Understanding Piezo Pickups: A Comprehensive Guide for Acoustic Guitar Enthusiasts
When discussing guitar pickups, the term piezo pickup might not be as familiar as traditional magnetic or magnetic pickup systems. However, they play a crucial role in the amplification of both solid and acoustic guitars. In this article, we'll delve into what piezo pickups are, how they function, and a comparison with traditional microphones.
Function of Piezo Pickups
Piezo pickup is a thin strip of material that sits below the saddle of the guitar, placed on top of the bridge, and beneath the soundboard. Unlike traditional pickups, piezo pickups primarily capture the vibrations of the guitar's strings instead of the body resonances. This characteristic sets them apart and makes them a valuable choice for a variety of playing scenarios, particularly in live situations with amplifiers.
Differences from Traditional Microphones
When considering the role of piezo pickups, it's important to understand that they don't function exactly like microphones. Instead of sitting in the sound hole and capturing the natural acoustic sound, piezo pickups are placed under the guitar's top, around halfway between the center of the sound hole and the bridge.
While piezo pickups do capture some of the natural body resonances, the vast majority of the sound comes from the strings themselves. This makes them an excellent choice for applications where feedback is an issue, especially in high-volume scenarios. However, for the most authentic and natural sound, especially for recording, a traditional microphone is often the better option.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages: No feedback: Piezo pickups are less prone to feedback, making them ideal for high-volume situations. Flexibility: They can be mounted in different locations on the guitar, offering more customization options. Durability: They are less likely to suffer damage from spills or other environmental factors.
Disadvantages: Less natural sound: They don't capture as much of the natural acoustic sound as a microphone might. Steep learning curve: They might require some time to get used to, especially if you are transitioning from a traditional microphone.
Comparison with Magnetic Pickups and Microphones
While piezo pickups capture the string vibrations, they don't inherently create the rich timbral variations that a traditional microphone might. A single microphone placed on the guitar can provide a more honest and natural amplification by capturing both the body and string vibrations. One such example is Taylor's Expression System, which blends multiple microphones inside the guitar body to produce a more holistic amplified sound.
Understanding Piezoelectric Materials
Interestingly, piezoelectric materials work by generating a voltage when deformed. This principle is quite different from how traditional microphones function. Dynamic microphones, for instance, produce a voltage by moving a coil in a magnetic field, while condenser microphones use a fixed charge between two membranes that changes capacitance.
Piezo materials deforming under pressure can convert these mechanical vibrational motions into electrical signals, which can then be amplified. This makes them an excellent choice for amplifying string vibrations, but it might also introduce some unwanted "quacking" sounds during playing, especially if the strings are plucked or altered rapidly.
Popular Piezo Pickups
One of the leading manufacturers of piezo pickups is Fishman. Their products are highly regarded and offer a wide range of options for different guitar models and playing styles. If you're considering purchasing piezo pickups, Fishman offers top-quality choices and reliable performance.
In conclusion, piezo pickups are a valuable tool for acoustic guitarists, offering distinct advantages in specific scenarios. While they might not capture the natural acoustic sound as well as a microphone, their ability to reduce feedback and provide a balanced string amplification makes them an invaluable addition to any guitarist's toolkit.