I'm a dummy, let's state that up front. I have build two CBGs. In each I put a Piezo Transducer (Radio Shack) between the neck and the top of the guitar. I bought a "Mini-Deluxe" Fender MD-20 made in China Amp. I can get zero amplified sound. I have tried two Piezos. the one glued in and another I had I taped in. Two different amps (Ya I bought 2 of the Mini-Deluxe). Checked connections with an Ohm meter. Looks good to me. Yes I turned on the amps and turned up the volume. Nothing! Any suggestions, instructions, "good" advice would be greatly appreciated.
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I'm new to building Cigar Box guitars, just finished my first one today as a matter of fact and it sounds wicked good if I do say so myself.
I didn't like the thin wires that came attached to the Piezos that I got from Radio Shack so I removed those and soldered telephone cable to them,the four strand type but I only used the black and red wires, snipped off the green and yellow, that made the connection to the piezos some rugged yet still flexible.
I also rapped the piezos in wool cloth, one of which is taped to the underside of a simple resonator plate I made from sheet metal, the other is tucked into a slot between the lid of the box and the neck of the guitar.
It's got that great metal twang sound going on which is what I was hoping for.
GREAT tips from everyone - after reading this thread I should be able to jump into electrifying a CBG!!
Tres Seaver said:
Ronnie Retherford said:
Found the answer to my questions elsewhere on this site!! Great resource for a new CBG guy.
Ronnie Retherford said:
This looks like a good place to jump in with a question. I have just finished CBG#3 and I used an RS piezo transducer in all 3. Is there any way to keep the little sucker from picking up every little 'tap'?
Thanks!!
Darwin Gentry aka Ddad said:
Have you tried another piezo. You might have damaged the one you installed while removing the outer shell.
For the record, I'm assuming that the answer you found was to encase the piezo in something: either a medium like hot glue / silicone etc., or a "sandwich" between two slices of wood. I use the CB liner woods for the sandwich, myself.
Found the answer to my questions elsewhere on this site!! Great resource for a new CBG guy.
Ronnie Retherford said:
This looks like a good place to jump in with a question. I have just finished CBG#3 and I used an RS piezo transducer in all 3. Is there any way to keep the little sucker from picking up every little 'tap'?
Thanks!!
Darwin Gentry aka Ddad said:
Have you tried another piezo. You might have damaged the one you installed while removing the outer shell.
For the record, I'm assuming that the answer you found was to encase the piezo in something: either a medium like hot glue / silicone etc., or a "sandwich" between two slices of wood. I use the CB liner woods for the sandwich, myself.
Found the answer to my questions elsewhere on this site!! Great resource for a new CBG guy.
Ronnie Retherford said:
This looks like a good place to jump in with a question. I have just finished CBG#3 and I used an RS piezo transducer in all 3. Is there any way to keep the little sucker from picking up every little 'tap'?
Thanks!!
Darwin Gentry aka Ddad said:
Have you tried another piezo. You might have damaged the one you installed while removing the outer shell.
This looks like a good place to jump in with a question. I have just finished CBG#3 and I used an RS piezo transducer in all 3. Is there any way to keep the little sucker from picking up every little 'tap'?
Thanks!!
Darwin Gentry aka Ddad said:
Have you tried another piezo. You might have damaged the one you installed while removing the outer shell.
Wire up the electronics before installing in the box and glueing it shut. Plug it in and test it first by tapping the piezo. Piezo will still work in plastic housing, not as well.
Replies
I didn't like the thin wires that came attached to the Piezos that I got from Radio Shack so I removed those and soldered telephone cable to them,the four strand type but I only used the black and red wires, snipped off the green and yellow, that made the connection to the piezos some rugged yet still flexible.
I also rapped the piezos in wool cloth, one of which is taped to the underside of a simple resonator plate I made from sheet metal, the other is tucked into a slot between the lid of the box and the neck of the guitar.
It's got that great metal twang sound going on which is what I was hoping for.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/4079107930_37e90552c9_o.jpgTres Seaver said:
For the record, I'm assuming that the answer you found was to encase the piezo in something: either a medium like hot glue / silicone etc., or a "sandwich" between two slices of wood. I use the CB liner woods for the sandwich, myself.
Ronnie Retherford said:
Thanks!!
Darwin Gentry aka Ddad said:
Paul Doug said:
1. Keep your wires short
2. lightly scuff the metal connections on your jack to accept solder
3. tin the leads with solder before soldering.
These 3 steps will make your soldering job much easier. Good luck with your CBG.
Wade
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