How piezo under saddle pickups work. OK we don’t often offer piezo stuff but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about it. It’s guitar stuff after all. So here’s a few words about those weird little strips that make a bunch of noise.
A piezo under-saddle pickup is a fascinating piece of technology. It allows acoustic guitars to be amplified without the need for a microphone. It relies on the piezoelectric effect. A property of certain materials that generate an electrical charge when subjected to pressure or mechanical stress. This stress comes from the vibrations of the strings and the movement of the saddle.
How It Works
The pickup itself is a thin strip of piezoelectric material. Often a type of ceramic or crystal, that sits directly underneath the saddle of the guitar. The saddle is the piece that the strings rest on. Every time you pluck or strum a string, the vibration is transferred through the saddle and into the piezo strip.
Now, here’s where the magic happens. The pressure from the vibrating saddle compresses the piezo material at a microscopic level. Due to the piezoelectric effect, this compression generates an electrical signal. This signal corresponds to the frequency and intensity of the vibrations. The harder you pluck a string, the greater the pressure changes, and the stronger the electrical signal produced.
This raw electrical signal is usually very weak, which is why most piezo systems are paired with a preamp. The preamp boosts the signal to a usable level. It often provides tone-shaping options such as volume, bass, and treble controls as well. This amplified signal can then be sent to an amplifier, PA system, or recording interface.
Why Use a Piezo Pickup?
The beauty of a piezo pickup is that it captures the sound of the strings directly. It doesn’t capture ambient sound like a microphone would. This makes it incredibly useful for live performances, where feedback from microphones can be an issue. Since the pickup sits under the saddle, it also captures the resonance of the guitar’s body,. That helps adding warmth and depth to the tone.
Another advantage of piezo pickups is that they work well in noisy environments. Microphones can pick up unwanted background noise. A piezo pickup is isolated within the guitar and only responds to direct vibrations. This makes it a great choice for gigging musicians who need a reliable and feedback-resistant amplification method.
Piezo Tone Characteristics
One thing to note is that piezo pickups have a distinct tonal character. They emphasize high-end clarity and articulation, making them excellent for cutting through a mix. Some players find them too bright or “quacky,” especially when played through a full-range PA system. This is why many acoustic guitars with piezo systems include onboard EQ controls or blend them with an internal microphone to achieve a more natural sound. Piezo under-saddle pickups are an efficient, feedback-resistant, and durable solution for amplifying acoustic guitars. By harnessing the piezoelectric effect, they provide a clear and articulate representation of your guitar’s sound. This makes them an essential tool for live performers and recording musicians alike. And that’s folks is how under saddle piezo pickups work.