Best acoustic & classical guitar parts according to redditors
We found 185 Reddit comments discussing the best acoustic & classical guitar parts. We ranked the 108 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 185 Reddit comments discussing the best acoustic & classical guitar parts. We ranked the 108 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Do the locking tuners upgrade!
Fender Locking Tuners - Polished Chrome https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000L6GD04/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LWW8BbSV95P9V
Fender American Series String Guides https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E2GMY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uXW8BbY5T66GG
A nice looking guitar! Because these are entry-level guitars for beginners, there are a few things that can be upgraded for cheap that are totally worth it. For example, one of the first things I would do on that guitar for a beginner is to get some straplocks. These replace the strap buttons with ones that "lock" the strap onto the instrument, preventing it from falling off when you're playing. The next thing I'd upgrade would be the nut. That one is cheap plastic. A nut like this would make a world of difference. Last but not least, the tuning machine heads are low quality. Your guitar will need to be tuned way too often with the stock ones. Upgrading to something more stable would be a good idea in the long run. You can even upgrade the pickups for cheap. High end pickups cost hundersd of dollars, but cheap ones sound great too! Go to eBay or Amazon and check out some of the very cheap "single coil" guitar pickups. Basically all of them will fit in your guitar, and how-to videos are all over YouTube. Pickups change the way guitars sound. You can get them for as low as $10 and as high as $200. Experimentation is key!
However, when you do the math, once you start doing substantial upgrades, it becomes pointless. You can just buy a better intermediate guitar for nearly the same price as buying new high-end pickups (for example), which might be wiser than funnelling money into this one. But, upgrading this cheap guitar bit by bit will make you really appreciate the craft a lot more. It will open a door of possibilities for you.
I've been saving up to buy one of these. I've wanted one ever since they came out, but only recently decided to start saving. I want the black SL, but I plan on swapping the white pickguard for a black one. I've managed to save $50 thus far, which has taken an embarrassingly long time (money is tight for the foreseeable future). There are no guitar shops in my hometown, so I have to order one online which makes them a touch more expensive than I'd like. I'm certain I won't be owning one before the decade ends unless a handful of people buy my synth project's discography whilst it's still on sale (85% off).
I highly recommend watching this YouTube playlist about your guitar. It's about your exact guitar, and one man's journey with modding it - and destroying it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7FKqzVMbe4&list=PLR9ppQtzpJEvQVwK91ww572MWrMTAP7vX
Welcome to the electric family.
First off, no need to apologize for inexperience. Asking good questions means you are gaining experience.
As for your amp I do not have any personal experience with the Vypyr but if you like the sound and it is loud enough for your applications then go with it. Those are really the only things determining if you need a new amp. If you ever want to upgrade to a tube/valve amp I would suggest looking at the Marshall DSL line if you are into heavier tones and want to spend money.
The pedals and amp are really based off what you like to play. If you are not satisfied with your current amp there are A LOT of good combos out there that are more affordable than tube amps. Andertons Music youtube channel just put out a great combo amp round up video you should check out if you want. I hope that all helps!
Okay I'm going to make a copypasta for this simply because it gets asked so much
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YOU WANT TO BUY YOUR FIRST CONTROLLER? GREAT. HERE ARE SOME CONTROLLERS THAT MIGHT SUIT YOU BASED ON WHAT YOU NEED
This list does not include:
Prices are based on the American Amazon website and most of the time come with free shipping. Prices last checked March 14 2015.
Hope this helps
A solid set of brand-new Fender brand tuners is only going to cost you $15 more...
Even the really nice sets are only going to run you about $60.
It's worth it. Don't cheap out on a component as critical as your tuners.
https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Stratocaster-Neck-Maple-Fingerboard/dp/B00DV11T6O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524952080&sr=8-1&keywords=fender+neck
Piezoelectric contact pickup:
https://www.amazon.com/Andoer-Contact-Microphone-Mandolin-Ukulele/dp/B00SISRMKC
Hi quality preamp to convert the high-impedance output to something with low impedance:
https://www.amazon.com/K-Sound-KK901-Pure-Preamp/dp/B0092S3XEQ/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=guitar+preamp&qid=1554409082&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-11
Audio frequency spectrum analyzer software (SignalScope for mac, i'm sure things exist for linux.)
