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Mag in the Box--Follow up

I posted a question about mounting a magnetic pickup inside the cigar box without cutting a hole through the lid. As I saw it, this setup offered a number of advantages, one being the box top didn't get chopped up.

Well, I couldn't let it go so where is my update.

I made mounts for both a single wound and mini humbucker. This set the pickups on springs so it could slide up and down.

The pickup mount is then attached to the neck assembly with a single screw.

Since there is no hole in the box lid, the single screw allows the pickup to be easily moved up and down the neck or angled to enhance certain strings.

With the cigar box lid installed the pickup presses directly against the box top under spring pressure.

So, how does it work? While the guitar is not completed, I couldn't resist stringing it up with a couple of strings and attaching it to my amp via some jumpers. I fired up the amp and turned the volume to the same position I always use. Then the moment of truth.

I picked a few notes and was rewarded with a familiar tone from my amp. I haven't recorded any tracks on Audacity to compare, but just listening, I think the volume is every bit as strong as my regular player. I guess a magnetic field just isn't impressed by a little cigar box top.

This is really encouraging. I can have the warm sound of a magnetic pickup without having to cut up the box top. I can also drive my self crazy trying different locations and angles of the pickup. Should keep me busy and confused for months. I'll pass along any interesting findings as I get her finished and playing.

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Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on April 30, 2015 at 11:22am

*you've actually worked it out entirely :)

"...I figure that they become, electrically speaking, an extension of the pickup poles. When the strings are plucked, they disturb the field of new magnets just as they do the pickup poles. Since they are closer to the springs the effect is stronger. Functionally, I think it's like moving the pickup closer to the strings..."

bingo! the 'field of the new magnets' has become one with the field of the magnet that is glued on the bottom of the pickup, just as the pole pieces (which are just steel rods) did when it was manufactured.

btw that was me who dropped that nugget on you. here .

Now id be remiss not to advise you.. These (like any magnetic pickup which is not like a steel guitar 'horseshoe') will affect your box' sustain, and you might have tried smaller ones. (pretty cheap & easy to swap em over tho eh) Sustain is often sorely lacking in cigar box guitars - this is not necessarily a bad thing, a banjo 'plinky-plink' can be very pleasing - but its worth knowing, especially on a slide-only guitar. every blessed thing is a trade-off in this game

Ps I really like this guitar, there's a number of little details about it that are outstanding.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on April 30, 2015 at 11:29am

Thanks Kid.

I do remember you pointing out the magnet trick. I may run down and pick up the smaller size magnets and give them a try. They are, as you say, cheap.

I'm quickly finding that every adjustment on a CBG is in fact a compromise of two things you may want. Makes getting the perfect set up a challenge.

Thanks for the help and guidance on this project.

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Permalink Reply by The Phrygian Kid on April 30, 2015 at 11:35am

if you want to try something really radical next time get a cheap stratty number, punch out the pole pieces, turn it on its side so that the strings pass through those pole piece holes (you can mortise em into one slot with a dremel/chisel if you like) and put a pair of horseshoes around the lot ;)

If you can't find a suitable size horseshoe magnet you can build a 'box around it, stack a couple those neo discs like you have there, break it into two stacks and turn one over. Put one at the bass end and one at the treb (snip the mounting ears off the pickup base) and put a scrap of steel top and bottom. Viola! a killer lap steel pup..

(yes i have done this too, works great. You just need height adjustment on the sides to tune it up to your string action)

Permalink Reply by Cause the Blue rat on April 29, 2015 at 3:39pm

Nice looking build Tom! Having the ability to move the pickup around to get the tone you want is a real benefit. Just as a side thought, Have a leaver with notches. Secure the pickup between two sets of springs. You now have a stick shift tone control! The springs would hold the pickup in place as you choose what gear you want to play in. : )

I have a few high output distortion pickups from years past. This would be the best way to tame them monsters.

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on April 29, 2015 at 11:42pm

The idea of rapid easy movement is high on my list. I've not got the pickup held in place by the springs between it and the sub-mount. No screws needed to attach to the neck. Now adding some kind of lever to make it movable is a real possibility. Hummmmmmmmmmmmmm...

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Permalink Reply by Alan Dillard on January 14, 2018 at 5:28am

This is sooo interesting. Always hate cutting through a pretty top and also getting the danged hole just exactly right! Def trying this on future builds. "Old Goat" aka Alan Dillard

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Permalink Reply by Tom T on January 14, 2018 at 12:41pm

There are some "hot" humbuckers (15K ohms) on ebay. They are in a single coil size and would work well for this. You may have to thin the box in the inside (just a bit) and keep the strings fairly close to the box top, but it definitely is a workable solution.