kissing
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- Mar 30, 2009
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A while back, I posted a topic in which I complained about how every PASSIVE piezo system I've used in ukuleles and guitars would hum through my setup at home (plugged into an amp running on mains power) and how the hum is only alleviated if I plug it into an amp running on batteries.
I've tried all sorts of solutions, such as purchasing an external acoustic pre-amp/DI-box, which did not resolve the problem.
Then I proceeded to purge all the passive pickup instruments in my collection, swearing to myself that I'll never buy a passive again, and only stick to active pickup systems because they are not plagued by the hum.
But I did manage to find a passive piezo system that does NOT hum!
I discovered these handmade pickups by an Australian maker:
https://www.peterman.com.au/music3/Acoustic_Guitar_Pickups
I purchased the cheapest one there, the single transducer external pickup.
It arrived today, and I stuck it onto some of my instrument soundboards using some putty... and much to my surprised, a CLEAN and fantastic sounding tone with no hum!!
It sounds even better through the external preamp I purchased (so I guess that wasn't a waste of money afterall).
I immediately also ordered the dual-transducer internal version to install.
What is it about this particular soundboard transducer that prevents hum? Is it shielded better? Is the signal "grounded" somehow in a way undersaddles aren't? Is this the case with other transducer pickups, like the K&K ones?
Anyway, if anyone was interested in an affordable and easy installation (the external options are phenomenally easy to attach onto any guitar/uke with absolutely no modification required. Just stick on and play!), check these out!
This is the best passive piezo option I've tried so far!
I've tried all sorts of solutions, such as purchasing an external acoustic pre-amp/DI-box, which did not resolve the problem.
Then I proceeded to purge all the passive pickup instruments in my collection, swearing to myself that I'll never buy a passive again, and only stick to active pickup systems because they are not plagued by the hum.
But I did manage to find a passive piezo system that does NOT hum!
I discovered these handmade pickups by an Australian maker:
https://www.peterman.com.au/music3/Acoustic_Guitar_Pickups
I purchased the cheapest one there, the single transducer external pickup.
It arrived today, and I stuck it onto some of my instrument soundboards using some putty... and much to my surprised, a CLEAN and fantastic sounding tone with no hum!!
It sounds even better through the external preamp I purchased (so I guess that wasn't a waste of money afterall).
I immediately also ordered the dual-transducer internal version to install.
What is it about this particular soundboard transducer that prevents hum? Is it shielded better? Is the signal "grounded" somehow in a way undersaddles aren't? Is this the case with other transducer pickups, like the K&K ones?
Anyway, if anyone was interested in an affordable and easy installation (the external options are phenomenally easy to attach onto any guitar/uke with absolutely no modification required. Just stick on and play!), check these out!
This is the best passive piezo option I've tried so far!