Official Luthiers Forum!

I have a couple builds scheduled that I've been trying to get started on for years. I have a pair of nephews who want custom semi-hollow guitars built by yours truly. They both want an array of normal guitar pickups on them, as well as piezo units for an acoustic sound to augment the electric sound. I plan on using one or two disc piezos somewhere on the builds - I have plenty in stock.

What I'd like is some recommendations for an onboard preamp, but not one with tone controls. Strictly a volume to drive the signal down the cord to the amp. Since piezo units are stupid high impedance and low output, it's really necessary to get the best from the unit.

I plan on having a dedicated jack for the piezo unit - no mixing with the magnetic pickups. This should simply amplifying the axe.

You have suggestions? I am loathe to try anything StewMac offers... But would entertain anything else that is simple and effective.

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

NO ONE?

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Sorry Chris, the only onboard preamps I have first-hand knowledge of are the ones included with pickups from LR Baggs, Fishman etc. other than that I usually use and recommend outboard preamps.

I have no first-hand experience with this product but K&K make a simple onboard preamp that just has a thumb wheel vol control… in my experience most other K&K gear I’ve used is at least OK and in many cases really good, so it could be worth rolling the dice on.

Schatten sells a small preamp called the micro-pre that might do what you want. If you want something fancier that can mix the magnetic and piezo outputs (or keep them separate), have a look at the acoustiphonic system from graphtech.

_________________
Andy
www.bounsallguitarworks.com

K&K has a few options I use them the ultra pure is with the mini and sound hole pre amp

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

Thanks, guys.

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

K and K is a good choice IMO. I too though prefer outboard now as well. I did read an article somewhere on making your own onboard preamp and it did seem pretty simple.

I'm also a fan of external amps and of the K&K's - I used one on stage for about 5 years and our sound guy liked what he was getting. A few years ago I switched to a Red Eye twin but only because I needed a switchable 2-channel so I could go between two guitars.

_________________
Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

The problem with onboard amps is the battery. I've never seen a battery holder that was really secure against the ministrations of airline baggage handlers. A loose battery rattling around inside can do some damage. It's also often a pain to replace them.

JJB is very much like K&K at a much better price. I believe they have an on-board pre-amp available now.

Brent