Multipurpose Percussion Case

You're a musician! Musician, have you ever had the need for some percussion during solo gigs or during your practice sessions? I have. But, I play guitar, so my hands are occupied. I could stomp out a bass line on the floor with my foot, but who would hear it?

A have a solution! I wired a spare guitar case with piezoelectric pickups to amplify my toe-tapping. Yeah! I tap out rhythms on this case with my foot as I play. The case is plugged into my amp, so now I have a percussion section!

This rig can do that and much more. For example, I connected a synth guitar pedal between it and the amp which allows for an innumerable amount of possible sounds. Add a looper pedal and you have a one man band! Let's get started with this simple and versatile build!

Real easy. Two parts:

• Guitar case
• piezoelectric pickup (Less than $15 on Amazon)

Ok. You've probably already realized this, but.....with the piezoelectric pickups you can amplify anything! More on that later!!!!

• Drill
• Drill bit suitable for the size of jack you'll be using. The picture shows the jack end of my pickups. I used it for reference and chose a 3/8 inch bit.

The pickups I purchased came pre-installed with peel-and-stick adhesive backing. I believe most pickups like these do. This allowed me to quickly install them and reposition them if needed. ...AND YOU'RE DONE!!!

Wanna test it? Let's go!

I plugged the case into my amp and tested it without any added effects.

This video.....well,...let's call it a proof of concept. My lack of experience with my new creation and my general problem with timing doesn't do my project justice. But,...in your capable hands, I'm sure you could make it ROCK!

Adding effects! Let's process our sound! I'll be running the case through the effects pictured.

Warning! This short video is just me hammering on the case and playing with the settings on my effects pedals. It can get annoying....it's interesting, but gets old fast. Use it to spark some ideas. How would you use something like this? How would you improve this simple design?

You've likely figured this out by now, but there's nothing uniquely special about the guitar case. The magic maker is the piezoelectric pickups. You can amplify anything with them. Check out the video to see what I mean.

*Author's note: Just because you can amplify anything, doesn't mean it will sound good. I think the video demonstrates that.

THANKS FOR HANGING AROUND!!