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Pickups & Wiring

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Latest Activity: Nov 14, 2018

Pickups & Wiring

There are many ways to amplify your instrument and many options to wire your circuit. Lets discuss types of magnetic pickups, piezo transducers, speakers as input, microphone elements and experimental techniques. Also post links to supplies, tips on winding and general info on the different types of circuits.

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Discussion Forum

wiring advice for an idiot, please?

Started by Mark Duncan. Last reply by Mark Duncan Jan 17, 2016. 6 Replies 0 Likes

Hi all, I hope you can help, I'm trying to work out a wiring harness for my first CBG and I have zero knowledge and understanding of such things! I've had a good look at the wiring schematics posted…Continue

Magnets for pick ups

Started by rick harris. Last reply by rick harris Oct 1, 2014. 4 Replies 0 Likes

As I have recently stared doing my homework on pick up building I wanted to start with the types of magnets used well as I can see this topic will take a lot of time so I thought I would try to save…Continue

Making a flat thin pickup??

Started by Greg Bement May 20, 2014. 0 Replies 0 Likes

My current build is going to need a thin 6 string pickup. I'm wondering if anyone here has made their own pickup.. My last build I use piezo pickups but looking for a little better sound without…Continue

magnetic pup 101 questions

Started by Mark Ayers. Last reply by Arnold Kelly Apr 26, 2014. 23 Replies 1 Like

What is the basic build concept for a mag pup? how do you determine how many winds to use?how does more or less winds affect the sound?can you build one to emphisize a certian range; ie boost bass,…Continue

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Comment by Scott aka Farmer Ted on April 15, 2013 at 1:40pm: I've only used one non-powered pre-amp before, and it didn't make a noticeable difference to the sound. On a positive note, it only cost me $7 on Ebay, so it was an inexpensive lesson.

Comment by darryl.kernaghan on April 15, 2013 at 9:37am: you are right scott,but do you know of a method to power a passive p/amp?got 2 2 to try them,almost no effect,just wondering if i can make them useful,lol

Comment by Scott aka Farmer Ted on April 15, 2013 at 9:18am: pre-amps that are worth the trouble have a 9 volt battery connection.

Comment by darryl.kernaghan on April 15, 2013 at 9:15am: thanks scott,appreciated,wondering if ,without being powered if the p/amp has much effect?

Comment by Scott aka Farmer Ted on April 15, 2013 at 9:06am: Simply put, the pre-amp increases signal strength, therefore increasing output before the guitar amp does its thing. Also, the pre-amp has 2-4 controls ( treble, mid, bass, presence) which allow adjustments to the sound. Some pre-amps even have a tuner, which is a nice bonus, but those kind are a bit spendy.

Comment by darryl.kernaghan on April 15, 2013 at 5:42am: can anyone explain what a passive,preamp effect on a rod piezo would be?also,can they be made active reosonably easily?any help appreciated

Comment by Tim LaFave on April 9, 2013 at 10:53pm: The closer the string, the better the volume is the general experience.

Comment by darryl.kernaghan on April 9, 2013 at 6:28am: maybe a dumb question,but i have just installed a cheapo gitty 4 pole pup in a cbg,not overly happy with the volume i,m getting ,sound is fine,at the upper adjustment limit i still have almost a full 1/4 inch bet strings and pup,i have ample scope to lower bridge height,should that help?any advice appreciated,thank you

Comment by Scott aka Farmer Ted on December 7, 2012 at 10:30pm: I am relieved to hear that Ted...since I moved forward and finished it this evening. Would eb a bummer if I had to take it all apart to change one wire. Cheers and thanks for the help