Installing an Under Saddle Pickup in an Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic Guitar Pickup
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In this video, we install a Neewer under saddle pickup into an old Alvarez acoustic guitar. This installation can quickly and cheaply turn an acoustic guitar into an acoustic-electric guitar.
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[@jmylestoones]

Another tip is to lightly score the saddle where it meets the bridge, before it is removed, with an xacto knife, then when sanding the saddle you can set it back in incrementally as you go until the score is again even where the saddle meets the bridge. This will give you the exact same set-up you had before you started.

[@jdstewart9689]

great video..i do all the time..one thing to add..it makes it easier if you measure with a micrometer the distance from the top of the saddle to the top the bridge...make a small mark with the strings in place..later with the strings off you already know how much to sand the saddle for a perfect fit... thanks man!!

[@davevernon4993]

Very helpful vid, although I would have smoothed the holes cut, to prevent cracking.

[@DUKEofWAIL]

Testing string height of the saddle was shown with a loose low E. It would need to be at playing tension to see the height off the fretboard.

[@thecharley007]

I used a very sharp DIY cutter to cut my guitar and it worked just great. but wear gloves because while cutting I got 2,3 major cuts. The proper method to cut is just first cres the borders then slowly slowly make them deep.

[@boyt.5542]

im lost. do you have any closeup video how to install the wiring on the bridge saddle part?

[@catking7901]

Use flat file to smoothen the cut then apply superglue to the edges.

[@theblytonian3906]

Problem is, when this is done in factory, that wooden saddle slot is routed deeper. Retrofitting the existing saddle in a non electro acoustic, the saddle has to be sanded down by the diameter of the underlying piezo pickup wire (2mm), and sanded level which is not as easy as it sounds given the amount of plastic/urea material which has to be removed. If using a combination strap button/TS jack pin, there's the added complexity of having to drill through a solid bottom reinforcement block. Been there done this. Lots of room for error to screw up a perfectly good guitar. Frankly, it's a PITA. If wanting an under saddle type electro acoustic with a co-joint strap button cum TS cable jack, pay the small premium and buy a guitar with one already prefitted. Otherwise consider alternative pickup types for electrifying your acoustic. Cutting out the body, although scary, and fitting the preamp is the easy part.

[@Balalaikaduo]

I did it, its worth it if you know what you are doing

[@theblytonian3906]

@@Balalaikaduo Thanks for the arrogance. I can assure you I "know what I'm doing", and it's not "worth doing" as in DIY for the average Joe. I do all my own guitar maintenance including full setups and mods, & I wouldn't do it again. Drilling through the body block and reaming it to fit the output jack can easily be fucked up, and kludge sanding the saddle hoping the piezo won't have hum and/or vibration pickup issues let alone resultant 'modified' saddle intonation is still right is fraught with 'easily fucked up' risk of achieving only substandard sound or ruining what was a perfectly good acoustic guitar. Just sell the banger and buy an e-acoustic guitar factory prefitted or alternatively fit a removable soundhole pickup from Seymour Duncan or Fishman designed to be the no brainer end user install is a smarter solution.

[@Balalaikaduo]

​@@theblytonian3906 There is a saying, Those who don't risk don't drink champagne.

[@theblytonian3906]

@@Balalaikaduo Which like all cliches, is flawed. Wasting your time with trite attempts at personal denigration/shaming. Left brained. Retired airline pilot. Sheer economic triage. The cost:benefit ratio doesn't stack up for the average right brained amateur wannabe installer who trembles and procrastinates at the thought of the technical challenge in fitting a new set of strings let alone adjusting the truss rod. Almost unbelievable, I know players who've played for decades who still can't name every part of a guitar, tremble at and procrastinate prior to performing even a string change, let alone be game enough to even attempt to perform something as simple as intonation on an electric. OMMV but that's my perspective.

[@tacorama]

You’re entire comment just basically told me “take it to a guitar shop with guitar experts to do it for you” and I couldn’t agree more 😂

[@LifeSavingDefense]

I just picked this up for $10 on ebay (not available on Amazon) and installed it on a $100 -$150 guitar I picked up for $30 on offer up with an “actual” broken preamp. (not the normal owner didn’t know he had a battery issue but it was corroded so maybe but it still didn’t work right) Cheap way to learn how to fix guitars and it works Great !!! $40 total cost and I can let my 5yo granddaughter learn without worrying. I used a small hand saw and wood files and took my time. The preamp is easy but the battery box obviously is a weird shape and no templates so made my own. The screw holes are too close to just rush threw this weird shaped thing. Even the battery door clip required it’s own divot in the guitar to give it room to close. File more toward the inside of the guitar to keep outside from chipping. The Ibanez I installed it on is all cheap light plywood so slow and patient is the way to get it done and look professional. (Actually for a cheap beginner guitar it sounded really good acoustically) Small wood saw and files are best if you want a clean job. If you do get chips (i had one small inside separation) it’s easy to just put some wood glue in and clamp it with a clothes pin or even a spring binder pager holder clip - (close enough) painters tape on the outside and cut, file or sand Toward the inside of the guitar when possible ( yes , worth repeating)

[@sbdly8307]

Hi sir i have preamp equalizer /saddle pick up in my guitar same with you,but mine is no longer works , i dont know what happen, i cant open anymore. pls help i dont know what to do

[@dhirenjazz8100]

Good info video by you actually I'm facing same issue noise humm ground issue so do I need to change saddle pick up?????