Edit - it sounds like you want to detect these vibrations to quickly shut down the machining process? If you can characterize the criteria you are searching for and they are straightforward enough (i.e., power exists in a certain frequency band), an all-analog solution using bandpass filters, etc may give you the lowest latency. But you will have to be very precise in forming your requirements. For example, if your 'happy case' has -60dB of power at 300 hz with a 30 hz bandwidth, and your "stop now!" case is -55dB of power at the same frequency and bandwidth, AND you need to stop within 10 microseconds of detecting the condition....it's not gonna happen. There is not enough time to build statistical confidence about the change in signal power.
But if the changes are bigger and the time longer, you might be OK with analog or digital solutions.
FYI, my son uses this inexpensive pickup, and it works quite well: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005H2007E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00
I have this pickup, which looks to be the same, but is half the price, and it works fine with Rocksmith. You also need a coupler.
With the recent update, you can now use a USB microphone to pick up the sound. I haven't tried it yet with my acoustic, but it worked well with the mic in front of my amp.
Getting it on the PC has the big advantage of being able to play custom DLC. If his tastes aren't mainstream, that could be especially important.
Depending on the quality you need there are a bunch of super cheap piezo pickups on Amazon for ~$10. I got this one and it works alright. Definitely not amazing sounding, but with some eq it works.
If you want higher quality K&K is a go to for the ~$100 price.
Something in between (some people over on mandolin cafe swear it's identical to K&K, I've not tested) for the $20-40 range is JJB Electronics which have a variety of options.
Nope, just the Real Tone cable, one of these, and one of these and you'll be good to go.
Wondering if anyone has any experience with this: I'm looking into getting locking tuners for my MiM Telecaster and Strat. I found these: Fender Locking Tuners Chrome https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000L6GD04/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Uwnpyb12ZVPH8
Fender Model#: 099-0818-100 it says "fits most MiM models" Most? How much variance is there? I don't want to shell out $100 per guitar and have them not fit. I mean a tuner is a tuner right? It's just where the holes are drilled. Such an odd wording, and yet it throws me.
I had this little stick-on pickup and it worked pretty well!
Fender Locking Tuners. I believe they are Schaller, but made in Taiwan. Fender has some sort of arrangement with Schaller so they can make Schaller locking tuners and strap locks in Asia. The locking tuners for instance are made in Taiwan and they are amazing quality.
I recently got this pickup and I keep it on the headstock. I think it sounds good and it works if you are on a budget. I don't really know much about the pickup you linked to, but it looks like it should work fine!
I have not found one on the cheap. I am, however, getting ready to make one. I found some tuning pegs on Amazon and will be making the frame in a week or so.
I have the advantage of having been a carpenter. If I go all wood, It'll be a piece of cake. I also have access to welding equipment, so I can handle the fabrication of the frame if I choose metal.
Strat all the way for the Chili Peppers.
I'd recommend Squier Classic Vibe since they come with proper AlNiCo Pickups, so it'll sound great, and the main problems are the input jack and gloss neck. The neck is completely subjective, so you might actually dig that, and a new input jack is like $15 max, and it's about as easy as it can get when it comes to soldering. Even if you pay someone to do it for you, you'll still save money over what you would pay for a MIM Strat.
The one that looks the most like John's main Strat is the '60s Classic Vibe
If you have the $600, I'd say put locking tuners on to make string changes eaiser, a new nut for tuning stability and tone on open strings, and a good input jack since Squier's are notorious for their loose input jacks.
Put this on the headstock of your Washburn. Seriously, you'll be amazed.
(Protip: Make sure the round part is flat against the headstock -- if you push it on too far it will tilt up.)
"Is it difficult to find parts that will fit?"
It's not difficult at all. Most standard Strat parts like pickguards fit perfectly, and the electronics are good enough as is.
The only thing I would definitely do is a) replace the stock nut with a Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut (they're $12 from Amazon and usually another $15 to get a tech to install), and b) get it professionally set up.
https://www.amazon.com/Graph-Tech-GRC-10-Fender-Slotted/dp/B003HGQTIG
You could replace the pots, switch, jack and caps with higher quality stuff, but it's not at all required unless they get get noisy.
The CV 60s pickups are OEM versions of the Tonerider Classic Blues set (http://www.tonerider.com/classic-blues), which are very nice vintage-style Alnico V pickups, so unless you're going for more modern sounds, no upgrade is necessary there.
Properly set up, they are quite good guitars that sound great and are a breeze to play.
