Mike's Oud Forums

Installing pick up.

SamirCanada - 10-3-2006 at 09:43 PM

Iam about to install a pick up with dual heads that can be mounted under the brige. I would like to make the whole nice and clean what's my best option for that? What kind of drill bit?
Also where is the safest most stable place to make the whole, my guess would be at the bottom of the oud through the bottom block?. Is it the case.
I feel pretty confident working on ouds now but Iam always hesitant when it comes to making holes in them :D
any advice will be taken.
thanks.

Dr. Oud - 10-4-2006 at 08:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by SamirCanada
Iam about to install a pick up with dual heads that can be mounted under the brige. I would like to make the whole nice and clean what's my best option for that? What kind of drill bit?
Also where is the safest most stable place to make the whole, my guess would be at the bottom of the oud through the bottom block?. Is it the case.
I feel pretty confident working on ouds now but Iam always hesitant when it comes to making holes in them :D
any advice will be taken.
thanks.
Use a forstner bit to drill the jack hole. This bit has cutting teeth around the perimeter that will cut a clean hole without splintering. Locate the hole through the end block and low enough to clear the brace behind the bridge.
Position one pickip foward of the end of the bridge on the treble side, 1/2 way between the front edge of the bridge and the brace. Place the other behind the bridge on the bass side also 1/2 way from the bridge rear edge and the rear brace. Leave enough wire on the pickups to pass through the hole and solder to the jack, and don't forget to put the nut and washer over the wire first. Uuse a washer on both inside and outside. The LR Baggs preamp seems to be the favorite among the players I know.

SamirCanada - 10-4-2006 at 08:26 PM

Thanks for the advice.
I will post a sample of the pickup when its installed.