DIY Musical Project: Cigar Box Preamp

This wasn't even an intentional project, I just made this preamp while waiting for stain to dry. It's a handy thing to have around though.
The Cigar Box Amp used in the video is detailed here: • DIY Cigar Box Amp #1
The Diddley Bow used in the video is detailed here: • Homemade Diddley Bow (...
Check out all my DIY projects here: • Musical DIY Projects
#diypreamp

[@kedocom]

I've often thought about doing this, it seems a simple and inexpensive way to make an acoustic pre-amp to be shared with several instruments ...... Glad to see you've accomplished it! Thanks :)

[@musicalmiscellany]

Absolutely. I do these videos to help others, so even if its only one person, its worth. :)

[@bearshield7138]

I am re-watching this because I am waiting for the glue to dry on the box I am reinforcing to build one of these I hope to actually put the preamp in the box by the end of the week.

[@musicalmiscellany]

Oh cool. I'm glad the vid was helpful. Good luck.

[@bearshield7138]

sweet

[@musicalmiscellany]

Easy project and very useful. Thanks for checking it out.

[@banjomanToddTaylor]

you should do a video on how to build this.

[@musicalmiscellany]

Thanks for checking it out. While this isn't really a "how to" video, it does pretty much tell you how to build it. The only parts I don't really cover are cutting a hole in the lid and drilling a hole in each side to mount the jacks. After that you just cut off the piezo rod and solder it to a jack (1:36) and then mount it all in the box (1:18). Finally, install the handle and feet.

[@andrezadanttass]

Hi there. Thanks dor the video. I would like to know if you could help me with a newbie question about a specific, simple circuit. Its been a little while now since I have built it but there is a detail in the schematics I just dont get. I am sorry to ask you something not about your preamp but I cannot find anything I could use on the web related to the doubt. Would you help me out ?

[@musicalmiscellany]

What's the question? I can't guarantee I can help but I can certainly try.

[@andrezadanttass]

poorness studios Thank you very much for the prompt answer, but especially thanks for your support. The thing is: I tried to build the charge amp up but failed to find the right places to hook up the two 4.5v rails to in the circuit.The circuit is the #4 on this website sound-au.com/project202.htm (Tone controls). It is a simple circuit, one gain stage and a tone control.

[@musicalmiscellany]

@@andrezadanttass The way I'm reading that schematic. The 9V DC (red wire) goes to 4 places: C6, pin 8 of U1A, D1, and R1. I see the 4.5v pads at pin 5 of U1B and C1/R2. The author references the split 4.5V (assuming you're creating two 4.5V rails from a 9V) supply but doesn't really explain it past that. He shows a 9VDC current source but no 4.5VDC source. I'm not sure what exactly he's referencing either. Does he have a contact email?

[@andrezadanttass]

poorness studios sure thing: [e-mail], it is on the website. I think I have read on the website something like the circuit not using a split supply, but it does require the 1/2 supply created by R1 and R2, but did not find anything on his page as to the other 4.5v rail.

[@musicalmiscellany]

@@andrezadanttass Yeah. I read the page and I don't understand either. He does not do a good job of explaining the 4.5V supply. I'd probably email him and ask what he means. It's not obvious from the verbiage on the page.