Piezo Help

Altoid · #1 10-16-2007, 05:53 AM

Hi there,

I got a Piezo Bridge to add to my fretless to see what it sounds like.

However, I test plugged it in once I had installed it, to see what it sounded like before I put a buffer pre-amp on it. When plugged in the output was just loud noise that completely overpowered my pre-amp input.

Any ideas on this? How to fix?

I got the bridge off e-bay. So, I'd like to try and fix it rather then go through the hassle of sending it back etc.

Or is it broken and I should just accept the loss?

Thanks,
Altoid.

elros · #2 10-16-2007, 07:42 AM

Overpowered your pre-amp input? Shouldn't happen.
Did you connect it directly, with nothing else involved?

And what sort of pre-amp are you using?

Altoid · #3 10-16-2007, 09:34 AM

Yes.
I connected it straight to my amp.

The little needle just flew straight over and I just got noise out from the pickup.

Nothing between the pickup and the amp (except a lead).

Might be interesting to put a volt meter on it.

Pbassred · #4 10-16-2007, 03:07 PM

What make of bridge?

ToneRanger · #5 10-16-2007, 08:24 PM

Might be severe noise from lack of shielding - piezos and their associated wiring are very high impedance so unless your shielding is absolutely thorough, you'll have lots of noise issues. Check that the entire signal path is surrounded by metal shielding that's connected to ground.

Altoid · #6 10-17-2007, 04:07 AM

It seems more severe then just signal noise. But I'll give it a go.

The bridge is a no name thing. Just thought I'd give piezo a try to add to the sound.

I was after a nice acoustic fretless tone.

Thanks.

Pbassred · #7 10-17-2007, 06:34 AM

QUOTE]I was after a nice acoustic fretless tone.[/quote]
Arent we all

Does it sound the same is if you put your finger on the end of the jack? If so, I imagine that you are electrically connected to the bridge in some way.

elros · #8 10-17-2007, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altoid

Yes.
I connected it straight to my amp.

The little needle just flew straight over and I just got noise out from the pickup.

Nothing between the pickup and the amp (except a lead).

Might be interesting to put a volt meter on it.

Very odd.

I have no idea what might be the cause of this..... sorry.

I did connect the piezo pickups on my fretless directly to the input of my Eden amp just to test, and it worked fine.