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Permalink Reply by HENRY LOWMAN on March 3, 2010 at 2:35pm

I use "buzzer" piezos from Radio Shack. I understand you can also find them at Dollar Tree stores, though I've never checked. Type piezos in the search box in the discussion section for PLENTY of info. The brass part of the disc is your ground, by the way. It is VERY important that you ground it properly, or you will get LOTS of noise. One thing you should know: piezosare VERY sensitive. They pick up every sound. Some builders use hot glue to seal them, some fold them into a strip of leather (a Ted Crocker idea that I have used successfully), to mounting the piezo between 2 pieces of wood. This helps cut down on the "noise" issue. Hope this helps. Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by John on March 3, 2010 at 6:04pm

I also use the Radio Shack buzzers, part number 273-073, if memory serves. Just remember to run a ground wire from the jack to the bridge and you'll cut out the noise.

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Permalink Reply by Roosterman on March 3, 2010 at 10:55pm

The ones that look like magnetic pickups are the best!! LOL

Seriously though, it doesnt matter which you use. The impedence difference is so minor you wont hear any difference at all.

Jus do as the guys say and encase it in something to avoid feedback.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on March 4, 2010 at 2:47am

I have been using some 30mm ones with success. I picked up some 20mm ones, but haven't had a chance to use them yet. I dip them all in PlastiDip before I use them.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Willmouth on March 4, 2010 at 2:58am

Does that help tame the sound? When you install them, do you do anything additional to them like using hot glue, leather, etc. . ?

Iggy said:

I have been using some 30mm ones with success. I picked up some 20mm ones, but haven't had a chance to use them yet. I dip them all in PlastiDip before I use them.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on March 4, 2010 at 3:03am

I think it makes them less screechy...I dip them in the PlastiDip, then I used double sided sticky tape to attach them to the lid or neck. That way, if you want to change the location to alter the sound, you just pry it loose and relocate it. You can also use caulk and get basically the same effect.

Others have suggested wiring them with insulated cable, like you would hook up your cable television with, and it helps prevent feedback.

Mike Willmouth said:

Does that help tame the sound? When you install them, do you do anything additional to them like using hot glue, leather, etc. . ?

Iggy said:

I have been using some 30mm ones with success. I picked up some 20mm ones, but haven't had a chance to use them yet. I dip them all in PlastiDip before I use them.

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Permalink Reply by Clare on March 4, 2010 at 8:11am

Thanks Iggy, which side goes towards the soundboard, the brass side or the white side? If the bridge is not metal, how can a ground wire go to it? I was going to make a wooden bridge.

Iggy said:

I think it makes them less screechy...I dip them in the PlastiDip, then I used double sided sticky tape to attach them to the lid or neck. That way, if you want to change the location to alter the sound, you just pry it loose and relocate it. You can also use caulk and get basically the same effect.

Others have suggested wiring them with insulated cable, like you would hook up your cable television with, and it helps prevent feedback.

Mike Willmouth said:

Does that help tame the sound? When you install them, do you do anything additional to them like using hot glue, leather, etc. . ?

Iggy said:

I have been using some 30mm ones with success. I picked up some 20mm ones, but haven't had a chance to use them yet. I dip them all in PlastiDip before I use them.

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Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on March 4, 2010 at 2:54pm

Clare, see the thread about creative grounding for good ideas on grounds with a wood bridge (pictures and everything) The smooth side goes up against the box. Lumpy side away from lid.

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Permalink Reply by jim on March 5, 2010 at 11:49am

WOW, This thread is out of control. Their has been 3 bits of advice given here that needs to be corrected. First: When using a piezo pickup, the strings do NOT have to be grounded. 2nd: Wiring does NOT have to be shielded if its shorter than 8". 3rd: It does NOT matter witch side is wired to the ground. OK, 1 more : The type if wire used has nothing to do with feedback.I think you may be thinking about humm. Sorry if this sounds harsh but these are facts, I would hate to see misleading information regurgitated. No one benefits false information.

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Permalink Reply by Jkevn on March 5, 2010 at 4:30pm

+1 on what Jim said, and ...the BEST piezos to use....are the ones you got.

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Permalink Reply by John on March 6, 2010 at 4:32am

Sorry, Jim, but in my case the piezo absolutely had to be grounded to the bridge to eliminate hum from the amp (Roland Microcube). Tain't bad advice if'n it's true.

jim said:

WOW, This thread is out of control. Their has been 3 bits of advice given here that needs to be corrected. First: When using a piezo pickup, the strings do NOT have to be grounded. 2nd: Wiring does NOT have to be shielded if its shorter than 8". 3rd: It does NOT matter witch side is wired to the ground. OK, 1 more : The type if wire used has nothing to do with feedback.I think you may be thinking about humm. Sorry if this sounds harsh but these are facts, I would hate to see misleading information regurgitated. No one benefits false information.

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Permalink Reply by jim on March 6, 2010 at 6:32am

im thinking that when you soldered the wire to your jack , you corrected a cold solder joint ,that could cause a humm. Cold solder joints are a common problem in wiring.

John said:

Sorry, Jim, but in my case the piezo absolutely had to be grounded to the bridge to eliminate hum from the amp (Roland Microcube). Tain't bad advice if'n it's true.
jim said:

WOW, This thread is out of control. Their has been 3 bits of advice given here that needs to be corrected. First: When using a piezo pickup, the strings do NOT have to be grounded. 2nd: Wiring does NOT have to be shielded if its shorter than 8". 3rd: It does NOT matter witch side is wired to the ground. OK, 1 more : The type if wire used has nothing to do with feedback.I think you may be thinking about humm. Sorry if this sounds harsh but these are facts, I would hate to see misleading information regurgitated. No one benefits false information.

• ▶ Reply

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