[@superduperman7202]

Ive just done exactly this. With the exact same kit. The bridge is a nightmare to get sanded exactly right....I feel like I need to get it so far down that it will be so thin and useless. I wish I had more skill to deepen the hole. But alas I don't....This kit cost next to nothing and sound absolutely amazing. I was shocked by the quality.

[@shaunkelly3562]

Have you found that it eats batteries, as that's one thing I've heard about this kit?

[@superduperman7202]

@@shaunkelly3562 nope...It's really really good. Mine came with dust under the screen so they sent me another for free...Put it into a 12 string. That too sounds epic....The blend between mic and direct is cool. But for the price it was well worth it.

[@alexcomixinc]

3:44 “Use a small vacuum to clean the inside” That one guitar pick lost in the guitar a month ago:

[@rocknraptor3195]

Dremel bro! You can get one for less than a pickup cost. It looked ruff but good job.👍

[@matthewframe6616]

How has your kit held up so far, I'm considering buying one, but I am sceptical about how cheap it is... And also how did adding all the components inside affect the acoustics of the guitar, (when not being played though an amp) Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks.

[@anthonyxaviour6606]

Hey, Thanks for the video I have done this with my guitar. However, the volume of string no. 5 and 6 are a lot lower than the other strings. Would you be able to tell me what can be done to correct this? Thanks!

[@jaapkievit5843]

Very helpful video. Unfortunately mine came without the template.

[@edwardippoliti626]

Great video ,I'm building a diy acoustic guitar, so I bought this inexpensive modification for it ,but it didn't provide instructions, how to install ,my questions were where the pickup itself is mounted under the saddle ,and you answered all of my questions, thank you ! Liker ,and subscriber!!

[@Vrindavan1008]

It does matter what side you put the hole in bridge , because there is an equalizer that gives bass and treble? Am I right ?

[@YourHomeRecording]

It shouldn’t matter much.

[@newfster90]

Love this video , kept it simple and straight to the point!

[@SubErra1102]

there will be a hum ground sound in that guitar for sure sir

[@richardmeborg4717]

Hi. I have several acoustick guitars witg under saddle pickup. Suddenly all of them turned around the volume. Maximum been minimum and minimum became maximum. ven on the guitars I haven't used for a while. Change batteries as well. Can you tell me how to fix this?

[@clayapreston5641]

What is the name of the preamp and under saddle pickup system??? Thanx!!!

[@richiethetopcargarage6380]

Hi, can you give me the name and size of guitar cord wire from guitar to speaker please. Thanks

[@spike7269]

WARNING if you are going to do this remember to cut the hole on the side of the guitar that faces up I just cut the hole on mine as if I was a lefty. very happy that paid just £6 for it it will still just be a bit odd.

[@dariusyang9228]

Lol... saddd.... Good job

[@wanesweb]

although yours was the best video ive still not found my answer installing under saddle pick up i bought from shadow because shadow was the original now here is the issue everyone ive seen seems to be folded and smooth mine was originally folded but not a factory fold. the original has a lump connection that was under bridge and it was folded to fit the bridge . the replacement one seems to have a larger bulge it will come out about half way across the bridge if i fold it to fit . if i pull it through the hole far enough for the pickup to lay evenly in the hole there will be no fold i dont know what to do.

[@themomentum8412]

I hope you include on how to fix the wirings inside the guitar. the chord is kinda long. How did you do it?

[@Elvis-dw7ux]

Zabardast cheers from Toronto. Where exactly to place this inside the guitar as the one in my Yamaha APTX2, 3/4 guitar dropped in. It is about 1 inches in diameter and has glue on one side? Not like the one you are using.

[@parachute82nd]

I don't think I could bring myself to cut holes in my guitar no no no no no

[@garyreid1755]

Just read your post. Laughed out loud. I couldn't do it either. Like drilling a hole in your first-born.

