Making and Installing a Piezo Pickup

[omega]

I was asked to make a tutorial on how to make and install a homemade piezo pick-up, which will turn your acoustic guitar into an acoustic/electric.



Here's a sample I made earlier that caused the request:
http://www.freeandeasyguitar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8161

[joehempel]

Nice lesson! I still wouldn't do that to my guitar though LOL, not unless it was around a $100 beater and wouldn't have a problem replacing it.

Easy to follow and understand lesson though, GREAT!

[robp]

Outstanding! Nice and simple. Thanks for sharing.

[omega]

Thanks. I thought about showing the soldering, but I figured if someone didn't already know how to solder, then they shouldn't be making the project.

Also, Joe, as I said, some people use some kind of putty that's easily removable, and just attach it to the outside of the soundboard with the putty. Then when they're done recording, they just pull it off. No drilling necessary.

[robp]

Is that your GB that you did that on?

[omega]

No, it's a Rogue 000. Well, in the tutorial it's the rogue. In the one I played before the tutorial it was my white Greg Bennett guitar.

[joehempel]

Yeah, I know, it just doesn't seem right to have a removable Piezo though LOL. But hell, it was an interesting video to watch.

[ShdwHermit]

I just wanted to suggest that you can almost eliminate any damage to the outside of the guitar by doing everything that you showed but substituting a regular drill bit with a paddle bit and you can minimize blowout inside the guitar by also taping the inside. You can take the jack to an electrical supply store and the counter guy will be able to give you the right size bit so that you don't have to buy a pack. Single bits are usually around $3- $5 but worth it if you're thinking about performing the installation on a more valuable guitar. Also the thought of a forstner bit crossed my mind but avoid that if they suggest it at the store. I think it would cause a serious blowout with such thin wood.

[tony_h]

awesome joe!!! i just did this 2 both my yamaha fg720 and my new s6. they sound amazing!