After receiving an introduction to pickup microphones in class, I feel it was fitting that we see a way to use our newfound knowledge. By using a Piezo Buzzer and some audio cable, one can easily construct an acoustic guitar pickup. The process of how a pickup works was the most interesting part of this guide:

“A word about Piezo Elements. Piezo elements are made from two conductors separated by a layer of piezo crystals. When a voltage is applied across the crystal layer, the crystals pull on one side and push on the other. This in turn bends the metal conductor layers. When a sinusoidal signal (audio) is applied, the conductors are pushed and pulled very quickly, creating sound waves. The beauty of the Piezo element is that it also can be applied reversely. If sound waves push and pull on the conductors, an electrical signal is created and can be output to an amplifier or recording device. This is exactly how we will use the Piezo Buzzer element in this project. It will be attached to the inside of the guitar body, and, as the body vibrates, the sound will be turned into an electric signal by the Piezo buzzer element.”

Once constructed, this simple application will save you money while producing sound comparable to consumer applications. Knowing how a pickup mic works, how to construct one, and how to use it in a practical application allows for further exploration of the object in our own works of art.

– Terrence Scoville