Make a Simple Electric Guitar Circuit

Are you interested in transforming your hawaian guitar into a homemade basic electric guitar?

Here is a fantastic suggestion that will be cost effective to your pocket.

What is an Electric Guitar:

A simple electric guitar is a type of guitar that uses electronic pickups to convert the vibration of its steel or nickel strings into electrical signals.

These signals are then sent to an amplifier, where they are amplified and converted back into sound through a speaker.

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

All you need is a door bell electromagnet 230V AC and either a transistor receiver or a standard audio amplifier.

Position the electromagnet close to the wires of your guitar or banjo ensuring the wires run parallel in front of the poles without touching them.

The electromagnet now functions as a pick up coil.

Connect the two terminals of the coil to the input points of the amplifier switch on, the amplifier adjust, its volume to a comfortable level, and begin playing the guitar.

You will now hear your guitar notes clearly through the amplifier.

Experiment with the coils position through trial and error to find the optimal output and secure it in place permanently.

To prevent unwanted noise, use shielded wire for the coil.

For a higher output place a strong permanent magnet very close to the core of the electromagnet.

Formula:

The magnetic field strength (B) in a solenoid or electromagnet is described by the below mentioned formula .

The variables and their functions are as follows:

B = (1.257 * 10^-6 * Ur * I * N) / L (f1)

• B: This is the electromagnets generated magnetic field strength, expressed in Tesla T.
• 1.257 * 10^-6: This number, which is a constant and describes the permeability of unoccupied space (µ₀), connects the magnetic field to the current that generates it.
• A very modest number, about 1.257 x 10^-6 Tm/A, is indicated.
• Ur: This is an indication of the core materials thickness.
• The unitless measure of a materials capacity to transmit magnetic lines of force relative to empty space is called relative permeability.
• Ur is 1 for a perfect vacuum, the magnetic field is strengthened by the relative permeability of most core materials, which is larger than 1.
• I: This is an ampere A measurement of the current passing through the magnetic coil.
• The magnetic field is greater the higher the current.
• N: This indicates how many rotations the electromagnets coil has.
• More twists of wire often result in a higher magnetic field since each loop adds to the magnetic field.
• L: This is the electromagnets core length, expressed in meters.
• A larger magnetic field near the poles may result from a shorter core length, which concentrates the magnetic field.

In simple words, the formula practically states that the strength of an electromagnets magnetic field is proportional to the following:

• How strongly the coil is being charged with current.
• The coils number of turns.
• The relative permeability of the core material indicates its magnetic characteristics.
• And in direct proportion to the cores length.

Using this formula can help you create electromagnets with the appropriate magnetic field strengths for a range of uses.

How to Build:

To build a simple electronic guitar using electromagnet following are the process:

Positioning the Electromagnet:

• Place the electromagnet near the wires of your guitar or banjo.
• Ensure the wires run parallel in front of the poles of the electromagnet but do not touch them.

Creating the Pick-Up Coil:

• The electromagnet now serves as a pick up coil.
• Connect the two terminals of the coil to the input points of the amplifier.

Wiring:

• Use shielded wire for the coil to minimize unwanted noise.
• Connect the shielded wire from the coil to the input points of the amplifier.

Amplifier Setup:

• Switch on the amplifier.
• Adjust the volume control to a comfortable level.

Testing and Adjusting:

• Play the guitar and listen for the amplified sound.
• Experiment with the position of the coil through trial and error to find the location that yields the maximum output.

Permanent Fixation:

• Once the optimal position is found secure the electromagnet in place permanently.

Optional Enhancement:

• For a higher output consider placing a strong permanent magnet very close to the core of the electromagnet.

Final Testing:

• Play the guitar again to ensure the modifications result in the desired sound.

Conclusion:

Exercise caution when working with electrical components and make sure the amplifier and electromagnet are compatible.

If you are not familiar with electrical systems consider seeking assistance from someone with experience in electronics.

Simple electric guitars are popular in various genres of music, from rock and blues to jazz and pop.

They offer versatility, allowing players to experiment with different tones and effects through the use of amplifiers and pedals.

References:

Physics of the Electric Guitar

Electric guitar