first of all my friend ...you don't drill holes or use a jigsaw....you tape the area with green painters tape , mark your dimensions , cut with exacto knife or sheetrock knife with new blade (FOLLOW LINES ) don't use to much pressure PASS OVER LINE UNTIL YOU ARE TROUGH be carefull at the end be gentle ..remove tape a little sanding to make the edges clean and have a snug fit....AND THEN NO MISTAKE ....
@@wchbang4811 If you watch carefully as he is testing the fit of the preamp and marking for the screws, you can see the pick he uses to mark the holes go straight into the body of the guitar because the one thing he didn't do was leave any wood for the screws to go into. If you notice on the bottom of the preamp, there are angles that he simply just cut away. Those angles were there so that the screws would have some wood there to grab onto. I'm sure he figured that out. But I also bet that he got a buzz while playing because some of the screws wouldn't tighten. Just something I noticed.
When installing a large output-jack module (such as here), it's important to remember to NOT 'intrude' into the area of the butt-end of the guitar that is occupied by the guitar's internal end-block. These end-blocks are glued into the guitar, to reinforce the center of the guitar's butt-end, where the two sides come together. The end-block can vary in size quite a bit, but are usually two to three inches wide.
Thanks for taking the time to show us this project. I have an old classical guitar that Ive been wanting to add electronics to. Perfect timing. One suggestion is to use blue tape, not quite as sticky.
Thank You for this video. I just ordered the same pre amp, and reading the reviews, there was a lot of complaints that there was no instructions or templates. Your video made me think to myself, "Yeah. this guy's is telling us what should have been common sense!" Great job, and Thank You once again.
Thank you so much for this vid ... I have a 35yr old Madeira that I love ( sentimental ) but the soundhole pickups are not what I want ... now I believe I can use your info and get a decent pickup and a better sound on my gigs ,,, thanks again !! signed ...Old Rocker from the States
I have installed preamp on 50+ guitars using the exact same method and tools before seeing this video today !!! I collected the cut out pieces as souvenirs. The tricky part is the transducer (under the saddle). Cutting the holes is quite easy, although appear to be scary.
@@LHommeDeParfum Thank you . . Before installing this pre-amp check out this one ruclips.net/video/nK3jum0_Fig/видео.html it's about the same price as the one you bought, but it is noticeably better.
ok its 2021 but i put a cheep used piezo pickup under the bridge plate of a telecaster ,added a an output jack demolished the kit and it worked ,, just a proof of concept its not my 12 string Taylor but oh well ..keep this up love the videos as always .
@@guitar-academy it wasnt the best sound ,but functioned better than expected. Was just junk parts .Idd love to try the piezo string saddles on it ,,maybe someday. Even has a trem off an old Harmony lol My FrankenCaster
Thank you mate. I watch a few videos about installing a pickup in acoustic guitar. And yours is the best, well explain, neat fit and very precise, I like that. Great job
it sounds like either the pickup isn't installed correctly or the saddle base isn't completely flat, or the surface under the saddle isn't completely flat 🤔
hey mate wonderful video excellent way the show how to put the LC 5 I am musician since the age of eight years old I really enjoyed the video please continue to make videos like this it is people like you my dear friend who make RUclips I enjoy your videos greatly first time watching your video will definitely watch more of you video God bless you mate take care here from the United States from Central Florida your friend Joseph
Thanks for this video, I have a Fishman coming by mail and really had no idea how to install it in my old El Degas acoustic. Great video and that guitar sounds great.
I am not really a guitar player, but your expertise of cutting into the wood makes me want to cut into the wooden paneling of my $2800 Dave Smith Squential Prophet 6 and do some modding. :) This was a very impressive instructional video. Excellent Instruction. Maybe you should have stuck a KM84 in there. Well, the Neumann KM84 looks better on the mic stand outside of the guitar anyway. At least my Peluso 84s look nice when I track acoustic.
Most pickup manufacturers provide the templates you'll need to cut the holes on their websites. You can print these out at 100% size, cut the template out and stick it on to your taped over guitar. Much simpler than all the measuring and marking.
Great vid 👆👍 Bought the identical kit of Ebay £11 in the UK. Not sure if it’s a copy, but it all works. Sounds good, but them I’m no expert. The only downside, you have to remove battery for the preamp to be truly off. Not sure why...
It's not a bad idea to support the body while making Dremel cuts, rather than cutting one handed = disaster waiting to happen :-) A couple of old towels in a Workmate very lightly clamping the body. I'm going fit an Artec preamp shortly and that is how I do it. I also drill 4 holes inside each corner which makes cutting easier.
agreed :-) . . . . unfortunately these videos are never done under ideal conditions because I want the video to be as clear as possible I have the need for lights and camera tripods and stuff. To film this I had 2 cameras at different angles and 2 lights at different angles, so you can imagine 4 tripods and trying to work around them.
He didn't touch on installing without one allready installed HUGE difference I have one someone installed but now the bridge sits to high up the action sucks and the instrument unplayable??
Hello, I hope you are having a great weekend. Thank You for such a great video once again. I actually bought the 4 band EQP pre-amp that is very similar to the one in your video, minus the small microphone. I bought a $35.00 USD "00" body shape acoustic guitar, after setting it up and fixing some minor issue, I installed the piezo pickup pre-amp EQ using a rotary tool and a sharp pocket knife. Sounds amazing! Good enough for the commercial licensed music that I write. Cheers! - MrTom
Yes.. and it's rare to find a "00" body acoustic guitar at the $35.00 USD price point. :-) Very interesting body, as it has birch wood for the back and sides, with a butterscotch like stain... again.. very interesting.
