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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Yes you did. And yes, you are right (God, sounds like I'm talking to my wife)

You original comments

You even noted that magnetic lines of flux have no respect for thin plywood.....

Thanks

lol  ..  wify  .  flashback  ..  ( sorry)     ;-)

 

but  you  referred    my  answer   as  ways     answer  .. so   we are  even .  ..  . 

well  ..  maybe   not  quite  . ;-)

I can never get replies to line up correctly..........my affliction......

;-)

LOL......

In the end, you are correct. Simple is better.

But...........in this case I was trying to get every possible advantage built into the design. Thus the movable/twistable mount system. Once I get her all together, I doubt that I'll move things more than once or twice, but the building was fun.

If that cord sticking out of the side doesn't give it away, the sound sure will.......

No mistaking a mag pickup sound.

you build a fake one on the other side like i said when tom first mentioned it.  Pretty sure if you look in my old pics you'll see a bunch of em

I like the idea a lot and also like the bit of possible deception of not having the mag showing.

Let um think it's a novelty then blast them. Not necessarily with volume either but with a great tone.

A screw it, turn it way up too!

Great idea and implementation! Now all you need is a slot in the neck and box bottom to let you move it ,angle it and lock it without opening the box.

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