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.

Views: 1321

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

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.

RSS

The Essential Pages

New to Cigar Box Nation? How to Play Cigar Box GuitarsFree Plans & How to Build Cigar Box GuitarsCigar Box Guitar Building Basics

Site Sponsor

Recommended Links & Resources


Forum

Busking Songs...

Started by Nomad Jack in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts. Last reply by J. D. Woods 10 hours ago. 7 Replies

crossover guitar.

Started by Timothy Hunter in Other stuff - off topic, fun stuff, whatever. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Apr 10. 14 Replies

Tune up songs

Started by Ghostbuttons in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Timothy Hunter Mar 9. 5 Replies

Duel output jacks

Started by Justin Stanchfield in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion. Last reply by Taffy Evans Mar 8. 6 Replies

How to Get Your Own Music on Spotify

Started by Cigar Box Nation in Feature Articles. Last reply by Southern Ray Feb 21. 2 Replies

Latest Activity

Bernie Edwards liked J. D. Woods's photo
5 minutes ago
Crazed Fandango joined Cigar Box Nation's group
Thumbnail

Introduce Yourself!

We wanna know who you are! Where ya from? What'cha buildin'? This is a place for new members to…See More
9 minutes ago
Crazed Fandango liked Nomad Jack's discussion Busking Songs...
18 minutes ago
Fantacone Box Works commented on Dar Stellabotta's video
2 hours ago
Fantacone Box Works commented on Ghostbuttons's photo
Thumbnail

Four projects

"Very nice"
2 hours ago
Dar Stellabotta posted a video

Wooden Guitar Slides from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Demo!!!!

In this video I compare the three different wooden slides made by David Bell and Phil Young up against my Dunlop glass slide! I gotta say these wooden slides...
2 hours ago
Fantacone Box Works posted a status
"Thanks Brian. We'll that's mighty exclusive."
2 hours ago
Ghostbuttons commented on Ghostbuttons's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_2850

"Four recent projects. All 23 inch GDG. From left (bottom): 1.  20 years ago I worked for the…"
3 hours ago
Ghostbuttons posted a photo
3 hours ago
BrianQ. commented on Fantacone Box Works's status
"The know for a fact that the only way to participate is to join the FB group? I believe they do it…"
4 hours ago
Fantacone Box Works posted a status
"Hi, anyone have info on the CBG Swap Off. I stay away from Facebook. Mike"
5 hours ago
J. D. Woods replied to Nomad Jack's discussion Busking Songs...
10 hours ago

Music

© 2024   Created by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service

\uastyle>\ud/** Scrollup **/\ud.scrollup {\ud background: url("https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/963882636?profile=original") no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;\ud bottom: 25px;\ud display: inline !important;\ud height: 40px;\ud opacity: 0.3 !important;\ud position: fixed;\ud right: 30px;\ud text-indent: -9999px;\ud width: 40px;\ud z-index: 999;\ud}\ud.scrollup:hover {\ud opacity:0.99!important;\ud}\ud \uascript type="text/javascript">\ud x$(document).ready(function(){\ud x$(window).scroll(function(){\ud if (x$(this).scrollTop() > 100) {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeIn();\ud } else {\ud x$('.scrollup').fadeOut();\ud }\ud });\ud x$('.scrollup').click(function(){\ud x$("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: 0 }, 600);\ud return false;\ud });\ud });\ud \ua!-- End Scroll Up -->