SERP

Acoustic guitar pickups convert your instrument's natural resonances into electrical signals, enabling you to amplify and record your music. The right pickup can elevate your sound, whether you're performing live or recording in a studio. Our guide helps you choose the perfect pickup for your acoustic guitar, comparing options from Fishman, Seymour Duncan, and other top manufacturers.

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Adeline Piezo Transducer Pickups

This solid wood piezo transducer picks up the vibrations of your acoustic guitar, delivering crystal-clear sound with none of the electronic hum you might expect. The manual volume control lets you tweak the tone to perfection without any fiddly batteries or complicated setups. Whether you're nailing intricate classical pieces or nailing that solo, it's a discreet upgrade that makes your instrument sound even better.

SUNYIN Acoustic Guitar Pickup

This little black box with a volume knob might just become your favorite secret weapon for cranking up your acoustic instrument. Tuck it next to your sound hole and voilà—your classical guitar, violin, or banjo springs to life through any amp or recording setup. The direct-contact pickup design delivers clear, warm tones without the hassle of drilling holes or dealing with pesky glue residue.

EMG ACS Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup

Combining exceptional sound quality with precise tone control, the EMG ACS acoustic guitar pickup delivers a natural, articulate tone that stands up to close scrutiny. Its clever design addresses common feedback issues while maintaining the instrument's character, making it a practical choice for both studio and stage. The included Fender picks and polishing cloth add practical value to an already robust package, rounding out the experience for serious acoustic players.

Homeswitch 301 Acoustic Guitar Preamp

The plastic 301 preamp picks up your acoustic guitar with impressive clarity, and its compact design makes it a breeze to install – no soldering required. The thoughtful control layout lets you fine-tune your sound with ease, so you're not fiddling with knobs during practice sessions. The built-in tuner means you can check your tuning without interrupting your playing, perfect for those spontaneous jam sessions.

Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-Passive Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup

The Mojotone Quiet Coil NC Passive pickup captures your guitar's natural resonance without the need for batteries. Crafted with a 10' Mogami cable and Switchcraft plug, it's a straightforward installation that delivers studio-quality sound directly to your rig or pre-amp. Made in the USA, this humbucking pickup lets your acoustic's unique tone shine through.

Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup

This sleek black pickup measures just over 27mm in length and is designed to clip into your acoustic guitar's sound hole for immediate pickup enhancement. The included instructions walk you through a simple three-step installation process that requires no modifications to your guitar's body. With a slight 6cm head length, it's unobtrusive enough to keep your guitar's classic look while boosting your sound quality.

Ammoon Acoustic Guitar Sound Hole Pickup

This handy acoustic guitar pickup mounts easily in the sound hole, offering dual pickup modes with mic support and phase function adjustment. The well-designed metal enclosure houses a high-quality circuit board with shielding for smooth sound. It's a straightforward way to capture the instrument's tone without any complicated installation.

TIMESETL 15pc Piezo Pickup Set with 27mm Discs and 13" Leads

These brass and ceramic piezo discs pack impressive sound sensitivity into a compact design, with each 27mm disc featuring 33mm leads for easy installation. Thanks to their temperature-resistant construction, they'll handle everything from acoustic guitar applications to custom electronic projects without missing a beat.

Randon Acoustic Guitar Pickup

Attach this piezo pickup directly to your acoustic instrument's sound source using the included double-sided tape – it works perfectly on guitars, ukuleles, violins, and more without needing any drilling or modification. The 9.65-inch cable has a standard 6.35mm jack, making it simple to plug into your amp or recording device. At just 3 inches long, the lightweight design won't affect your instrument's balance, giving you clear sound with no extra bulk.

Guitto Soundhole Double Pickup

This versatile pickup system captures the rich tones of your acoustic guitar with dual microphone and piezoelectric technology, delivering clear sound with minimal background noise. The compact design mounts easily around your guitar's sound hole without modification, while the included battery provides up to 40 hours of playtime. The onboard EQ lets you fine-tune the tone to match your instrument perfectly.

Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-2 Acoustic Guitar Pickup

This acoustic guitar pickup combines Mojotone's "mic-voiced" technology with a powerful active preamp for crystal-clear sound. The included onboard microphone captures every nuance of your playing, from delicate fingerpicking to full-bodied chords. With its compact design and USA-made craftsmanship, the NC-2 installs easily without modifying your guitar, featuring premium Mogami cable and reliable lithium batteries that last over 250 hours.