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That said, since I am an inveterate modder and can't leave well enough alone, here are the mods I've done to my two CVs:
CV 60s - 3 color sunburst
Tusq XL Nut
Black pickguard, pickup covers and knobs for a "blackout" look
Deaf Eddie Chromacaster switch (http://www.deaf-eddie.net/chromie.html) 6-position rotary switch that replaces one of the tone knobs and yields 16 different tones instead of the Strat's standard 5.
Fralin baseplate under bridge pickup; increases bass and mids a little, gives it a bit beefier and more aggressive sound (https://www.fralinpickups.com/product/prepped-baseplate/#)
New controls, wiring, caps.
CV 60s - Lake Placid blue
Tusq XL Nut
Mint green pickguard
Seymour Duncan Everything Axe pickup set (Lil 59 neck / Duckbucker mid / JB Jr. bridge) (https://www.seymourduncan.com/pickup/everything-axe-set)
New controls, wiring, caps.
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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CH9Q3FI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I made one a while ago and used this enclosure, it's the perfect size for a killswitch.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00W93IWQA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Here's the switch I used.
For the jacks, you just need two standard guitar mono jacks.
http://www.amazon.com/Cherub-WCP-60G-Acoustic-Guitar-Pickup/dp/B004UJO41S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382391410&sr=8-1&keywords=cherub+pickup
I got myself one of these. I don't need to put it in the sound hole and I just pop this sucker on the headstock. It sounds delightfully natural and it's a cheap device that works pretty well!
It's a pickup not a mic
You might consider getting compensated ones which will most likely result in better intonation.
You can get Fender ones.
https://www.amazon.com/Fender-American-Vintage-Telecaster-Compensated/dp/B00DDXKQAK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1478681533&sr=8-3&keywords=tele+compensated+saddles
Idk if there's a better option than that.
They are often called "Trapezoid" tuning machines, and they are not well thought-of. I like the idea of hitting-up a local guitar tech who probably has a jar full of used Trapezoids, rather than paying for a new set:
https://www.amazon.com/Chrome-Tuning-Peg-Round220-3L3R-Pieces-Semiclosed-Guitar-Machine/dp/B009AQZM30/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_267_bs_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AKJ2PDK7AS3TWRHYT0SK
The main component in all piezo mics is the same and cheeeap. Build quality of different products' casing is where the price goes up. The simmons contact mic you posted is like this one that I've used: http://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Contact-Microphone-Ukulele-Mandolin/dp/B008MUPALY .. I've used it on my clear heads, but I don't know if the adhesive would stick well to a Silentstroke. Also, piezos trigger via vibrations of the surface they are in contact with so it shouldn't matter how loud the hits on the drum head are. Whatever software you use will let you dial-in how sensitive you want the piezo input to be.
When in doubt, google it: This was the 3rd result for "piezo microphone" http://www.musicofsound.co.nz/blog/the-first-rule-of-contact-mic-club
Typically, they'll be sold in sets of 6, but some vendors, like stewmac or warmoth do sell them individually. I would just replace the whole set and take the opportunity to upgrade to locking tuners, if I were you. I'm a big fan of this Fender staggered set.
Your main concern will be the ferrule diameter. You want it to match the holes in your headstock, or at least not be bigger than the hole, or else you'll need to drill them bigger. Slightly smaller is not a major issue, particularly with the set I linked to, because of the dual stabilizing pins on the back that make the machine sit quite stable, but do require drilling holes for them on the back of the headstock. Most other tuners have a single stabilizing screw, which may or may not line up with the drilled holes on the back of your headstock. If the tuner(s) you end up with do not line up with the pre-drilled holes for the stabilizing screws, just pre-drill some new ones. Do not screw into your headstock without a pre-drilled hole.
It could be a problem with the indents on your nut, the piece where your strings rest at fret 0. Any local luthier could have a look for you and replace the nut if the high E indent is too deep.
Get a Graph Tech TUSQ Nut if possible, it will improve your tuning stability and help prolong the life of the strings.
