majnuunNavid - 6-10-2014 at 07:50 PM
Is it a piezo pickup? Probably somewhere close to the bridge, the most vibrations are there.
Dr. Oud - 6-11-2014 at 06:31 AM
The bridge is the source of vibration, but the area ahead of the bridge has greater amplitude which results in a stronger signal from the piezo
pickup. For a single pickup, the best location for a balanced sound is halfway between the bridge and the brace forward and in line with the treble
end of the bridge. More pickups will improve the signal by reducing noise and distortion. Add a second pickup at the bass side. Ideal is 4 pickups
arrayed across in front of the bridge. The size or shape of the pickup doesn't really matter as much as the location of the pickup and the quality of
the pre-amp and amplifier.
Dr. Oud - 6-11-2014 at 09:11 AM
A pickup in the center of the face will be overpowered by the bass, and weak treble volume. This is because the bass frequencies vibrate at greater
amplitude, which is what the piezo transducer responds to. Locating the pickup toward the treble side produces a better balance of volume between the
bass and treble strings.
To place the pickup in a flat back oud of 5cm I would remove the back to place the pickup inside. Placing the pickup at the red dot may interfere
with the strings and playing. If removing the back is not an option, place the pickup behind the bridge at the treble end of the bridge and deal with
the compromised response in the amplifier.
Dr. Oud - 6-11-2014 at 01:44 PM
The first diagram is best if it is inside. The second is ok if it is outside but it will not sound as good as the first position inside because there
is less movement of the soundboard at the second position near the tail.
Dr. Oud - 6-11-2014 at 06:16 PM
As close to the inside position without interfering with your mizrab.