I got a couple Glorry brand for $47 and the pre amp for $10..The guitars needed work out of the box...i had to recess the front part of the bridge so the strings would clear it...The action on those guitars are around a usa quarter thickness at the 12 fret (NOW)...Standard electric guitar action. The action on my electric are actually lower...I also had to clean the fret's ends. it's less than an hour works...including install the preamp. Both guitars plays great..they sound different acousticly...even though they're identical guitars. Oh yeah...the tuners on both guitars need replacing. Not a big deal...metal seal tuners are only $10...I dont have problems with them... I also got a Irin for $67 and $12 for preamp with mic. The Irin are better quality controlled out of the box...i still had to drop the action and clean the frets ends.. only sand the bridge saddle to drop the action. This guitar is made from sapele wood. it's brighter. I dont mind the guitars having different sounds.. Around $75 each...with preamps....I cant complain I know how to set up and build guitars...it helps i have a 1960 Gibson Mocking Bird ( it's dad's old guitar) Honestly...The gibson sounds better...but not $30K better.lmao Plus Im not going to drill holes in dad's old guitars..lol I scratched the new guitars already. i dont mind...camp fire , picknic guitars. If they get stolen...i wouldnt even cry
Phill Robinson That's a good suggestion in theory however, like most acoustic guitars the depth isn't uniform. On this instrument the body is thinner at the neck than at the base. Therefore if you use a set-square the preamp just looks crooked. It is better to find a centre line and work from there.
+GCH Guitar Academy PLS any one can help me will be appreciate it!:)I don't understand what the mic is for ?!Is it the main part that the sound comes from or it's not matter if you put it or not!because I bought one without any mic and I wanted to buy this sony one!But if the sound is coming from the mic then why the pikup piezo is for ?Thanks for anyone that stands with me :) thanks guys.. xD
+Fadi Jubran The one with the mic also has a piezo. You can balance the sound between the piezo and the mic so you can have all mic or all piezo or a mixture of both. The mic sounds different to the piezo and it is a choice if you want to use it or not. You do not need to have a mic it is just for extra variation to the sound you can produce . . I hope this helps :-)
+GCH Guitar Academy Ohh thanks for replying mate so the pickup that goes under the bridge the sound coming from it ? Thanks again appreciate it thanks :)
vogue singer If you have enough depth to hold the bridge in place after fitting the pickup, it is safer to sand down the bridge from the bottom so that it is thinner . . and if you make a mistake you can buy a bridge easily and cheaply.
@@The_Acquainted_Era I recently did a review and installation on a 'Fishman Presys Blend 301' which I got off eBay for just over 10 UK pounds (from China). I like that one because of the way the battery fits and the output jack fits, the battery also lasts longer in that one. I think the sound is the same, but without fitting both preamps into the same guitar I can never be sure . . 😊
At 9:23 Dude, the hole in the bridge doesn't have to be big enough for the plug to fit through, it only has to be wide enough for the filament to fit through. You feed it through from the inside of the guitar. You don't want peeps drilling jack sized holes in their bridges, man! Other than that, this is a great vid. Nice to see you using the Dremel type tool for a good clean cut, unlike that other guy with the jig saw.
The plug does need to be big enough for the plug to fit through because the piezo is the solid type and it can't be bent without damaging it, so you have to feed it from the top of the guitar. 🙂🙂 You are talking about a different type of pickup.
number of videos on here showing drilling the hole out.. ..i even watched one using a jig saw. ..they are really scary... your method definately best ..failing that a couple holes drilled then use a hacksaw fine or medium blade.... failing all that get a lither to do it ..
I've used this method on lots of guitars and I've never made a mess of a guitar. Here's a more recent one I did, the guitar work is the same but the video quality is way better 🙂 ruclips.net/video/nK3jum0_Fig/видео.html
Following your video and advice ......Just fitted a Fishman Aura pro ( genuine " 2nd hand ".. from a new damaged guitar from my guitar shop ) onto my pride and joy as by your instructions.. perfect ..thanks very much for a fantastic demo... ps....I will even order one of those ali-express jobs myself for my 12 string.." Pre-fix pro blend " model..
Thank you for the interesting video. Does the piezo pickup raise the action noticeably please and would you recommend slightly thinning down the base of the saddle perhaps on a fine grade of sandpaper to bring it back to the same height?
perfect install... Ive done dozens of em..this guy is a craftsman indeed... I will upgrade my microphone on my next install next week..what do you recommend? JD
Thanks for sharing this. I am trying about doing this to an old beater that I have had laying around for a while now. I have just joined a band back in November and it would be kinda fun to have two acustic guitars to work with instead of just the one that we currently have available to us. I thoroughly enjoyed your playing at the end of this video. You are very talented. Thanks for sharing your experience and skills with us. I would really enjoy more videos of you playing. You aren't from the Dorset area of the UK are you? Your accent reminds me of an old acquaintance I knew from college who is from Dorset.
Thank you very much :-) It's really great to know that a video I've done has encouraged someone. This is the only video I've every done that shows me playing, I don't like showing myself which is why all my other videos don't show anything but the hands. I might do some playing videos now , , I'm not from Dorset, I am originally from Manchester but I live in North Wales.
You did an extremely incredible job sir and I really learned alot from this video in fact I'm going to use this video to copy what you did on your guitar to both of mine. I'm 17 years old and have been playing for about 2 1/2 to 3 years and you've inspired me. I love the song at the end as well! Also the Sony mix I found 2 versions of one costs about $5 and the other around $50-$60 which one did you buy if you don't mind me asking? Also I'd like to inform you that there is a new Sony STM mic which is an upgraded caged in version of the mic on this video but I enjoyed your playing too much too not buy the exact same as you! Please reply back? I'm eager to learn
+Jake Mitchem I can't remember now which one I bought but I know it was an older version. One of the best things about this mod is the fact that the microphone plugs in, so you can change it whenever you want.
