Amplify Your Acoustic Guitar with the Best 13 Pickups

If you’re searching for the perfect acoustic guitaracoustic guitar pickup to enhance your playing experience, look no further. In our latest roundup, we’ve carefully handpicked some of the best picks on the market, each offering unique features and unparalleled sound quality. Get ready to upgrade your acoustic guitar with our top picks for the perfect pickups.

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Guitto’s Acoustic Guitar Double Pickup for Classic Soundhole

Experience enhanced sound quality with the Guitar Pickup Guitto GGP-01. This versatile double pickup captures the essence of your classic acoustic guitar, with two modes delivering subtle and mellow tones. Its adjustable EQ takes your sound to the next level, while the piezoelectric pickup ensures a wider audio frequency range. Plus, with a long-lasting battery life and discreet installation, you can enjoy superior sound without breaking the bank or intruding on your guitar’s natural beauty.

Adeline Piezo Transducer Guitar Pickup: Superior Acoustic Sound for Wooden Instruments

Savor the sounds of your acoustic guitar, classical instruments like cello, or vibrating string beauties such as mando and uke with the Adeline Piezo Transducer Pickup. This high-quality, versatile pickup delivers crystal-clear, warm, and crisp sound, making your performances pop in any setting. Suitable for professionals and advanced players, it’s a piece of gear that enhances the pure music you create without any hiccups.

Amplify Your Acoustic Guitar: Transducer Pickup with Volume Control

Imagine amplifying the clear, warm, and crisp tones of your musical instrument with an easy-to-use pickup. Meet the SUNYIN Transducer Paste Acoustic Guitar Pickup, a versatile solution for a variety of stringed instruments like Classical Acoustic Guitar, Violin, Banjo, Mandolin, and more. This professional Piezo Contact Microphone pickup boasts a convenient volume control, eliminating any external sound interference or sound reflection from nearby objects. Simply plug it into your amp, bassbass amp, or recording equipment and discover the enhanced sound quality for your music.

Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-2 Acoustic Guitar Pickup: Enhanced Mic and Noiseless Performance

The Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-2 offers a revolutionary approach to acoustic guitar pickups, combining mic technology and noise-canceling magnetic pickups for a pure, natural sound. Designed with the perfect string balance and noise-resistant microphone, this pickup enhances your guitar’s tone without compromise. Made in the USA, it’s a lightweight and convenient choice for any musician.

EMG ACS Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup with Fender Picks and Polishing Cloth

Unleash the full potential of your acoustic guitar with EMG’s ACS Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup. This innovative pickup offers an unparalleled amplified sound without the hassle of feedback, making it perfect for both live performances and studio recordings. With its adjustable pole pieces and broad frequency range, the ACS delivers a natural acoustic sound that’s perfect for playing alongside a large band. This bundle, exclusive to Liquid Audio, includes 12 Fender guitar picks in assorted colors and a Liquid Audio polishing cloth, ensuring your guitar looks as good as it sounds.

Easy-Access Acoustic Guitar Preamp Pickup

The Plastic 301 Acoustic Guitar Preamp is a versatile pickup tuner designed for effortless installation. With its easy-access battery compartment and solder-free setup, you can spend more time playing and less time fiddling with controls. Featuring volume, bass, midrange, and treble controls, as well as brilliance control, notch filter, and phase switch, this preamp gives you the flexibility to shape your sound just the way you like it.

Mojotone NC-Passive Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup

Enhance your acoustic guitar’s sound with the Mojotone Quiet Coil NC Passive soundhole pickup. Designed to harness the natural resonance of your instrument, this passive pickup provides a pristine, humbucking sound. Installing this pickup is a breeze with no mods required for your beloved acoustic, offering flexibiliy to use any pre-amp or simply plug directly into your system. Crafted in the USA, this top-notch pickup is perfect for those seeking a pure acoustic tone in a plug and play format.

New Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup: Enhance Your Play

Introducing the New Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup, designed to enhance your guitar’s performance. This pickup is perfect for those who want to add a touch of sophistication to their strumming, while maintaining the classic acoustic sound. With its sleek black finish and user-friendly installation process, this pickup is a must-have for any guitar enthusiast. Say goodbye to poor sound quality and hello to pure musical bliss with the New Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup.