[@peterchamberlain4448]

I have taped up my guitar, cut out a template, bought the right size drill, and dremmal saw, I have everything ready, but I cannot bring myself to drill a hole in my guitar....I keep watching this to give me confidence, but he keeps saying don’t use a good guitar if this is your first.....so there it sits....😢😢😢

[@scottwheatley662]

where's your sense of adventure

[@ro866432]

Then go buy a cheap guitar and turn it into electric, then it'll be more valuable than your old one lol

[@adro3828]

Take it to the professional, they will help out.

[@SONGSTICKS]

Hi, Can you tell me the exact size of the jack socket that's attached to the under saddle piezo please? By all accounts it should be 2.5mm but it clearly isn't as it doesn't fit a standard 2.5mm socket. I can't find the info anywhere. I just want to buy a matching socket so I can make my own adapter. Cheers Gary

[@arupsircar4855]

What is the recommended battery voltage for this preamp. Please reply Sir....

[@crazycat1345]

what did you use to cut the hole. A screw driver maybe.

[@sadpotato7029]

i wonder if this is gonna reach anyone, i just bought an acoustic guitar with similar hardware, my only problem is that it is making a not so loud grounding noise, more like a small ground hum and i dont know how to fix it. i got used to my electric guitars where if i touch the strings, the hum goes off too. anyone can help?

[@Gothguitarist]

Sand paper grit?

[@mohdzulhilmimohdzin]

Very good and informative video. There isn’t need to do any soldering job right?

[@YourHomeRecording]

Not with this particular preamp and microphone set. There are some available that require soldering, but the one I used just clicks together.

[@hhhggg8203]

Hi, I have a pre amp unit but I cannot find a output jack and battery pack, does anyone know where I could find it?

[@maxdegrussa]

I have installed a LC-5 4 Bands EQ Equalizer Acoustic Guitar Preamp Tuner Piezo Ceramic Pick-up and was wondering will the 5 band fit into the same cutout ??

[@chikara3344]

Hey, that guitar seems really good at the fingers while you were playing? Could you please let me know the gauge of the strings and the action of the guitar at the last part when you were playing it?

[@AncientApparatus]

A better more accurate way to do the saddle would be to measure the thickness of the Piezo pickup then take a sharpie to mark the bottom of the saddle then scribe the saddle to the thickness of the Piezo pickup & sand to the mark you made on the saddle.

[@jacob-thegoat]

Very helpful

[@joshbaxter5036]

Thank you!

[@glenben92]

You should really route the saddle slot lower rather than ending up with a tiny thin saddle

[@gavinbrown1304]

I needed to replace the old one that came with my guitar, so this is perfect.

[@MetalMan1245]

Nice.

[@Thelugnut01]

can i do it with classical guitar

[@boris41]

yes

[@MattsARocknRolla]

So I shouldn’t do this to my Martin?

[@atomshalom]

Don't do it to your Martin. It will devalue it.

[@gordon5004]

Great video. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@thesword2380]

"install the saddle"..🙄 I never saw the pick up.. Was it stuck under there with spit?

[@YourHomeRecording]

It fits flat in the bottom of the saddle slot. It’s difficult to see because the colour can be similar to the bridge. Then the saddle just sits on top. To get the pickup to sit flat, you need to be sure to drill the hole for the wire in the right spot.

[@michaeltaiwo99]

Wont there be need to add glue or something to hold the saddle? I am thinking of converting my guitar but I am scared it might loose its rich tone

[@YourHomeRecording]

The downward pressure on the saddle from the strings holds it in place.

[@jasonwilliams8321]

Nice video. just what I needed.

[@rickrugg6627]

Thanks a million I couldn't have done it on my own.

[@arinsa8755]

how did u fet that crispy sound at the end? pedal or efect ?

[@WeyounSix]

That seems to be a recording of the dry line-in track straight to the DAW. maybe some compression for clarity.

[@danyvaldi5596]

How it works that preamp?? Worth it??

[@patrasumit]

Good stuff✌🏽👌🏼

[@EduardoKnaip]

obrigado pelas informações, forte abraço

[@gumsterMV]

Made me cringe on how you cut it open and how crappy the work was

[@lucky-tl5ep]

It’s all covered up but I would of made it a little cleaner to prevent cracking

[@a_fernandez001]

Will this work on a classical

[@undericeaxeman]

any piezo undersaddle pickup will work on a nylon string or classical guitar just get one that is long enough to fit under all the strings as classicals have a wider string spacing

[@gwmadrigal]

@@undericeaxeman thank you. I was thinking about doing the same to my classical, but you're right. The bridge of my classical is wider than the bridge of my acoustic guitar

[@jesekawika375]

What are those cuts?!?!! Disgusting, thanks for the vid tho.. very helpful.

[@GolfSux]

Jesus Christ this is a hack job.

[@ColdSkilletGuitarlive]

Blasphemy. 😂

[@mohdzulhilmimohdzin]

Very good and informative video. There isn’t need to do any soldering job right?