Glad i found this vid before wrecking my acoustic guitar.. Ty Also i found this guitar LAVA ME with preboost built in.. Is it possible to build my guitar like that? This guitar sounds amazing like you can still use the effects unplugged..
That guitar is carbon fiber and very different to your average guitar, so you couldn't make a guitar just like it. But you could copy some of the things you like about it . . 🙂
Thank you for showing this. I have a couple questions. 1) when you install the transducer under the bridge, it has the effect of raising hte bridge about 1/16 inch and therefore raising the action of the guitar. Did I miss in the video where you shaved the bridge down to compensate? 2) Temu and aliexpress show about 4 EQ pre-amp, tuners that look exactly the same, but have different model numbers. It seems impossible to tell if one os better than another. How do you choose? Thanks much.
With the pickup, I did mention that the guitar already had a pickup built into it so I didn't need to sand down the saddle or drill a whole for the lead (09:25). I have done a video on how to set up the action correctly. ruclips.net/video/xbKyNBYBveM/видео.html Regarding model numbers, Sorry I have no idea, I don't use Temu or Aliexpress. Maybe it's worth checking that it's not a stock number generated by the website rather than an actual model number generated by the factory. 🤔
Yup, I missed it. Thanks for clarifying. Temu is an interesting place. Obviously a lot of knockoffs, but sometimes the real thing. For example, packages of Slinky guitar strings that look totally authentic... for $.99. I haven't ordered any. I appreciate the time you took to share this information. @@guitar-academy
Hello sir, that was phenomenal work. I wanted to know, is there any way to protect the preamp and the equaliser's control sliders when not in use? A lot of dust gets into it and is almost impossible to clean. Thanks in advance! P.S. That's a beautiful white guitar... Could I know the model? A link will work!
Thank you . . 😊. The idea of a cover is a really good one because I have never seen one, but it would be a great project for someone with a 3D printer. The guitar was a 'Martin Smith w-401e', but the newer ones are slightly different, but you could probably get one second hand of eBay for really cheap.
@@guitar-academy Thanks for the reply sir. That 3D printed preamp cover idea is really great! I mean, I do put my guitar in a gig bag when I'm not playing for a long time but the dust accumulates in some way!! I may find one with a 3D printer or make something myself with some easy to find things... Maybe some really flexible plastic cover which would snugly fit around the exposed part of the preamp?? Thanks again.
Hello sir, really nice video,thanks for this. I have a query, does it affects the natural sound of acoustic guitar (unplugged), and does it raise the action also?? Please suggest,regards
+Ravish Goel If you reshape the bridge it shouldn't raise the action. It does effect the acoustic sound of the instrument slightly, but usually not too much. Both of these things would be different guitar to guitar so there is no guarantee.
it's so nice to see you reply to all our comments. I hope you reply to mine as well. So the sony ecm ds70p cost is quite high, I'm thinking of getting the fake one which is comparatively cheap, so will I still be getting a comfortable non-noisy tone with that cheap fake stereo microphone?
That's the one I used (the copy). I borrowed a Sony one and did a comparison and the difference was tiny and easily corrected with EQ, it was not worth the difference in cost to get the Sony. :-)
The saddle and bridge were left untouched because this guitar had a shim under the bridge that I just removed, however in most cases I have to take the width of the piezo off the bottom of the bridge. Apart from drilling a hole for the wire I never remove material from the saddle (it's very risky).
GCH Guitar Academy in this conversation, are you referring to the plastic saddle as the “Bridge”? Or why would you consider removing plastic as risky as opposed to removing wood?
Good info video by you actually I'm facing same issue noise humm ground issue so do I need to change saddle pick up or there can be issue in pre-amp also????????
I start with the jackplug socket first and work my way back. The easiest thing (which you've probably done) is to check the connections are pushed in correctly. 🤔
@@guitar-academy I use di box for noise hum in live but in home set up practice there is hum, cable is okey so like to know is there any problem in pre-amp or saddle pick up????? Well! Thanks for reply
Agreed . . but the disadvantage is that it picks up any movement or knocks of the guitar, however this does make the recording sound more natural (if you're recording) . . . 😊
Hi, dunno if you're still commenting on this , but here goes anyway. Firstly i think you did a good job with the vid. Nice editing, free flowing, and easy to understand. I am thinking of installing an UST on my guitar, just a few queries..... 1_Most people i see doing the 'upgrade' are doing so on cheap guitars, and as my guitar is worth approx £500 i am understandably nervous. Would you do this on a 'relatively' expensive guitar? 2_The topside of the guitar seems to have some varnish/lacquer, and i'm cautious about cracking it. Are there any tips to minimise the chances of damaging the guitar?. Lastly, any advice with fitting saddle? Many Thanks...................
+Benny Hill 1. If you aren't confident . . don't do it. 2. once you have measured the whole size you can scratch or cut the varnish with a very sharp knife to prevent any cracks appearing. Again . . the best advice is if you aren't sure or confident don't do it, just buy a guitar with the pickups fitted.
Great video. Can you provide any tips for getting a humbucker pickup to connect to an acoustic preamp? Do you have to solder the mini jack to the humbucker or something?
Hi, thanks for the great video. I followed to install a preamp like yours and it worked. The only thing i can't do is to use the mic because it immediately causes distortion. What mic are you using? Can you recommend some not expensive mic? Thanks again for the great work!
@@guitar-academy By the way. Do you have any idea on why the mic causes distortion (it is so bad that cannot even use it). Anything that I may did wrong? Thanks!
@@ricardojoaogodel Without seeing it and hearing it there is no way I can tell. It could be the mic and it could be a faulty pre-amp, it might even be as simple as the mic being plugged in the wrong hole. Here I can swap things to check them. If you can I would suggest borrowing a mic from someone or something just to try it, but if you can't I understand that.
