Make a Simple Electric Guitar Circuit

Would be interested to make a DIY basic electric guitar out from a Hawaiian guitar?

This is an excellent idea that will be affordable for everyone.

What is an Electric Guitar:

A simple electric guitar is one that converts the vibration of its steel or nickel strings into electric currents using electronic sensors.

After passing through an amplifier these signals are amplified and converts back into sound via a speaker.

Circuit Working:

Parts List:

A door bell electromagnet running at 230V AC and a transistor receiver or a conventional audio amplifier are all it need.

As one place the electromagnet near the guitar or banjos wires make sure the wires are parallel to the poles but not touching them.

At this point the electromagnet acts as a pick up coil.

Turn on the amplifier by connecting the coils two terminals to the input points adjusting the volume to a comfortable level and then starting to play the guitar.

The guitar sounds become audible through the amplifier.

Try adjusting the coils location by trial and error to see the best result and tightly fix it.

For the coil use insulated wire to avoid making unnecessary noise.

A powerful permanent magnet should be placed close to the electromagnets core for a higher output.

Formula:

The formula shown below describes the magnetic field strength (B) in an electromagnet or solenoid.

Here are the factors and what they do:

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

Here,

• B is the strength of the magnetic field produced by the electromagnets and is measured in tesla T.
• The capacity of empty space (µ₀) that connects the magnetic field to the current that creates it is described by the constant value 1.257 * 10-6.
• The thickness of the core materials is indicated by Ur.
• I have the value in ampere the current flowing through the magnetic coil is measured.
• N is the number of spins the magnetic coil has.
• L is the core length of the electromagnet measured in meters.

In practical terms the following formula indicates the strength of an electromagnets magnetic field is proportional to:

• The strength of the current charging the coil.
• The coils number of turns.
• The magnetic properties of the core material are indicated by its relative permeability.
• In proportion to the length of the core too.

For a number of applications this formula helps in designing electromagnets with the right magnetic field strengths.

How to Build:

To Make a Simple Electric Guitar Circuit following are the building steps for connections:

The Electromagnets Position:

• The electromagnet should be placed close to the guitar or banjos wires.
• Make sure the wires are parallel to the electromagnets poles but not touching them.

The Pick Up Coils Creation:

• At the moment the electromagnet functions as a pick up coil.
• Connect the coils two terminals to the amplifiers input terminals.

Connections:

• To reduce unwanted noise use insulated wire for the coil.
• Connect the coils shielded wire to the amplifiers input terminals.

Setting Up an Amplifier:

• Turn the amplifier on.
• To achieve a comfortable loudness adjust the control.

Checking and Modifying:

• Play the guitar and hear the sound that is amplified.
• Through trial and error adjust the coils position to find out where it produces the most output.

Long term Fixing:

• Once the right spot has been decided firmly fix the electromagnet.

Optional Improvement:

• Consider placing a powerful permanent magnet extremely near the electromagnets core for increased output.

Last Testing:

• Play the instrument once more to make sure the changes to provide the tone ones need.

Conclusion:

Be cautious while handling electrical components and confirm that the electromagnet and amplifier are safe.

Think about seeking help from someone with electronics knowledge if you are unfamiliar with electrical systems.

Simple electric guitars are widely used in a range of forms of music, including pop, jazz and rock and blues.

Because of its flexibility musicians can try pedals and amplifiers to experiment with various effects and tones.

References:

Physics of the Electric Guitar

Electric guitar