Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Myron Joe Hickel on January 29, 2020 at 5:57pm

The last 3 I've built I placed the rod piezo under the bridge in a snug fitting rabbit not under the soundboard. I make the bridge .5 or .75 wide at the base and tapering on both sides to .25 at the top a .25 hole drilled through the soundboard still gives me room to intonate.

You don't have to cut the piezo but if you choose too just cut between the 3rd and 4th with a sharp chisel and a lite tap of a hammer. easy peasey works great. 

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on January 30, 2020 at 3:25am

Yea, I was sloppy with my description. Per instructions, it goes under the bridge, in this case a large eye bolt a la Shane. But if you mean embedded in a wood saddle, that's not my design.

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on January 30, 2020 at 6:20am

This is what I'm looking to do...

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on January 30, 2020 at 9:06am

Hi, if you want strong even sound from all strings, you are best to install it the way it was designed to be fitted, so that the string pressure it right over the crystal area pushing down. 

I have fitted hundreds of these under saddle piezo's and even the most expensive of then can work bad or not at all if not installed as intended.

Taff

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Permalink Reply by Myron Joe Hickel on January 31, 2020 at 4:33am

I think you are over thinking this, hot glue you piezo rod to the neck or sound board does not matter which. Then while it is still warm place some card stock over it and press fit top and neck together.

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on January 31, 2020 at 5:57am

This is not my preferred way, but I screwed up the "Shane" design and I'm trying to approach it from reverse...

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on January 31, 2020 at 10:33am

Hi, yes I've been accused of over thinking things before. When I reply I usually (one) explain the function of the persons enquiry, the what,when why, sort of stuff so that they can use their own thinking as to the remedy.

And (two) I only talk from past experiences, so I can let people know what happens for me, and again leave others to do the thinking of doing the same or not.

And of course not all I share is down to me, so many other builders building all sorts of instruments have shared their ideas and methods with me.

If James was to do it his suggested way that's fine but from experience I know you need pressure for that style of pickup to work, as designed. But If sandwiched between neck and top it has more pressure. More pressure better sound.

Taff

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on January 31, 2020 at 3:30pm

I may try a thru slot in the lid and pressure foam on the neck pressing the rod into the eye bolt. The top of this box sits flat on the box sides, and I  have the thin plywood  to make another if needed. 

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Permalink Reply by KOOL DOG HOOCH on January 31, 2020 at 4:20am

Shane Speal has a video where he hot glues them on the inside, sandwiched between the lid and through neck piece.

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on January 31, 2020 at 5:55am

That was my original plan, but a fix-it eliminated the rails on the neck. Think of my design as being upside down , the foam is to provide pressure against the lid when it's compressed...

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Permalink Reply by Taffy Evans on January 31, 2020 at 1:09pm

Hi James if you can give it a try before closing every thing up, would be good.

I tried three things, in the past and before responding.

Pickup mounted as you suggest. with hard foam providing pressure. Little to low volume with amp turned up. Pushed with fingers up against the the top and strum, a bit better, same volume on amp. Changed to small disc piezo using same method, nearly blew the speaker out of my amp.

Let us know how your idea works, would be interesting.

Taff

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Permalink Reply by James Pobog on January 31, 2020 at 3:21pm

Sure. I don't  seal my boxes. Screwed shut well, but not glued.

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