@@guitar-academy Many thanks for your reply. I already order a simple mic and I will try it as soon as it arrives. Even without the mic and just withthe piezo the sound is great. I hope that blending them will be even better. Thanks again.
i recently did this same thing to my jasmine acoustic. Can you tell me what model MIC you upgraded to? I cannot seem to find any on eBay. Your video gave me complete confidence to do this on my own and I'm glad that I did. So thanks so much and cheers from N.Y.
I see what you mean, I just went on Ebay and had the same trouble. I found the best search terms were 'miniature mic' and 'miniature microphone', which threw up a good selection of mics that would do the job. The original microphone used was a 'Sony ECM-DS70P' and the latest version of that mic is called the 'Sony STM10', both these mics are on Ebay so now you know what you are looking for you should have more joy. Thanks for comments from North Wales :-)
Back here and see if anybody wrote any new reviews just gentleman did an excellent job since I seen this video install four of these preamps what I wanted to ask gentleman is where did he get the other microphone and he installed the one that's got the silver color please let me know or sent me a list where to get them I ordered preamp with equalizer just like the one in your video with the microphone but I would like to get a better microphone so if you can please help me I will greatly appreciate it maybe you can send me the website where I can find these particular microphones that you decided to shoes by the way the guitar sounds incredible like I said I've done four of these same installations since the last time I watch the video and they came out perfect you did a wonderful job I work with guitars all the time usually buying free app EQ and guitar tuner but you are out of the ballpark please send me the information if you can I'll where to get the other that you installed the one with the shining look thank you very much Joseph Velez
Honestly a 10\10 video. Presentation and camera work is exceptional as well as explanations. Makes life so much easier.
Thank you very much . . . :-)
I installed a few preamps and I allways look for mistake in videos but you did a perfect job its allways nice to see someone do a good vid.
Thank you . . :-)
loadi2 what mistakes can you reccomend to avoid?
first of all my friend ...you don't drill holes or use a jigsaw....you tape the area with green painters tape , mark your dimensions , cut with exacto knife or sheetrock knife with new blade (FOLLOW LINES ) don't use to much pressure PASS OVER LINE UNTIL YOU ARE TROUGH be carefull at the end be gentle ..remove tape a little sanding to make the edges clean and have a snug fit....AND THEN NO MISTAKE ....
Did u need to file down the saddle for the piezo fitment height adjustment.?
@@wchbang4811 If you watch carefully as he is testing the fit of the preamp and marking for the screws, you can see the pick he uses to mark the holes go straight into the body of the guitar because the one thing he didn't do was leave any wood for the screws to go into. If you notice on the bottom of the preamp, there are angles that he simply just cut away. Those angles were there so that the screws would have some wood there to grab onto. I'm sure he figured that out. But I also bet that he got a buzz while playing because some of the screws wouldn't tighten. Just something I noticed.
When installing a large output-jack module (such as here), it's important to remember to NOT 'intrude' into the area of the butt-end of the guitar that is occupied by the guitar's internal end-block. These end-blocks are glued into the guitar, to reinforce the center of the guitar's butt-end, where the two sides come together. The end-block can vary in size quite a bit, but are usually two to three inches wide.
Good point and absolutely correct as the end-block is an important part of the guitars strength.
This channel puts so much sincerity in each video. Much apprecited. 🙏
I appreciate that! thank you very much 😊😃
Thanks for taking the time to show us this project. I have an old classical guitar that Ive been wanting to add electronics to. Perfect timing. One suggestion is to use blue tape, not quite as sticky.
Thank you . . good suggestion
Thank You for this video. I just ordered the same pre amp, and reading the reviews, there was a lot of complaints that there was no instructions or templates. Your video made me think to myself, "Yeah. this guy's is telling us what should have been common sense!" Great job, and Thank You once again.
I cant afford the Sony Mic just yet, so maybe sometime in the near future.
Thank you, and I hope your fitting goes smoothly . . . 😊
thanks for this instructional,can't afford to pay a luthier to do it,this is a lifesaver, life ain't worth living without my guitar!
+flatpackedbongoband :-)
Thank you so much for this vid ... I have a 35yr old Madeira that I love ( sentimental )
but the soundhole pickups are not what I want ... now I believe I can use your info and get a decent pickup and a better sound on my gigs ,,, thanks again !!
signed ...Old Rocker from the States
I really love it when someone gets inspired, coz that's what is't all about . . :)
I have installed preamp on 50+ guitars using the exact same method and tools before seeing this video today !!! I collected the cut out pieces as souvenirs. The tricky part is the transducer (under the saddle). Cutting the holes is quite easy, although appear to be scary.
Very useful video. I've bought this two years ago but was still scared to fit it on my guitar. Will try this for sure. Thanks
Glad it was helpful! 🙂
@@guitar-academy Very helpful. Thank you.
@@LHommeDeParfum Thank you . . Before installing this pre-amp check out this one ruclips.net/video/nK3jum0_Fig/видео.html it's about the same price as the one you bought, but it is noticeably better.
Thank you for the video 10 of 10 explained and camera showing the installation. Ill follow up how to it went, Cheers.
Thank you very much 😊😀
Outstanding job and it really sounds great!
Thank you very much . . I agree on the sound . . 😊
ok its 2021 but i put a cheep used piezo pickup under the bridge plate of a telecaster ,added a an output jack demolished the kit and it worked ,, just a proof of concept
its not my 12 string Taylor but oh well ..keep this up love the videos as always .
interesting . . 🤔
@@guitar-academy it wasnt the best sound ,but functioned better than expected. Was just junk parts .Idd love to try the piezo string saddles on it ,,maybe someday. Even has a trem off an old Harmony lol My FrankenCaster
@@juanziegler1471 That sounds very cool . . 😊😊
4:20. My Heart Stopped.