I put some inexpensive fake dot inlay stickers on the side of my neck, looks reasonably nice and easy to see. Couldn't always see my pencil lines in a dark club. still have 'em on there. will clean off nicely when I remove them, if ever
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PGQYRFC/
I have a slightly newer version of that same guitar (same color and everything) that I bought brand new as my first electric almost 20 years ago. I still have it and really like it. I wouldn't be in a rush to change anything. Just set it up the way you want, play it, and then figure out what needs to be changed. MIM Strats are nice guitars just the way they came and I kind of wish I left mine mostly stock. I even wish I kept the stock pickups as I now think they sound good; I swapped them out for Lace Sensors about 15 years ago and I was never a big fan of them. I wish I kept the originals. I'll probably eventually pick up a set on ebay.
I did, however, just put Fender locking tuners on mine yesterday. I'm really glad I did it because it makes string changes so much quicker and easier. I didn't have to drill any holes and they fit just fine. However, that's not always the case with those. Take one of your tuners off and look on the back of the headstock. If you have 2 little guide holes, in addition to the hole the actual tuner goes through, you should be fine.
The other little thing I did to mine a few months ago is put on a set of Dunlop strap locks. I used the original screws instead of the ones that came with them. I really like these things and put them on my other guitars as well.
See this video regarding pole piece heights on strat pickups. Darrell Braun's channel has a lot of really good stuff on it including a lot of videos comparing pickups and busting some common myths.
Definitely not an Affinity then. This bridge will fit regardless of the body style: https://www.guitarfetish.com/Squier-and-Import-Compatible-105mm-Chrome-Shorty-Complete-Tremolo_p_24704.html
You can use a graphtec pre slotted strat nut on that guitar, since it has the standard-width neck: https://www.amazon.com/Graph-Tech-Fender-Style-Slotted/dp/B003HGQTIG
The tuners are likely Schaller-style sealed tuners, so these should drop in: https://www.guitarfetish.com/Now-STAGGERED-Gotoh-style-Locking-Tuners-Sperzel-Style-String-Lock-_p_514.html
For pickups, I used these: http://www.eyguitarmusic.com/Artec-Power-Single-Pickups-SMDA35Hum-CancellingWhiteAlnicoNeckMiddleBridgeAlnico_p_1294.html
Not a traditional single coil, but still straty enough and completely noise free.
I used the same ones I used with my Strats.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000L6GD04/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
My wife bought me Rocksmith a few years back to work with the acoustic guitar. You just have to buy a pickup and a female/female adapter. Might be a cheaper transition than going full electric from the start. Hope this helps: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005H2007E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_2cdBybDADR5HR
I would get a TusQ nut like this http://www.amazon.com/Graph-Tech-Fender-Style-Slotted/dp/B003HGQTIG.
Either your slot is flat and there will be no filing required (just wood glue), or your slot is slightly rounded and there is minimal filing (again use wood glue, don't use super glue or anything too adhesive because a nut is not permanent).
Also, to remove the previous nut, just use an xacto knife or similar and tap it out once it's loose.
It looks like you need saddle and bridge pins, you can buy these online and try to DIY. I recently replaced my acoustic's nut and saddle without a problem.
You will probably need to file the under side of the saddle with sandpaper if the action is too high. There are several youtube videos that show you how to replace and adjust the saddle. Here is one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbAGQk8iyNE
There are some kits that already include saddle, nut and pins like this one https://www.amazon.com/Blisstime%C2%AE-String-Acoustic-Guitar-Bridge/dp/B018SA2CPE.
Or since you don't need the nut, you can also buy the saddle and pins separately.
Pickup
Tuning Pegs
Total the non-printed parts ran about 50 or so, this included: pickup, tuning pegs, bow, rosin, nuts and bolts.
I bought this one for about $13.
smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B018SA2CPE/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1505795105&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=guitar+bone+saddle
Yes, I did it myself. It's pretty easy. The hardest part is adjusting the height for a low action. Basically you just run it over sandpaper until enough material is removed. It's just a long process. It sands very easily, but you want to check your progress very frequently to ensure you don't take too much off and that you are sanding evenly.
So I think I'm going make a Thinline Tele. Going to build the body and buy a prebuilt neck. What all hardware do I need? Right now I've found:
I guess I should probably get extra wiring? Anything else?
I'm not sure of the price. I saw it in a YouTube video. I'm assuming they're less than $20
Edit: $10 on amazon
I love the sound of resonating guitars.
I'd seen a YouTube video where a guy did it - I was sorta hoping some other redditors might be able to attest to whether or not it does well.
I bought this for $7.20 - I may check out the subreddit in case I can't get it to work, though. Thanks!
