Best pickup for cigar box guitar

Today we talk about Best pickup for cigar box guitar.

From the moment I discovered cigar box guitars, it was like stepping into a vibrant, eclectic world of music. In my early days, I quickly learned that choosing the best pickup for a cigar box guitar could be the key to unlocking a unique sound. According to Guitar World, pickups significantly influence your guitar tone, impacting everything from sustain to clarity. With various options available, understanding the differences became pivotal to my musical expression.

Best Pickup Options for Cigar Box Guitars

Cigar Box Guitar Pickup Options?

In my search for the best pickup for a cigar box guitar, I found several great options available in the market. Based on various user reviews and sound tests, here are the top five choices:

• Piezo pickups: Affordable and capable of delivering crisp sound, prices generally range from $5 to $20.
• Mini humbuckers: Priced between $30 and $70, these options add warmth and range for blues and jazz sounds.
• Single-coil pickups: Costing between $20 and $60, they produce bright, articulate tones.
• Strat-style pickups: These typically range from $25 to $75, and offer a classic electric guitar sound.
• Pre-wired harnesses: Generally priced around $50, these options simplify installation with all components ready to go.

Understanding Different Pickup Types

Differences between Piezos and Magnetic Pickups

When exploring the world of pickups, I found that piezo pickups and magnetic pickups serve distinct purposes. Piezo pickups, costing around $10 each, utilize pressure sensors to detect vibrations directly from the wood. In contrast, magnetic pickups, such as mini humbuckers priced around $50, rely on magnets to sense the metal strings. This difference in technology results in varied tone quality—where piezo gives a more acoustic feel, magnetic pickups lean toward an electric tone.

Installing Pickups in Cigar Box Guitars

How to Install a Mini Humbucker in a Cigar Box Guitar

During my first installation, I chose a mini humbucker for its warmer sound. First, I measured about four inches from the sound hole to place the pickup. I used simple tools to carve a cavity and secure the wiring. After connecting the pickup to the output jack, I tested it, and I found the resulting sound had a beautiful richness, a perfect fit for my acoustic blues style.

How to Install a Pre-wired Pickup Harness in a Neck-through Cigar Box Guitar

I opted for a pre-wired harness during my second installation to avoid complex wiring. It was straightforward: I placed the harness in the selected cavity, connected the output jack, and tightened a few screws. The convenience of this option made my setup less intimidating, and the immediate sound quality was impressive.

How to Install a Pre-Wired Piezo Harness in a Cigar Box Guitar (C. B. Gitty Product #50-014-01)

Using the pre-wired piezo harness from C. B. Gitty was a game-changer. After cleaning the surface, I positioned the piezo under the bridge. The installation was a breeze; I connected the output and tested it. To my delight, the resonance was crystal clear—definitely one of the best pickups I’ve used!

Achieving Quality Sound with Pickups

Get the Best Amplified Acoustic Tone

For me, achieving the best amplified acoustic tone was all about placement and settings. After researching user experiences, I positioned my piezo pickup right under the bridge. This placement significantly increased sonic clarity, making it ideal for fingerpicking styles and complex chords, enhancing every note’s richness effectively.

How to Eliminate Hum and Buzz on Your Electric Cigar Box Guitar

I experienced a lot of frustrating hum early on, but grounding became crucial for enhancing sound quality. By attaching my grounding wire to one of the screws under the pickup, I managed to substantially reduce buzz, making my electric cigar box guitar enjoyable to play during live sessions!

Enhancing Performance with Additional Components

How to Ground Cigar Box Guitar Pickups Without a Metal Bridge

When I built a cigar box guitar without a metal bridge, I found an innovative solution by soldering a wire to a wooden screw inside the body. This workaround helped establish a solid ground connection and improved my sound significantly, showcasing the power of resourcefulness in guitar building.

How to Use Capacitors with Piezo Pickups in Cigar Box Guitars

Integrating a capacitor with my piezo pickup soared my sound clarity. After trying several capacitor values, I found that a value of 10nF balanced out the highs and lows effectively. This simple addition allowed my cigar box guitar to resonate beautifully, especially when played through an amp.

Popular Pickup Choices

Quality Guitar Pickup by MGB Guitars

The quality from MGB Guitars stood out in my selection process. Reviews from actual users highlighted durability and tone clarity, making them a staple in the cigar box community.

Piezos: Inexpensive Options for Cigar Box Guitars

Piezos became my go-to for budget-friendly builds, often priced between $5 and $15. Their performance offered an incredible return on investment, especially for those starting out.

Mini Humbucker Pickup Options

With prices averaging $30 to $70, mini humbuckers were perfect for those looking to warm their sound while maintaining quality. Their compact design fits seamlessly into cigar box guitars.

Strat-Style and Compact Singlecoil Pickups

For a brighter tone, I frequently turned to strat-style pickups, which typically range from $25 to $75. Their unique sound has been invaluable for creates a classic backdrop to my songs.

Additional Resources

Video Tutorial

Watching a video tutorial on installing pickups broadened my understanding. I appreciated the visual guide for complex tasks, which eased my trepidation about handling electrical components.

Example Installation Picture

Reference pictures of completed installations served as motivational guides and gave me clarity on how my final project could look.

Parts Needed for Pickup Installation

Prior to every installation, I gathered essential tools: soldering iron, wires, screws, and, of course, the actual pickups. This preparedness simplified my process.

FAQ

What strings to use on a 4 string cigar box guitar?

I generally use medium gauge strings (like .011-.052) for their balance of playability and sound richness on a 4 string cigar box guitar.

Did Jimi Hendrix play a cigar box guitar?

While Jimi Hendrix primarily played electric guitars, he did experiment with various guitar styles during performances, which sometimes included cigar box-inspired creations.

Where do you put piezo on a cigar box guitar?

For the best audio capture, I position piezo pickups directly beneath the bridge or between the tailpiece and bridge, ensuring maximum vibration transfer.

What is the best tuning for a cigar box?

Many cigar box players enjoy standard G tuning (G-D-G) for its intuitive playing style and versatility in chord progressions.