peizio uneven output- urgent help required!

[jubjub]

Hi people. I've set up a guitar for a freind and it plays great but the output from the under sadle piezio pickup is un even. What can I do to sort this out? He's coming to pick up his guitar in 2 hours, so no presure, but HELP!!!!

[petemoore]

Him not to come, or he'll be coming back...see next post...

[jubjub]

ok, but I need to do this sharpish. I appreciatte your help

[petemoore]

get the strings that work out of the way a bit [loosen them]
 loosen the strings enough to take the saddle out.
 before any sandiing inspect the saddle agiainst a straight edge, do you see light coming through a gap? Is the bottom 90 degrees or is there an agle when you look down the length of it from the side, some saddles sit in the guitar at different  angles, whatever the cavity's angle is, the saddle should match.
 I put the saddle in 'leathered' wide vise grips, hold my hand so that the surface resolution is 'angled from my elbow' [position the saddle over flat sandpaper, align your body, elbow etc. so that your sanding to achieve a non rounded bottom to the saddle].
 Use very small strokes so you can hold it straight.
 The pressure in the middle of the saddle [where all six strings are pinning it] is greater than the ends, the small string being where the least pressure is applied.
 The contact area size=output.
 Often times theres one or two 'dead' strings, caused by 'mis seating'.
 I find that a teeny curve scallop to the middle section [the center portion where the pressure is greatest being infanitecimally concave] makes these outside strings output come up...all in the trial and error...reads...etc.
 Surface contact area/Space relation, pressures, fat strings makes more vibe than skinny, all need to be contemplated as you go.
 Trick is if you take too much off, the strings will buzz, in which case a new workpiece is needed...that or xshimmingx [N.R.]
 You may have to try a few times to get all strings going, I did. Go for Flat, match the angle, slight scallop, pay attention to where the attention is needed, it could take some doing...
 None of that stuff was available to me when I figured it out. I'd like to read how factory setups are done on this Peizo-Electric pickup for Accoustic Guitars is done. Maybe I'll google up Stew Mac...they probly found the cool tips there. Videos...

[jubjub]

I understand completley. I'm getting right on it and will let you know how I go. Thanks

[jubjub]

Sorted. That was great advice. All even and lovely. Thanks again.

[petemoore]

I think I type pretty good sometimes, where multiple issues are concerned, it could seem convoluted amd bracketted, [I go overboard on stuff at times, possibly bores people having to 'cypher' it]...just hard to explain certain things in a linear fashion without duplicity or confusion.
 I figured there's a more tech way, and what you wanted is something you can do like right then...
 I'm relieved and glad that it turned out well !!!
 These things can be tricky, a matter of trial and error, divided by theory times finesse.

[Peter Snowberg]

It's really rewarding to see threads like this!

Things like this remind me of why I spend so much time here.

Take care,
-Peter

[bwanasonic]

[I go overboard on stuff at times, possibly bores people having to 'cypher' it]...just hard to explain certain things in a linear fashion without duplicity or confusion.
 

Don't go changin' ! I don't think anyone is bored by cyphering your posts, it's just fun to rib you about it once in a while!  

A variation on the saddle-in-vise grips I use, is to put the piece in a bench vice flat side up and file/sand it.


Kerry M

[Eric H]

Don't go changin' ! I don't think anyone is bored by cyphering your posts, it's just fun to rib you about it once in a while!  

Kerry M

 Ditto.
There's the forum...then there's Pete.
Keep 'em coming.
BTW, solid advice on the piezo.

-Eric

[jubjub]

Hi Pete. Just wanted to let you know that the guitar you gave me advice on was a ridiculously expensive Taylor acoustic worth about £4000 owned by one of the Top session players in London. He picked up the guitar in a rush to a gig so I didn't get to hear him play it but I recieved a message this morning that he was over the moon with the sound. He's a good friend of mine but also the most demanding perfectionist I've ever met. Your advice was invaluable and if I charged him anything for it, I'd be sending you half.
Your a gem!

[petemoore]