For me the same feeling
😂😂😂
My hear also stopped on 420 but haha for *different reasons*
@@Uber_Versace Oh man you took my comment how dare you
That cutting a hole out is the one reason why i havent fitted a eq on my guitar yet...
Thank you mate. I watch a few videos about installing a pickup in acoustic guitar. And yours is the best, well explain, neat fit and very precise, I like that. Great job
Thank you :-)
Thanks for the tip - very helpful (masking tap, alignment and the use of the small grinder)
I planned to do this on my guitar years ago..thanks for the video..it really help me
Thank you . . 😊
Did u do it?
I'm going to be installing a fishman pickup in a 12 string this is the best video I've seen in very good detail. Great Job-
Thank you . . . I hope your installation goes smoothly . . :-)
Right on. I'm gonna do that to my classical middle eastern instrument and turn it into ac acoustic one.
😊
I installed it everything works except the low E thank you for helping me you have an idea of this problem
it sounds like either the pickup isn't installed correctly or the saddle base isn't completely flat, or the surface under the saddle isn't completely flat 🤔
Thank You for detailed instruction of installation!
Thank you for watching . . .
A very good demo - I'm now off to fit my own. Thanks!
I hope it all goes well and easy . . . :-)
Excellent tutorial. I've got an acoustic I want to try this on!
How did it go?
hey mate wonderful video excellent way the show how to put the LC 5 I am musician since the age of eight years old I really enjoyed the video please continue to make videos like this it is people like you my dear friend who make RUclips I enjoy your videos greatly first time watching your video will definitely watch more of you video God bless you mate take care here from the United States from Central Florida your friend Joseph
Thank you so much Joseph, I will try to keep making videos and hopefully get better at it . . . God bless you from North Wales :-)
Great video sir! Video was so helpfull to my guitar installation with your step by step instructions. Thank you sir
Thank you :-)
You are an Artist sir. An excellent job.
Thank you . . . . 😊
Thanks for this video, I have a Fishman coming by mail and really had no idea how to install it in my old El Degas acoustic. Great video and that guitar sounds great.
Great crafting and instruction. RUclips Hero right here!
😊😊
I've always wanted to know how this was done "Great Job" good demo ~Thanks~
thank you 🙂🙂
+GCH Guitar Academy 🙋thanks,I'm told I'm losing my sight so hope I can fix my guitar before I go blind. thanks a biggy!
I hope you are doing great now.
I hope you are ok now
Hey, hope youre doing ok!
Nice one just followed your instructions. perfect.
Glad it helped . . thank you 😊😀
I am not really a guitar player, but your expertise of cutting into the wood makes me want to cut into the wooden paneling of my $2800 Dave Smith Squential Prophet 6 and do some modding. :) This was a very impressive instructional video. Excellent Instruction. Maybe you should have stuck a KM84 in there. Well, the Neumann KM84 looks better on the mic stand outside of the guitar anyway. At least my Peluso 84s look nice when I track acoustic.
Well you certainly like you gear . . . . 😊😊
Amazing. You continue to educate me.
That's great . . thank you very much 😊😃
Amazing dude i just order the same for my Fender, thank you for the tutorial
No problem 👍 thank you 😊😃
I did file the bridge down a bit but was afraid to chance gouging out the channel thanks I'll give that a go see how it goes, Thany you
Yes, I understand that. You should (of might be able to) be able to find out the depth of wood available using the hole for the wire.
You made it look easy.
Thanks.
I think ill just save money and buy the best pickups i can
Yes, that makes very good sense, especially if you like your guitar 😊😃
Impressive job. Thanks for the great instructional.
Ray Thanks Ray :-)
Great job and sounds great as well
Thank you very much 😊😃
Most pickup manufacturers provide the templates you'll need to cut the holes on their websites. You can print these out at 100% size, cut the template out and stick it on to your taped over guitar. Much simpler than all the measuring and marking.
Excellent video - lovely sound
Thank you very much. I agree on the sound.
Great vid 👆👍
Bought the identical kit of Ebay £11 in the UK.
Not sure if it’s a copy, but it all works. Sounds good, but them I’m no expert.
The only downside, you have to remove battery for the preamp to be truly off.
Not sure why...
Me and other people leaving comments have had the same battery problem . .
It's not a bad idea to support the body while making Dremel cuts, rather than cutting one handed = disaster waiting to happen :-) A couple of old towels in a Workmate very lightly clamping the body. I'm going fit an Artec preamp shortly and that is how I do it. I also drill 4 holes inside each corner which makes cutting easier.
agreed :-) . . . .
unfortunately these videos are never done under ideal conditions because I want the video to be as clear as possible I have the need for lights and camera tripods and stuff. To film this I had 2 cameras at different angles and 2 lights at different angles, so you can imagine 4 tripods and trying to work around them.
thanks for the suggestions man , i'll try to check it up..
I feel like I can pretty much trust anything this man says about anything. His voice and accent are so persuasive lol
He didn't touch on installing without one allready installed HUGE difference I have one someone installed but now the bridge sits to high up the action sucks and the instrument unplayable??
That’s a very interesting and helpful video, thanks very much!
Thank you . . . 😊
Hello, I hope you are having a great weekend. Thank You for such a great video once again. I actually bought the 4 band EQP pre-amp that is very similar to the one in your video, minus the small microphone. I bought a $35.00 USD "00" body shape acoustic guitar, after setting it up and fixing some minor issue, I installed the piezo pickup pre-amp EQ using a rotary tool and a sharp pocket knife. Sounds amazing! Good enough for the commercial licensed music that I write. Cheers! - MrTom
It sounds like you have made an OK guitar into a great guitar. :-)
Yes.. and it's rare to find a "00" body acoustic guitar at the $35.00 USD price point. :-) Very interesting body, as it has birch wood for the back and sides, with a butterscotch like stain... again.. very interesting.
