First build. Too much feedback

Hello All,

I just completed my first CBG. I picked up a bunch of boxes, figuring mistakes were bound to be made (and they were) and I might need to start over.

I started with an Arturo Fuente papered box 9-1/4 X 9 X 1-1/2, a neck purchased online, a cabinet hinge for a tail piece, brass bolt for a nut, a brass rod for a bridge, and a piezo disc submerged in hot glue inside a bottlecap with a volume pot. I positioned the cap just in front of the bridge just above the G string (Open G GDg).

My woodworking skills were a little sloppy and the cutout for the neck wasn't the best I could do, but I braced and mocked it up from the inside for a snug fit.

Aside from the fact that the strings aren't evenly spaced out(I used the three existing holes in the hinge) I'm pretty happy with my first attempt.

The problem is there is an incredible amount of feedback and I thought the piezo in hot glue cap configuration would help with noise from the fret, not the case.

Any suggestions?

Also, did I put the volume dial too close to the jack?

Thanks

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Firstly,nice 1st build.

You`re always going to get some feedback with piezo pickups,it`s in their nature! As Daddy D says you may well need to move away from the amp as being too close creates loads of feedback.The only way to help is by adding preamps but to be honest if you`re going down that route then you`ll be best using rod piezos and preamp.

Volume pot close to the jack shouldn`t cause any issues unless any of your wires are crossing or touching the jack wires.

You also mention fret noise? I take it from that you have some buzzing from the strings? If that`s the case check that the strings are sitting snug on the bridge/saddle.

Also, I always used to hot glue my piezos in leather strips and it cut down feedback a lot for me.But as you can probably tell I don`t use piezos nowadays.Rod piezos are cheap enough,as are the chinese preamps and they work a treat ;)

Replies

the anonymous pick April 4, 2013 at 8:46am

bury that piezo in a bed of hot glue , top and bottom . then work from there
t-belly johnson April 4, 2013 at 3:32am

Firstly,nice 1st build.

You`re always going to get some feedback with piezo pickups,it`s in their nature! As Daddy D says you may well need to move away from the amp as being too close creates loads of feedback.The only way to help is by adding preamps but to be honest if you`re going down that route then you`ll be best using rod piezos and preamp.

Volume pot close to the jack shouldn`t cause any issues unless any of your wires are crossing or touching the jack wires.

You also mention fret noise? I take it from that you have some buzzing from the strings? If that`s the case check that the strings are sitting snug on the bridge/saddle.

Also, I always used to hot glue my piezos in leather strips and it cut down feedback a lot for me.But as you can probably tell I don`t use piezos nowadays.Rod piezos are cheap enough,as are the chinese preamps and they work a treat ;)
Daddy D April 4, 2013 at 3:21am

If you figure out how to eliminate the feedback, let me know. I've gone to rod pick ups for that and other reasons.I'm guessing you are standing right in front of the amp to make sure it works. Turn away and move away. Things will be better then.

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