I would like to know the best Piezo location for the best sound quality and why. I know there are many different opinions on this subject. I personally like to locate 2 piezo inside the bridge, this seems to eliminate all the outside noises created by hitting the neck or the box when playing. By placing the piezo between the neck and top of box under the bridge is where I started.
You need to be a member of Cigar Box Nation to add comments!
Replies
Hi, I'm very new to this and nearly finished my first build which is a 3 string 5 litre oil can. I'm aiming to have two piezos, one for a "hot" sound, one for something different.
I've tested a few positions inside and the hottest place I found so far was under the bridge on the threaded rod that goes into the neck. This is very close to the top, maybe 1cm. The rod itself carries a lot of resonnance which is possibly why this is a hot spot. Interestingly, having the piezo facing downwards, away from the bridge has the strongest tone, which may be because it's more directly picking up the resonnance in the can.
On the rod very near the neck is much less hot but has a different tone, more than just duller.
I'm still finishing this off, will test further and report back.
That's a nice looking CBG! The ends look like Allsorts candy :) What's the rod material? How did this sound compared to a more standard style bridge.
Thanks Thomas, I too hollow out the bridge plate and place the piezos inside, but I have been using JB Weld epoxy to hold them in place, saw a groove and use a piece of fret wire instead of a bolt for the bridge and is held in place by the string tention. Sometimes i dress it up a little by screwing it down to the top of the box. Thanks again for you reply.
Jack
I have used the silicon as if there is a future problem I can cut it out and replace a Piezo if necessary without having to make a new bridge. When I cover the back side I over fill the cavity and use a putty knife to level the surface off and it leaves a thin film on the oak that keeps the bridge from sliding around on the face of the box. I think the rubbery consistency helps dampen feed back with the Piezo too. I save the JB Weld for repairing machinery in the shop.
Thanks Tom I guess I just wanted to make sure the Piezos had 100% contact to pick up the vibrations. I thought silicone since it is like rubber would dampen the vibration and not allow for a clean sound.
Jack
Haven't tried any other methods so I can't compare results, but I've been very happy with the tone and clarity of sound.
Don't have any detail pictures but i have had best results putting them in the bridge too. I use a piece of 1/4" thick oak under the threaded rod, make pockets in the back side with a Fostner bit for the Piezos and stick them in and then cover them with clear silicone adhesive. I don't stick the oak to the box, just let the strings hold it in place.
Thanks Thomas. It lookes like I left my comment for you in the wrong location. Kinda new to actually communicating on this web site. I mostly browse. But it is becoming more interesting to me because of all the CBG makers that want to share their secrets with anyone who adds a question.
Jack