So after a bit of research (thanks mostly to this site) I set out to build my own CBG. I uploaded photos to my profile so feel free to check it out and critique, as this is just the first.
Yesterday I strung it up and plugged it in. First thing I noticed was just how much noise it picked up, which only validated everything I have read. When played clean it sounded fine, but distortion was a different story. I fiddled around with tone and volume controls a little and was able to minimize it a significant amount. However, I did not move around any or reposition the amp to see what effect that may have. Mind you this is with a half stack, 10' x 10' room and a drummer trying to act like he knew what he was doing (me). Is feedback just the nature of the beast when dealing with piezos? Or might I have done something wrong when assembling?
I was a bit ambitious and went with 2 piezos wired in series buried in the bridge. Hot glue (size = 3/4 of a dime) was used to adhere the piezos to the underside of the bridge.
If I can fix the feedback, the next issue to deal with is the action. Thanks.
Replies
Thanks for the gluing and insulation tips. These things are so cheap and easy to build I'm going to have to build another, with piezos.
Sam,
Various builds, all over the net, I read about talked about gluing the lid down, so I merely followed the other sheep. I gave a passing thought to accessing the innards, but I rushed this one and just wanted to get it done. I agree though, there should be at least some form of access to the inside of these things. The next one I'm planning to build definitely won't have the lid glued since it will have more electronics.
Perry,
I am always baffled as to why people feel the need to glue tops down. In most neck designs the tension of the strings hold the top in place. On CBGs build on the top, assuming an adequate latch, that's good enough. Even if I have a lid that gets a little floppy, I'd rather see the lid screwed down. That way, the inside is always available is something needs tweaking....
just some thoughts,
the best,
Wichita Sam
Perry Castro said:
Thanks for the reply!
The bridge was made from oak plywood, with a couple layers having been sanded through to bring the depth down. I guess I should have posted here before gluing the lid down. I'm really trying to sort the bugs out with this one, since it's my first build, so maybe I will perform a little surgery...
Thanks for tip on the pup as I do plan on doing some home recording. I think I will end up using a pup on my next one.
Hi Perry,
Nice 1st build.... question???? what is the material you used for the bridge.... I can imagine a half stack overpowering any piezo equipped guitar... CBG or $1,000 Taylor.... A lot of people like hot glue. My problem with it is it hardens as soon as it's cool so looses any "cushioning" properties.... I often will crazy glue the disc to the bridge plate and then fill the void with silicone caulk.... or,.... if I glue the piezo to the underside of the lid, I'll gob a bunck of silicone over the back of the piezo(s). I have almost no problem with feedback.... using a bridge plate usually cuts down on noise from simple contace with the top....
Having said all that, if I building a CBG that I'm going to depend on (for gigging or recording), I almost always install a wound pup.... A lot of folk like piezo's.... they're ok for the back porch, but not much more.... (IMHO)
hope this helps,
the best,
Wichita Sam
I