Composites with 3–1 connectivity for transducer applications were made by embedding extruded PZT rods in an epoxy matrix. The effects of rod diameter, volume fraction of PZT, and composite thickness on the hydrostatic properties of the composites were determined. Due to decoupling of the d̄33and d̄31coefficients in a composite with 3–1 connectivity, the d̄nmay be enhanced, even in composites of low volume fractions of PZT. Such composites alsojiave a low dielectric permittivity. The combination of high d̄nvalues and low ɛ33value results in a greatly enhanced ḡn. Composites with 10 vol% PZT were made with values of d̄hand ḡhwhich are, respectively, two times (>80×10−12C/N) and 25 times (>70×10−3(V·m/N)