I just put these (amazon.com) in my American telecaster yesterday. It was a zero modification drop-in and took about 5 minutes. I've heard that mexi strats take the same tuners.
I can confirm that the nut is 10mm. This never happens, but I grabbed a 10mm wrench out of my toolbox randomly without knowing the nut size and it fit perfectly. It was like winning the lottery.
MIM = http://www.amazon.com/Fender-Accessories-994602921-Stratocaster-Maple/dp/B00DV11T6O/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1425304821&sr=1-1&keywords=stratocaster+neck
Mighty Mite = http://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Mite-Electric-Guitar-Neck/dp/B007VT5X78/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1425304821&sr=1-4&keywords=stratocaster+neck
For Gibsons, it is usually a good idea to replace the factory nut with something like this. I know where you are coming from, however a few tweaks is all it takes. I hear you though.
I looked for one of those. But they all seem made for steel string guitars (or are crazy expensive). Do you know of one? In the meantime, I ordered the following, just to see if my plan will fly. http://www.amazon.com/AXL-Acoustic-Guitar-Transducer-Pickup/dp/B002C741B8
Here is the mobile version of your link
This is a fairly cheap soundhole pickup. I have one, it is reasonable quality and could be used as a probe. I would think the vibration mode of the spring could be compensated for by the orientation of the pickup http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Pickup-Acoustic-Electric-Transducer/dp/B005H2007E/ref=pd_cp_MI_0/179-5378065-9933534
Thanks Johnnie!
I actually bought, installed, and used for a season one of those AKG wireless mics at the football pressbox. Thing had a range of about 300 feet. It was fantastic. I love the idea of one with two wireless mics for only a few bucks more!
Is a controller overkill to start with? I wasn't planning on really mixing songs and scratching or pressing hotbuttons for samples or anything... I had envisioned. All the videos I can find of folks with controllers are doing ... a lot, it seems. I was mostly thinking about fading in one song while fading up another, with some DJ software to help me accomplish that. Then again, I have no damned clue what I'm talking about so don't think I'm being stubborn. Is this Pioneer DDJ-SX2 controller overkill? In the pressbox, my simple setup was this Yamaha G06GX 6-channel mixer where I used Line 1 for a wired mic (Shure SM58S), Line 2 for the AKG wireless mic, and Line 3 for an 3.5mm aux input usually hooked up to an iPhone or a laptop. I used a labelmaker to label the inputs and such, and it worked pretty well. I'd obviously like a decent setup for controlling the volume of different inputs, but I just don't understand controllers and the whole CDJ thing.
I'm also open to something "cool" where I can perhaps control some of the settings via an iOS app to tune the speakers or adjust the volume remotely, if I were across the room or something.
Is GuitarCenter a decent place to go and check out speakers and such? Are warranties worth jack on speakers? I don't mind spending some money up front, as this is an investment, but I'm afraid of making a mistake and having to "rebuy" equipment because I decided poorly in the first place. From an outsider's view, I'd assume that Yamahas are great because I've heard the name, I own one of their motorcycles, and their price is slightly higher which I could (perhaps wrongly) assume means it's high quality. What do you think? Is a DBR12 at $500 or a DXR12 at $700 worthwhile? Should I get the cheaper ones but pony up for a sub?
Thanks in advance, again!
https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Pro-DJ-DDJ-SX2-Controller/dp/B00MRX3NBQ
get a cheap pickup like this one
https://www.amazon.com/Acoustic-Electric-Transducer-Microphone-Amplifier/dp/B00ADHKKZK/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474575710&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=neewer+pickup+to+usb
and a instrument to USB cable like this one
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Guitar-Cable-Adapter-Recording/dp/B00834KJ60/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474575710&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=neewer+pickup+to+usb
Plus a $6 female to female adapter and your all set. Can play rocksmith with it or use amp and fx modelers on your computer using your acoustic.
This probably isn't be the best place to ask, but does anyone know what kind of pickup I need? I've got a cheap acoustic guitar without an output, and I just need something that works with the game. I don't care about concert quality sound, just that it can match accurately in the software.
I saw both of these on Amazon, not sure if the cheaper piezo would be good enough:
http://www.amazon.com/Cherub-WCP-60G-Acoustic-Guitar-Pickup/dp/B004UJO41S/
I assume this one would work, though I'll have to check if I have metal or nylon strings:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ADHKKZK/
Any advice?
Assuming you don't have vintage style tuners then Fender has Schallers or their Deluxe.
