ACOUSTIC TO ELECTRIC GUITAR CONVERSION

by technologyguy

45323

Intro: ACOUSTIC TO ELECTRIC GUITAR CONVERSION

This is an easy way to add amplification to an ordinary acoustic guitar. I started with an older instrument which, frankly, had seen better days. I would not do this with an upscale hand made unit. It is, however, a great way to improve an entry level, or in my case, older model guitar. I had previously done a bridge replacement on this guitar. You can check it out here: https://www.instructables.com/ACOUSTIC-GUITAR-BRIDGE-REPLACEMENT/

STEP 1: Disassembly and Prep

Remove the strings by backing off the tuning pegs till each string is slack, then pull out the bridge pins to release the strings. Keep the bridge pins to re-use.

At this point it is a good idea to clean up the guitar.

Optional: The finish had really taken a beating, so I sanded the flat top and pick guard with #800 and then #2000 wet sandpaper to remove all scratches, being careful not to sand through the black top coat. When dry and clean, I masked everything and gave it 3 coats of Rustoleum clear matte spray lacquer, waiting a day between each coat. This restored the finish and removed all scratches.

STEP 2: Drill the Holes

Check by feeling through the sound hole to locate the ribs. Make a paper template of the outside of the lower section of the guitar. Push it through the sound hole, pressing it against the underside, creasing it against the ribs. Pencil in the rib locations then mark the desired placement of the control knobs on it so they miss the ribs. Set the template on the flat top and transfer the locations by drilling through with the 5/64” bit. Also mark the location for the socket on the lower side of the body and drill a pilot hole with the 5/64” bit. Use the step- drill bit chucked into a portable drill to finish drilling the holes to the sizes required. I used a vacuum to remove any wood debris from the interior.

STEP 3: Assemble

Start by installing the socket first. Reach through the sound hole to access the location. (If you have big hands like me, use a pencil inserted in the backside of the socket to push it through.) Attach the washer and nut using the wrench to tighten using minimal pressure. Next, attach the tone control. Lastly, the volume control. Route all wires so they will not be seen through the sound hole. (Also, the ground wire is redundant as there is no metal to connect it to, and can be removed.) Place the pickup dead centre in the sound hole. Drill through the mounting holes with the 5/64” bit, then attach wth the 2 supplied Phillips head wood screws. Push the appropriate knobs on to the potentiometers. Lastly, re-string the guitar.

STEP 4: Play and Adjust

After tuning your guitar, plug into the amp and play. Adjust the volume and tone controls to your liking. You may have to raise the pickup to get a better sound. Do this by adjusting the two Phillips adjustment screws on the pickup till you get the desired effect. You should get a nice resonant sound, different from a regular electric guitar. And the bonus: You can still play it as an acoustic if you desire.

3 Comments

sdallman 4 months ago

You have the saddle in backwards. The stepped part goes under the B string.

technologyguy 4 months ago

So I do! Thanks. Checked with my other guitars and I made a boo boo. Maybe that's why i'm getting some E string buzz.