Double A1G Acoustic Guitar Piezo Pickup System

The Double A1G pickup system gives your acoustic guitar a pro-level boost with its custom undersaddle design that works great on any bridge. The flexible ceramic pickup captures every note with crystal clear sound, while the built-in preamp delivers rich treble and deep bass. The quick-access battery compartment and LED indicator keep you playing without interruption.

Schatten UST-1A Acoustic Guitar Pickup

Combining a uniquely designed polymer sensor with a versatile undersaddle configuration, the Schatten UST-1 delivers rich, full-bodied acoustics that work wonders for both nylon and steel string guitars. Its generous 3-inch length and string position independence make it adaptable to any saddle spacing, while the included preamp takes the signal quality to the next level with reliable, low-noise performance that acoustic players will love.

Buyer's Guide

Acoustic guitar pickups transform your instrument's natural sound into electrical signals, essential for performances, recordings, and practice sessions. Understanding the different types and their applications helps you choose the right pickup for your needs.

Types of Acoustic Guitar Pickups

The main types include piezo, magnetic, and condenser. Piezo pickups capture the guitar's tone with minimal magnetic interference, making them popular for both classical and steel-string acoustic guitars. Magnetic pickups, similar to those on electric guitars, are less common for acoustics but work well with certain body designs. Condenser microphones provide the closest approximation to the guitar's natural sound, suitable for intimate acoustic performances.

Installation Considerations

Installation location significantly affects sound quality. Piezo pickups placed closer to the saddle deliver more bass response, while those near the bridge offer a brighter tone. Consider the guitar's body size and shape when positioning the pickup. Proper mounting with resonant plates or bracing systems helps maintain the guitar's structural integrity and sound quality.

Signal Processing

Modern pickups often include built-in preamplifiers with adjustable controls for EQ, volume, and pickup mode switching. This allows customization of the sound between different pickup positions. Pay attention to the jack design, as certain configurations may affect playability. Some manufacturers offer wireless systems for stage performances, extending the pickup's functionality.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation requires precise measurement and careful work to avoid damaging the guitar. Most pickups attach with standard screw holes, but specialized mounting kits are available for unique body shapes. Regular maintenance includes checking connections, cleaning the pickup surface, and updating firmware if applicable. Professional installation ensures optimal sound and longevity.

FAQ

What is an acoustic guitar pickup?

An acoustic guitar pickup is a device that converts the mechanical energy from a guitar's strings into an electrical signal, allowing the sound to be amplified and recorded. This technology enables acoustic instruments to be used in various musical contexts that traditionally require electric amplification.

There are several types of pickups, including under-saddle, piezo, and magnetic. Each type captures sound differently, affecting the frequency response and overall tone of the guitar.

How do acoustic guitar pickups work?

Acoustic guitar pickups function by converting the vibration of the guitar's bridge or soundboard into electrical signals. They typically feature one or more sensors that detect these vibrations and transmit them as an audio signal.

The pickup design significantly impacts sound quality. Under-saddle pickups measure string vibration directly, while piezo pickups capture soundboard vibrations for a warmer tone.

What are the main types of acoustic guitar pickups?

The primary types include under-saddle, piezo, and magnetic. Under-saddle pickups consist of thin strips placed between the bridge and soundboard. Piezo pickups use crystal elements to detect soundboard vibrations. Magnetic pickups, though less common for acoustic guitars, can be found in hybrid designs.

Each type offers different sonic characteristics and installation requirements. Under-saddle pickups provide clarity but might not capture natural acoustic tone, while piezo pickups deliver warmth but sometimes lack transient response.

How do I choose the right acoustic guitar pickup?

Consider factors such as installation type (under-saddle, piezo), frequency response requirements, and compatibility with your amplifier or DAW. The mounting method influences both tone and maintenance needs.

Listen to demonstrations of different pickup types and read user reviews to understand how each affects your guitar's sound. Consider whether you prioritize clarity, warmth, or specific frequency ranges in your playing style.

How much do acoustic guitar pickups cost?

Entry-level acoustic guitar pickups typically range from $50 to $100, while premium models can cost between $150 and $350. Higher-priced pickups often offer better build quality, additional features, and more refined sound reproduction.

The cost reflects the materials used, sensor technology, and manufacturing process. Cheaper pickups may suffice for practice or basic performances, while professional-grade pickups justify their higher price through improved sound quality and durability.

Where should I install an acoustic guitar pickup?

Under-saddle pickups are commonly installed beneath the bridge, while piezo systems often mount directly to the soundboard. The location affects both tone and volume output.

Under-saddle installations require bridge modification but offer consistent tone across all strings. Piezo systems typically use existing bridge mounting points but might need additional drilling for proper positioning.