This is a simple and cheap way to make your own electronic pickup using a relay switch!
The relay switch has a fine wire coil inside which is perfect for a pickup. Combined with a strong magnet it can produce a really good sound.
This pickup only works for one string. However, if you want to use it for multiple strings, you can combine multiple pickups to create one larger unit.
The relay switch has a fine wire coil inside which is perfect for a pickup. Combined with a strong magnet it can produce a really good sound.
This pickup only works for one string. However, if you want to use it for multiple strings, you can combine multiple pickups to create one larger unit.
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Signing UpStep 1: Parts
What you'll need:
PCB relay switch: I found the relay I used on an old circuit board. Look around first! You can find them on plenty of circuit boards that are being thrown away.
1/4" mono audio jack: You can pick these up pretty cheaply at most electronic stores (Maplin/RadioShack). Also check out eBay. I bought 3 or 4 for about a fiver.
Wire: Any thin wire will do really.
A small strong magnet: As strong as you can find. The stronger it is the louder the output!!
In the first picture above you can see inside the relay. The left side of the relay is the part we're interested in, the coil. This will be the main part of our pickup.
The second picture shows what most relays will look like on the board.
PCB relay switch: I found the relay I used on an old circuit board. Look around first! You can find them on plenty of circuit boards that are being thrown away.
1/4" mono audio jack: You can pick these up pretty cheaply at most electronic stores (Maplin/RadioShack). Also check out eBay. I bought 3 or 4 for about a fiver.
Wire: Any thin wire will do really.
A small strong magnet: As strong as you can find. The stronger it is the louder the output!!
In the first picture above you can see inside the relay. The left side of the relay is the part we're interested in, the coil. This will be the main part of our pickup.
The second picture shows what most relays will look like on the board.
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http://www.maplin.co.uk/pcb-mount-low-profile-10a-relays-2512
The specs give the different version coils driver voltages and resistances as:
6v coils 100ohms
12v coils 400ohms
24v coils 1600ohms
It looks like, the higher the coil voltage, the greater the number of turns and hence resistance.
I'm planning on using two on a two string guitar set up as a humbucker pair with one for each string, but I can't tell you if it works yet as I've not yet bought the relays so I can't check if they pull apart easily. I'll get back to you when I've tried it!
Here's an example on eBay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Twin-Piezo-Pickup-for-Cigar-Box-Guitar-Stomp-Box-20mm-/180944604828?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item2a21238e9c