Hello. Can one install piezo straight to jack? (No external bass knobs...no volume,
no tone.) On a fretted bass. Still need buffer?
no tone.) On a fretted bass. Still need buffer?
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straight piezo
- Thread starter GODSBASSMAN
- Start date
Yes, but you may be disappointed with the tone.
It depends on the actual piezo, and what your expectations are. For example, there are some excellent sounding passive piezo pickups for double bass. So there may be an undersaddle out there for an ABG that sounds OK... maybe...
What sort of bass is it?
It depends on the actual piezo, and what your expectations are. For example, there are some excellent sounding passive piezo pickups for double bass. So there may be an undersaddle out there for an ABG that sounds OK... maybe...
What sort of bass is it?
The buffer is not required, but it is very much advisable. There are two main problems with trying to run a piezo system without a buffer. Firstly, the piezo elements want to see an input impedance significantly higher than an amp, preamp, DI, etc. normally provides. You want at least 5M to 10M Ohms, otherwise you will get a lot of loading. Secondly, because piezo elements have a relatively high output impedance, they are very sensitive to the capacitance of instrument cables. If you don't place a buffer between the piezos and your cable, to lower their output impedance, you will usually be in for some serious tone suck.
Was wondering about building out a piezo only chambered bass not ABG, though the body may come to 4" deep. I have heard videos and read about piezo effect on electric basses. I am a minimalist, like things as simple as possible. I do use a Dunlop volume pedal so I do not need a volume knob
A buffer for a piezo can be made with 1 transistor, 3 resistors, 1 capacitor and a 9V battery. The circuit can be made on a square centimeter of perf board...
Personally I'd use a common source amp. You'll need an extra resistor, but you'll get a little gain (depending on the fet), plus a slightly richer sound (due to a valve-like harmonic distortion).
Technologically speaking I am not interested in building the electronics but looking to understand what can be done in listing the specifications for what is in my head for a bass build by Tom Clement so that what I ask for is intelligent, Aand clear