I have the Deluxe version installed on my Tele and Strat and they work great. Either one would be a breeze to install since they both drop right into the existing holes and simply tighten on with a wrench. No screws needed since they have 2 little studs that prevent them from twisting.
Also note, that you can use an acoustic pickup and plug that into the Rocksmith cable if that is all you have.
A ten-second Amazon search showed this. Just remember to get a 1/4 inch coupler and you are all set.
Don't know what guitar(s) you've got but the first thing I bought for both of my Strats was Fender Locking Tuners.
and if I buy any other guitars, the first thing I'm going to get is locking tuners if it doesn't already have it.
Hey I also looked into it. I had NO idea these types of things existed and there are some wicked ones on amazon.
I just can't seem to find simple white dots.
I have found these and thats the closest I can find but they look like a shade of blue.
Let me know if you find a standard color.
> You can buy a Fishman TriplePlay Wireless Guitar Controller
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Or hit eBay and buy four beat up electrics for the same price.
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Guitar rig or a host of various VST plugins for DAWs out there are the better answer.
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You're not going to make your dreadnought into a vintage Les Paul in terms of laying out howling, sustain laden leads, but if you're wanting to lay down some filthy power chords, you can get the job done, more or less.
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https://producelikeapro.com/blog/free-daws-best-available-2018/
http://blog.reddogmusic.co.uk/2012/12/15/6-free-vst-guitar-plugins-thatll-blow-yourmind/
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When you do have some cash, go take a look at your local brick and mortar guitar shop. They're probably going to have a $100 guitar/amp package for you. Amazon has them right now, starting at about $85. After that, a cheap audio interface for your computer will make your computer much much better at handling the audio; the Behringer UM2 is perfectly fine for around $35, and you'll be amazed at the quality of suspended cardoid mic you can get for around the same $35 nowadays.
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Here's a bonus $8 solution: https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Acoustic-Transducer-Microphone-Amplifier/dp/B00ADHKKZK?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1 Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and you'll still need somewhere to plug in.
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Good luck!
Unfortunatly I cant, I dont know specific models / equipment here (I focus on electric and bass) and certainly dont know ones that will work with rocksmith.
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https://www.amazon.com/Andoer-Contact-Microphone-Mandolin-Ukulele/dp/B00SISRMKC
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Better ones typically sit under the bridge (requeres setting up your bridge again):
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https://www.amazon.com/Piezo-Pickup-Acoustic-Guitar-Cigar/dp/B00771QSA6
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Careful with the one above, it has a small jack, probably can
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Those are the very basic / cheap ones. I am dubious whether they would work as passive ones are pretty quiet.
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Generally speaking, electro acoustics have a little pre-amp box to boost the level and take a 9V square battery so something like this (you can see that one comes with a mic and peizo:
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https://www.amazon.com/Kmise-Acoustic-Guitar-Equalizer-Amplifier/dp/B01N77TIYZ
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But.. they require mounting into the guitar which you probably dont want to do.
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I also found this one which is a little smaller:
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https://www.amazon.com/Kmise-Saddle-Pickup-Onboard-Acoustic/dp/B0725QDYJV
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Perhaps that could be just left to dangle inside the acoustic or with some thick double sided tape secured somewhere.
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Yeah sorry, cant really be of much more help / not really my area of expertiese.
I have a very nice violin I use to play bluegrass music, and I didn’t want to install anything permanent on it. This pickup was recommended to me from a friend, and it’s been working great. For a $20 pickup, it’s discrete and sounds surprisingly good. Mine hasn’t given out yet after over a year of regular playing and supposedly it peels off just fine (although I haven’t tried to take mine off yet).
I’m not sure how good of sound quality you’ll need for your sort of gig, but it’s really not bad at all. Definitely worth a shot. Definitely have a DI box or preamp on hand, cause it starts out with pretty low signal.
The DDJ-SB isn't much of an upgrade from the mixtrack pro. They are direct competitors - although yes the SB is better it is still in the same class. Both the Mixtrack and the DDJ-SB are entry level controllers. The mid level model is the:
DDJ-SR: http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Pro-DJ-DDJ-SR-Controller/dp/B00FB2VAY2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421166733&sr=8-1&keywords=ddj-sr
The pro model is the DDJ-SX:
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Pro-DJ-DDJ-SX2-Controller/dp/B00MRX3NBQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421166857&sr=8-1&keywords=ddj-sx
If you are DJing with Serato either one of those that you can afford are obvious choices. The SX has professional level outputs while the SR doesn't.
