Best practice for piezo pickup system installation
Here’s a step-by-step guide for installing a passive piezo pickup system:
- Preparation
Remove neck from guitar and clear the sound hole of the strings.
Remove saddle or remove or loosen saddle slot components so the saddle slot is accessible.
- Marking positions
Identify string positions above the bridge plate.
Use a jig (or tape / small markers) to mark where each piezo should sit so each disc is under its corresponding string (or as near as possible). For a 4-piezo system, likely under strings 1-4, or spaced so the discs correspond to groups of strings depending on string spacing.
- Gluing / bonding
Ensure bridge plate surface is clean, flat, and dry.
Use superglue gel or adhesive that bonds well to wood, but keep glue layer very thin.
Glue one piezo at a time; press firmly for ~30 seconds to ensure bond.
- Spacing and alignment
No overlapping of piezo disks. They must lie flat.
Equal spacing is important for balanced volume across strings.
Position as close to saddle contact points as possible (without interfering with the saddle itself).
- Wire routing
Drill hole(s) for wiring, usually through end block or side. Avoid drilling through brace(s) unless intended.
Route wires cleanly, avoid sharp bends, strain on the soldering points.
- Endpin jack installation
Measure thickness of the end block wall; adjust the backing nut length so that, when tightened, the jack sits flush and allows full cable insertion.
Use washers (locking washers, etc.) per your existing guidance.
- Testing and final assembly
Before re-stringing completely, test output (plug in) to ensure each string is roughly balanced. If some strings are weak, check alignment or bonding of piezo under those strings.
Reinstall saddle, bring strings up to tension; test again.
- Fine tuning
Once strings are up, you may notice differences in sensitivity between strings: small adjustments (re-glue small shift, or adjust saddle contact) may help.
Use high-impedance input (10 MΩ or higher) preamp if possible to avoid loss of low end.
Further Guidance
Proximity to vibration source
Piezo discs need to be as close as possible to the saddle/bridge area so they capture string vibrations efficiently. If there's too much wood, glue, or empty space between them and the bridge plate, signal drops or tonal imbalance can result.
Alignment under strings
Each piezo (or as many as you have) should lie under or near each string (or group of strings) so you get even output across all strings. Misalignment causes some strings to be louder/softer.
Glue / adhesive
Use glue or adhesive that is strong, but as thin in layer as possible, so you don’t dampen vibration. Super glue / CA / neutral-cure adhesives or thin epoxy is often used.
Avoid overlapping or stacking
Discs must not overlap; overlapping causes interference, changes in mounting pressure, and loss of clarity.
Routing or shallow pocketing
In some cases, to help get the piezo flush and close to the bridge plate, builders will route shallow pockets or recesses in the bridge base so the piezo is nearly flush. But you need to ensure it doesn’t compromise structural integrity.
Securing wires / output jack
Drill appropriate holes (angled or straight) for the wiring so there's minimal stress on wires. Make sure the output jack (often endpin jack) is securely fitted, with proper washers so the nut doesn't over tighten and compress wood too much.
View full details