Sounds a really nice looking and unusual guitar
I got a couple Glorry brand for $47 and the pre amp for $10..The guitars needed work out of the box...i had to recess the front part of the bridge so the strings would clear it...The action on those guitars are around a usa quarter thickness at the 12 fret (NOW)...Standard electric guitar action. The action on my electric are actually lower...I also had to clean the fret's ends.
it's less than an hour works...including install the preamp. Both guitars plays great..they sound different acousticly...even though they're identical guitars. Oh yeah...the tuners on both guitars need replacing.
Not a big deal...metal seal tuners are only $10...I dont have problems
with them...
I also got a Irin for $67 and $12 for preamp with mic. The Irin are better quality controlled out of the box...i still had to drop the action and clean the frets ends.. only sand the bridge saddle to drop the action.
This guitar is made from sapele wood. it's brighter.
I dont mind the guitars having different sounds..
Around $75 each...with preamps....I cant complain
I know how to set up and build guitars...it helps
i have a 1960 Gibson Mocking Bird ( it's dad's old guitar)
Honestly...The gibson sounds better...but not $30K better.lmao
Plus Im not going to drill holes in dad's old guitars..lol
I scratched the new guitars already. i dont mind...camp fire , picknic guitars. If they get stolen...i wouldnt even cry
Great job! Very nice!
thanks . . :)
Phill Robinson That's a good suggestion in theory however, like most acoustic guitars the depth isn't uniform. On this instrument the body is thinner at the neck than at the base. Therefore if you use a set-square the preamp just looks crooked. It is better to find a centre line and work from there.
+Nick kourletis NO . . you only put a microphone if you want one . . :-)
+GCH Guitar Academy PLS any one can help me will be appreciate it!:)I don't understand what the mic is for ?!Is it the main part that the sound comes from or it's not matter if you put it or not!because I bought one without any mic and I wanted to buy this sony one!But if the sound is coming from the mic then why the pikup piezo is for ?Thanks for anyone that stands with me :) thanks guys.. xD
+Fadi Jubran The one with the mic also has a piezo. You can balance the sound between the piezo and the mic so you can have all mic or all piezo or a mixture of both. The mic sounds different to the piezo and it is a choice if you want to use it or not. You do not need to have a mic it is just for extra variation to the sound you can produce . . I hope this helps :-)
+GCH Guitar Academy Ohh thanks for replying mate so the pickup that goes under the bridge the sound coming from it ?
Thanks again appreciate it thanks :)
+Fadi Jubran Yes, the sound is good that comes from the pickup under the bridge.
Thanks Gareth, great vid.
Best Regards.
Miguel
Very helpful, Thank you.
Thank you :-)
Great job - you appeared a bit nervous LOL but it came out perfect
LOL . . . yes I was nervous . . but probably more because a camera was pointing at me 😊
Great ! Just the very one I'm about to fit although the depth of the bridge groove might be tricky since it hasn't had a pick up yet. Thanks
vogue singer If you have enough depth to hold the bridge in place after fitting the pickup, it is safer to sand down the bridge from the bottom so that it is thinner . . and if you make a mistake you can buy a bridge easily and cheaply.
GCH Guitar Academy Thanks again . Really helpful
Excellent video!
Thanks from Indonesia!
Thank you too! 🙂🙂
So helpful. Thank you so much sir. I'll try it
Thank you . . I hope it goes well for you . . 😊
Which brand and model do you prefer
@@The_Acquainted_Era I recently did a review and installation on a 'Fishman Presys Blend 301' which I got off eBay for just over 10 UK pounds (from China). I like that one because of the way the battery fits and the output jack fits, the battery also lasts longer in that one. I think the sound is the same, but without fitting both preamps into the same guitar I can never be sure . . 😊
This is a superb video
thanks 🙂
Thanks great video feel confident to fit mine now 😀🎸
:-)
awsome sir...................its really great
Thank you :-)
Nice video man!! thanks a lot
thank you 😊
Thank you - best video on the subject
Thank you . . . :-)
At 9:23 Dude, the hole in the bridge doesn't have to be big enough for the plug to fit through, it only has to be wide enough for the filament to fit through. You feed it through from the inside of the guitar. You don't want peeps drilling jack sized holes in their bridges, man! Other than that, this is a great vid. Nice to see you using the Dremel type tool for a good clean cut, unlike that other guy with the jig saw.
The plug does need to be big enough for the plug to fit through because the piezo is the solid type and it can't be bent without damaging it, so you have to feed it from the top of the guitar. 🙂🙂 You are talking about a different type of pickup.
number of videos on here showing drilling the hole out.. ..i even watched one using a jig saw. ..they are really scary... your method definately best ..failing that a couple holes drilled then use a hacksaw fine or medium blade.... failing all that get a lither to do it ..
I've used this method on lots of guitars and I've never made a mess of a guitar. Here's a more recent one I did, the guitar work is the same but the video quality is way better 🙂 ruclips.net/video/nK3jum0_Fig/видео.html
Following your video and advice ......Just fitted a Fishman Aura pro ( genuine " 2nd hand ".. from a new damaged guitar from my guitar shop ) onto my pride and joy as by your instructions.. perfect ..thanks very much for a fantastic demo...
ps....I will even order one of those ali-express jobs myself for my 12 string.." Pre-fix pro blend " model..
@@geraldlattka8910 It sounds like you've got the luthier bug . . 🙂
Thank you for the interesting video. Does the piezo pickup raise the action noticeably please and would you recommend slightly thinning down the base of the saddle perhaps on a fine grade of sandpaper to bring it back to the same height?
Use sand paper on a flat surface to sand the bridge down but be careful and easy
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks 😊
Good Job...
