what about them there Pickup thingy's?

Well i'm at the electronics stage of my build and have a Pizzio type Pickup which apparently mounts on the underside of the Cigar Box lid,so i'm looking for some advice about the best position for tone and volume between the Bridge and the last fret or altenatevly some advice about better pickup options.

Cheers Steve AKA Geordiebluesman.

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  • Thanks for that, so many options, so many choises! I have fixed the Piezo as per Uncle Johns advice and i will try it out like that and adapt from there if required.

    It's all a learning process but that's where the fun is, trying stuff, learning stuff and making progress, in fact it's all good!

  • A piezo will pick up the vibrations to whatever it's attached to. So if it's attached to the inside of the box near the bridge, it will pick up the top, the strings, etc.

    I actually prefer to put the piezo right under the bridge saddle (on the outside of the box), then use cork underneath to insulate it from the top. That way you mostly get the string sound and minimize box handling sound.

    But the other method everyone has described will work too and is easier for a first-timer.

  • Yes, under side of the lid.  Picks up vibrations very well there.   Some people silicone it, some hot glue it.  As soon as it's wired, plug it into an amp and tap the top to be sure it is working. 

    A tip for better acoustic sound, don't let the neck touch the box lid in the region close to the saddle. 

  • Hi John, just to clarify, does the Piezo go on the underside of the lid and if so how does it manage to pick up the strings vibrations?

  • Some folks go so far as to try different spots for a piezo.  I hot glue mine near the bridge on the bass side and I usually get loud and good sound.  My piezos sound so good (and I like and old time look) so I have not felt the need to do 'real' pickups.  If this is your first electric build, I encourage you to stay with the piezo.

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