because it was cheap and it saves hassle, also the drill bit will be usefull for other things.

Iggy said:

I am actually going to put it under a bridge like you mentioned. I have a 1" forstner bit to make the hole with, but the piezo is just a teeny bit too big to fit in the hole.


ChickenboneJohn said:

I've done this with regular piezo disks (using sharp pair of kitchen scissors) to fit under a bridge..I think Roosterman cuts them in two and solders on wires to get two out of each one!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on January 6, 2010 at 11:32am

The pic is of a tenor scale reso banjo. The bridge is of mahogany with a flat space between the bridges legs. If you look closely you will see a shiney (brassy?) line. This is the edge of what's left of a round piezo cut down to about 1/4 inch wide. The cuts were done with heavy kitchen shears, through the brass and ceramic, leaving only a thin piezo string and the two leads.

I have done this about 1/2 dozen times without any piezo failures.... the best, Wichita Sam

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on January 6, 2010 at 12:22pm

Cool, very interesting...that information will help immensely with future builds...Thanks!
Wichita Sam said:

The pic is of a tenor scale reso banjo. The bridge is of mahogany with a flat space between the bridges legs. If you look closely you will see a shiney (brassy?) line. This is the edge of what's left of a round piezo cut down to about 1/4 inch wide. The cuts were done with heavy kitchen shears, through the brass and ceramic, leaving only a thin piezo string and the two leads.

I have done this about 1/2 dozen times without any piezo failures....

the best,

Wichita Sam

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Roosterman on January 6, 2010 at 11:43pm

Yep, I have done that! lol Wiring 2 (or 2 bits) in series helps to reduce feedback.
Though I find its generally less hassle to buy the smaller discs to start with....

ChickenboneJohn said:

I've done this with regular piezo disks (using sharp pair of kitchen scissors) to fit under a bridge..I think Roosterman cuts them in two and solders on wires to get two out of each one!

• ▶ Reply