🙂
perfect install... Ive done dozens of em..this guy is a craftsman indeed... I will upgrade my microphone on my next install next week..what do you recommend? JD
I still like the 'Sony ECM-DS70P ' but there's lots of new ones now so it might be worth checking out some RUclips reviews . . . 🙂🙂
04:20 the guitar was screaming for help
16:37 instead of using a pick you use your thump's long nail.Smart guy xD
🙂
Thanks for sharing this. I am trying about doing this to an old beater that I have had laying around for a while now. I have just joined a band back in November and it would be kinda fun to have two acustic guitars to work with instead of just the one that we currently have available to us. I thoroughly enjoyed your playing at the end of this video. You are very talented. Thanks for sharing your experience and skills with us. I would really enjoy more videos of you playing. You aren't from the Dorset area of the UK are you? Your accent reminds me of an old acquaintance I knew from college who is from Dorset.
Thank you very much :-)
It's really great to know that a video I've done has encouraged someone. This is the only video I've every done that shows me playing, I don't like showing myself which is why all my other videos don't show anything but the hands. I might do some playing videos now , , I'm not from Dorset, I am originally from Manchester but I live in North Wales.
GCH Guitar Academy Where abouts in North Wales? Do you do any private tutoring? I'm on the coast :) lol
You did an extremely incredible job sir and I really learned alot from this video in fact I'm going to use this video to copy what you did on your guitar to both of mine. I'm 17 years old and have been playing for about 2 1/2 to 3 years and you've inspired me. I love the song at the end as well! Also the Sony mix I found 2 versions of one costs about $5 and the other around $50-$60 which one did you buy if you don't mind me asking? Also I'd like to inform you that there is a new Sony STM mic which is an upgraded caged in version of the mic on this video but I enjoyed your playing too much too not buy the exact same as you! Please reply back? I'm eager to learn
+Jake Mitchem I can't remember now which one I bought but I know it was an older version. One of the best things about this mod is the fact that the microphone plugs in, so you can change it whenever you want.
Qué fue lo que tocaste al final?? Sonaba genial!
🙂
Glad i found this vid before wrecking my acoustic guitar.. Ty
Also i found this guitar LAVA ME with preboost built in.. Is it possible to build my guitar like that? This guitar sounds amazing like you can still use the effects unplugged..
That guitar is carbon fiber and very different to your average guitar, so you couldn't make a guitar just like it. But you could copy some of the things you like about it . . 🙂
what is song that u play at the end it's sound really great! and if it's ur own composition, do u have the tabs please?
that was amazing i wish i could do the same.
I bet you could if you tried . . just go slow and be patient . . 😊
Thank you for showing this. I have a couple questions. 1) when you install the transducer under the bridge, it has the effect of raising hte bridge about 1/16 inch and therefore raising the action of the guitar. Did I miss in the video where you shaved the bridge down to compensate? 2) Temu and aliexpress show about 4 EQ pre-amp, tuners that look exactly the same, but have different model numbers. It seems impossible to tell if one os better than another. How do you choose? Thanks much.
With the pickup, I did mention that the guitar already had a pickup built into it so I didn't need to sand down the saddle or drill a whole for the lead (09:25). I have done a video on how to set up the action correctly. ruclips.net/video/xbKyNBYBveM/видео.html
Regarding model numbers, Sorry I have no idea, I don't use Temu or Aliexpress. Maybe it's worth checking that it's not a stock number generated by the website rather than an actual model number generated by the factory. 🤔
Yup, I missed it. Thanks for clarifying. Temu is an interesting place. Obviously a lot of knockoffs, but sometimes the real thing. For example, packages of Slinky guitar strings that look totally authentic... for $.99. I haven't ordered any. I appreciate the time you took to share this information. @@guitar-academy
Hello sir, that was phenomenal work. I wanted to know, is there any way to protect the preamp and the equaliser's control sliders when not in use? A lot of dust gets into it and is almost impossible to clean. Thanks in advance!
P.S. That's a beautiful white guitar... Could I know the model? A link will work!
Thank you . . 😊.
The idea of a cover is a really good one because I have never seen one, but it would be a great project for someone with a 3D printer.
The guitar was a 'Martin Smith w-401e', but the newer ones are slightly different, but you could probably get one second hand of eBay for really cheap.
@@guitar-academy Thanks for the reply sir. That 3D printed preamp cover idea is really great! I mean, I do put my guitar in a gig bag when I'm not playing for a long time but the dust accumulates in some way!! I may find one with a 3D printer or make something myself with some easy to find things... Maybe some really flexible plastic cover which would snugly fit around the exposed part of the preamp??
Thanks again.
Hello sir, really nice video,thanks for this. I have a query, does it affects the natural sound of acoustic guitar (unplugged), and does it raise the action also?? Please suggest,regards
+Ravish Goel If you reshape the bridge it shouldn't raise the action. It does effect the acoustic sound of the instrument slightly, but usually not too much. Both of these things would be different guitar to guitar so there is no guarantee.
like it, great sounds
thanks
Success that's done the job Cheers
What is better - buying a new guitar with a pickup installed or inserting one
If your are getting a new guitar it is better to get one pre-installed, then you know what you are getting and you can test it and hear it.
it's so nice to see you reply to all our comments. I hope you reply to mine as well. So the sony ecm ds70p cost is quite high, I'm thinking of getting the fake one which is comparatively cheap, so will I still be getting a comfortable non-noisy tone with that cheap fake stereo microphone?
That's the one I used (the copy). I borrowed a Sony one and did a comparison and the difference was tiny and easily corrected with EQ, it was not worth the difference in cost to get the Sony. :-)
awesome video. thank-you 👌
Great Job. Did u have to make any adjustments with respect to the saddle due to the piezo install?