Holy shit if you're buying a used SX for 900 (or a 2 for 1200) you're getting ripped off.
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Pro-DJ-DDJ-SX2-Controller/dp/B00MRX3NBQ
I see used SXs for 600 with flight cases all the time.
would this fit a squier strat body?
They make momentary pedal switches.
https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Momentary-Effects-Button-Switch/dp/B00W93IWQA
Edit; It seems some pedals have an “unlatch” setting.
Semi-Pro tip: If you have a question about your guitar, and it involves someone knowing what it, or part of it looks like, it's great to include a link to a pic of the guitar.
In any case, here's OP's guitar, showing the tuning-machines that I assume he has on it:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Rogue/RA-090-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar.gc
OP, your guitar utilizes tuning-machine that are sometimes called "the trapezoid tuners". I will link you to exact replacements, but I suggest that you don't get them, as they are well known to be the lowest of the low quality tuning-machines:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009AQZM30/ref=psdc_11967811_t1_B009C42TK4
https://www.allparts.com/SKG363CR--3X3-Economy-Key-Set_p_5618.html
Almost any tuners would be better, but not every tuner will fit the hole that already in your guitar's headstock (not to mention that these trapezoid's are the only style that will match your two anchor-holes).
There are better tuning-machines that will fit the post-hole that's already in your headstock, but they will require different anchor-screw holes, which will leave at least one, maybe two of your old anchor-screws holes open.
I guess what I'm saying is that if you want to do this cheap and without any drilling, just get the "economy" (trapezoid) tuners, but if you want better tuners, it's going to take some drilling, and will leave small holes open.
So, which do you want to do?
As for the buttons is that the unit you built? If not ask a guitar peddle guy where to get momentary stomp switches. They would be beutiful for it. Failing that some arcade buttons are good but make sure to get the ones with a microswitch
Edit: this looks good
https://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Momentary-Effects-Button-Switch/dp/B00W93IWQA
I have a home-made guitar pedal I use - a foot-switch to toggle some amp settings. It's just a switch like this in a plastic box. It's been surprisingly durable.
I can't comment on the Gen 4 Noiseless, as I've never used them. My wiring is more like a Les Paul, with dual HB, three way switch and push-pulls for coil splits. This is a pretty good resource for wiring ideas, if you're looking for inspiration. Generally speaking, you'll also want to replace the switches and pots with Switchcraft, CTS, etc. My guess is that the MIM's come with Alpha, but I could be wrong.
EDIT: Keep in mind, when researching wiring diagrams, that "Noiseless" usually means humbucker. It might look like a single coil, but it will be two coils stacked one on top of the other. Check manufacturer specs to confirm whether you're dealing with four or two wires, then plan accordingly.
try one of these https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Contact-Microphone-Ukulele-Mandolin/dp/B008MUPALY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1480707811&sr=8-3&keywords=contact+mic
you can actually get an adapter that will fit on your acoustic so you can plug it in but your still best getting electric imo.
After a short google search http://www.amazon.com/HDE-Acoustic-Electric-Amplifier-Converter/dp/B005AL3RG8
I only experimented a little with effects when recording this. I just used a cheap suctioncup pickup like this one, and that was really only for the one electric sounding song. Everything else was acoustic and maybe some garage band filters.
How cheap?
You could start by filling the guitar body with foam, in torn off gravel-like pieces (you want an even filling that's not too tight).
You'll probably need one of those sound-hole covers to keep the foam in:
https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Screeching-Acoustic-Soundhole/dp/B0010SHU18/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1503384410&sr=1-1&keywords=acoustic+soundhole+cover
Then you are going to want a stick-on piezo acoustic pickup, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/SUNYIN-Transducer-Microphone-Classical-Cello-Black/dp/B01M1GG05L/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503384035&sr=8-2&keywords=piezo+acoustic+guitar+pickup
Stick it directly to the bridge, as close to the bass strings as possible.
And you will need a headphone amp, something like this might work:
https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-611500-Headphone-Amplifier-Guitar/dp/B00AJHE5E6/ref=sr_1_10?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1503384156&sr=1-10&keywords=guitar+headphone+amp
You may need an adapter to plug it into the pickup
This setup is not going to sound great, but it's cheap!