THE BEST ACOUSTIC TONE: Piezo Rod Pickup & Pre-Amp in a Neck-Through Cigar Box Guitar

When I first started performing live with my cigar box guitar in 1995, I would shove a tie-tack microphone into the sound hole to amplify it.

It was just a cheap $20 mic from Radio Shack that was originally intended to clip on a speaker’s tie or collar when giving seminars. 

I was nervously playing coffee-shop gigs at the time, and the mic was good enough for the job at hand.

Picture above: Performing with a tie-tack mic in my original Macanudo, Rehoboth Autumn Jazz Fest, 2007.

Get the Best Amplified Acoustic Tone

Between then and now, the instrument’s popularity has exploded all over the world and people have tried all types of pickups in many different setups.

I’ve played them all and the following method is the best way I have found to deliver an amplified acoustic sound that captures the cigar box guitars character.

This setup uses a piezo rod pickup that is sandwiched between the neck-through area and the underside of the box lid.

Watch the video explanation of the set-up below. It'll take just over a minute of your time.

Video Tutorial

The rod piezo used in the video above is the same type of pickup found underneath saddle bridges in conventional six-string electric-acoustic guitars.

It works the same way as round piezo discs that many cigar box guitar builders use, but is much better at delivering balanced acoustic tones.

This pickup system also includes a battery-powered pre-amp and EQ, which is essential to the whole setup.

Without a pre-amp, any piezo pickup is just an underpowered contact mic and, in my opinion, sounds like a fart box.

For this reason to you is to always use a preamp with a piezo pickup. Always!

Parts Needed

The parts needed for the best amplified acoustic tone come in one handy, inexpensive package:

C. B. Gitty Piezo Rod & Preamp Combo - $16.49

The combo above includes the following:

• rod-style piezo transducer pickup, attaches via small jack plug so it can be removed if desired
• mono 1/4-inch jack with an automatic "off" circuit that turns the pre-amp off when the cord is unplugged
• controls for volume, bass, mid-range, treble and pres.
• built-in battery holder for 9-volt battery (not included)
• mounting screws, extra washer and nut for jack, and plastic self-adhesive wire organizer

Example Installation Picture

When notching the neck, make the raised notch in the middle (where the bridge rests) at least 3/8-inch (9.5mm) wide. 

Cut a groove in the middle of that notch just wide and deep enough to fit the piezo rod pickup.

The preamp is mounted on the side of the cigar box, allowing easy visibility and access when I'm performing.

Get the Pre-Amp

Purchase the pre-amp unit and rod piezo now. Just $16.49!

Must Reads

Learn more about how rod piezos will improve the sound of your cigar box guitars with the following must-read articles:

What's A Rod Piezo & Why Use One In Your Cigar Box Guitar?

Easy DIY Pre-Amp: Makes Piezo-Equipped Cigar Box Guitars Sound Better

Improved Stand Alone Pre-Amp Hack - Use tiny craft store box