The saddle and bridge were left untouched because this guitar had a shim under the bridge that I just removed, however in most cases I have to take the width of the piezo off the bottom of the bridge. Apart from drilling a hole for the wire I never remove material from the saddle (it's very risky).
GCH Guitar Academy in this conversation, are you referring to the plastic saddle as the “Bridge”? Or why would you consider removing plastic as risky as opposed to removing wood?
Thanks for the detailed video mate! Does it mute the sound while tuning?
Thanks . . Yes it does 😊
@@guitar-academy one which I've got is almost similar but has a 5 band EQ and it doesn't mute while the tuner is on.
@@vinitjoshi2665 Oh . . That's unusual . .
very good congrats
late but thank you 🙂
thanks for the help
thanks for watching . . 😊
I've done this project again with a different pickup if you need anymore help ruclips.net/video/nK3jum0_Fig/видео.html
Good info video by you actually I'm facing same issue noise humm ground issue so do I need to change saddle pick up or there can be issue in pre-amp also????????
I start with the jackplug socket first and work my way back. The easiest thing (which you've probably done) is to check the connections are pushed in correctly. 🤔
@@guitar-academy I use di box for noise hum in live but in home set up practice there is hum, cable is okey so like to know is there any problem in pre-amp or saddle pick up????? Well! Thanks for reply
Thanks for the video
Thank you 😀
mic gives you the reverb from body
Agreed . . but the disadvantage is that it picks up any movement or knocks of the guitar, however this does make the recording sound more natural (if you're recording) . . . 😊
Hi, dunno if you're still commenting on this , but here goes anyway. Firstly i think you did a good job with the vid. Nice editing, free flowing, and easy to understand. I am thinking of installing an UST on my guitar, just a few queries.....
1_Most people i see doing the 'upgrade' are doing so on cheap guitars, and as my guitar is worth approx £500 i am understandably nervous. Would you do this on a 'relatively' expensive guitar?
2_The topside of the guitar seems to have some varnish/lacquer, and i'm cautious about cracking it. Are there any tips to minimise the chances of damaging the guitar?.
Lastly, any advice with fitting saddle?
Many Thanks...................
+Benny Hill 1. If you aren't confident . . don't do it.
2. once you have measured the whole size you can scratch or cut the varnish with a very sharp knife to prevent any cracks appearing.
Again . . the best advice is if you aren't sure or confident don't do it, just buy a guitar with the pickups fitted.
Great video. Can you provide any tips for getting a humbucker pickup to connect to an acoustic preamp? Do you have to solder the mini jack to the humbucker or something?
Nice dremel clean cut
thanks 😊
O meu rastilho ficou tombando!!!
Did you use any sealant or gasket between the preamp and guitar or is there a need ?Great vid thanks
Only the gasket that was provided with the preamp, it didn't need any additional sealing.
thanks thinking about putting it in my epiphone ej 200
Thank's Osan. it's help me
And i have little problem with, how to choose equalizer.. could you give me some suggestion ?
Hi, thanks for the great video. I followed to install a preamp like yours and it worked. The only thing i can't do is to use the mic because it immediately causes distortion. What mic are you using? Can you recommend some not expensive mic? Thanks again for the great work!
I'm really happy that the video helped you. I used a 'Sony ECM-DS70P' but you can get copies of these off eBay that work just as well in a guitar. 😊
@@guitar-academy Thanks for the quick reply and for the suggestion. I will for the cheaper ones on ebay. Thanks again!
@@guitar-academy By the way. Do you have any idea on why the mic causes distortion (it is so bad that cannot even use it). Anything that I may did wrong? Thanks!
@@ricardojoaogodel Without seeing it and hearing it there is no way I can tell. It could be the mic and it could be a faulty pre-amp, it might even be as simple as the mic being plugged in the wrong hole. Here I can swap things to check them. If you can I would suggest borrowing a mic from someone or something just to try it, but if you can't I understand that.
@@guitar-academy Many thanks for your reply. I already order a simple mic and I will try it as soon as it arrives. Even without the mic and just withthe piezo the sound is great. I hope that blending them will be even better. Thanks again.
Whats the tool he uses called, it seems to be really helpful and doesn't make a mess
late I know . . but a rotary tool
i recently did this same thing to my jasmine acoustic. Can you tell me what model MIC you upgraded to? I cannot seem to find any on eBay. Your video gave me complete confidence to do this on my own and I'm glad that I did. So thanks so much and cheers from N.Y.
I see what you mean, I just went on Ebay and had the same trouble. I found the best search terms were 'miniature mic' and 'miniature microphone', which threw up a good selection of mics that would do the job. The original microphone used was a 'Sony ECM-DS70P' and the latest version of that mic is called the 'Sony STM10', both these mics are on Ebay so now you know what you are looking for you should have more joy. Thanks for comments from North Wales :-)
Thanks for the reply its much appreciated. I love the looks of the Sony MIC so I will definitely be giving it a whirl. Thanks again.
its awesome
🙂
beautiful...
thank you 😊
Back here and see if anybody wrote any new reviews just gentleman did an excellent job since I seen this video install four of these preamps what I wanted to ask gentleman is where did he get the other microphone and he installed the one that's got the silver color please let me know or sent me a list where to get them I ordered preamp with equalizer just like the one in your video with the microphone but I would like to get a better microphone so if you can please help me I will greatly appreciate it maybe you can send me the website where I can find these particular microphones that you decided to shoes by the way the guitar sounds incredible like I said I've done four of these same installations since the last time I watch the video and they came out perfect you did a wonderful job I work with guitars all the time usually buying free app EQ and guitar tuner but you are out of the ballpark please send me the information if you can I'll where to get the other that you installed the one with the shining look thank you very much Joseph Velez
I got it from eBay, but the listings change all the time so it is best to go to eBay and search 'ECM-DS70P'