Acoustic Guitar Sound Hole Pickup with Dual Modes

The Ammoon Acoustic Guitar Sound Hole Pickup is an adaptable and hassle-free solution for installing on 36-42 inch folk guitars. Its two-in-one pickup configuration supports both pickup stick and mic utilization, while the mic’s phase function may be adjusted for optimal sound. The pickup showcases an elegant metal and shell design, coupled with a top-notch circuit board. This results in a low-noise output and exceptional interference suppression. Installing the pickup is a breeze, as you merely attach it to the rim of your guitar’s sound hole. Additionally, its compatible battery power supply guarantees dependable performances.

Double A1G Acoustic Guitar Piezo Pickup System

Discover the Double A1G Acoustic Guitar Piezo Pickup System, designed to enhance your playing experience. This innovative pickup system boasts a flexible frequency range of 20Hz to 20KHz, delivering crisp and clear sound while retaining the rich tonality of your acoustic guitar. The 650 Ohm output impedance and 200-hour battery life ensure consistent performance and reliability. Enjoy easy access to volume, tone, and phase controls with the thoughtfully designed sound hole layout. Double’s A1G system combines cutting-edge technology with a wealth of experience in the pickup industry, offering exceptional value at an unbeatable price point.

Undersaddle Guitar Pickup and Preamp for Acoustic Guitars

The Schatten Design UST-1A Undersaddle Guitar Pickup is a versatile coaxial pickup made for both 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars, perfectly fitting narrow and wide saddle slots. With its unique polymer cable piezo element, it detects vibrations from all directions, providing a full and rich tone. Being a passive pickup, it is best used with a quality preamp and works seamlessly with the Schatten DI-Plus Preamp/DI.

TIMESETL Piezo Guitar Pickup for Acoustic Instruments

Elevate your acoustic guitar experience with TIMESETL’s 15-piece Piezo pickup discs. These tiny powerhouses are made of brass and ceramic, ensuring durability and a long service life. Standing at just 27mm in diameter and 0.4mm thick, they’re compact yet mighty. Their 13-inch leads and 4.6 KHz resonant frequency make them a great choice for electronic drum triggers, touch-sensors, and custom contact mics. Whether creating rhythmic magic on a guitar or adding depth to a electronic device, TIMESETL’s Piezo pickup discs deliver a powerful and precise sonic adventure.

Randon Piezo Acoustic Guitar Pickup for Multiple Instruments

Experience premium sound quality with the Randon acoustic guitar pickup, designed for various instruments like Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Mandolin, Banjo, Kalimba, and Harp. This innovative product boasts a stick patch transducer that directly contacts the sound source, eliminating external interference and offering a clear sound. Its user-friendly design includes a mini 9.65” cable, Jack female socket, and easy installation with double-sided tape or self-adhesive Velcro. Enjoy the perfect blend of sound and convenience with this versatile and lightweight pickup.

Buyer’s Guide

Acoustic guitar pickups offer the opportunity for amplified sound during live performances or recording sessions. These devices enable the transfer of the guitar’s vibrations into electrical signals, which are then processed by an amplifier. While there are several types of pickups available, selecting the right one for your acoustic guitar requires understanding its features, considerations, and general advice. Let’s dive into the world of acoustic guitar pickups.

Types of Acoustic Guitar Pickups

There are two main types of pickups available for acoustic guitars: piezo and magnetic. Both types have their own merits and may be more suitable for different playing styles or acoustic guitar models. Piezo pickups are typically installed underneath the guitar’s bridge or saddle, while magnetic pickups are located near the guitar’s soundhole. Piezo pickups are known for their ability to capture the guitar’s natural sound and project a clear tone, while magnetic pickups provide a warmer, more dynamic sound, similar to that of an electric guitar.

Important Features to Consider

When selecting an acoustic guitar pickup, consider the following features: sensitivity, frequency response, and polar patterns. Sensitivity refers to the pickup’s ability to capture the guitar’s vibrations and is usually measured in millivolts per decibel. A high sensitivity pickup is likely to produce a more detailed sound, while a lower sensitivity pickup may result in a warmer, more natural tone. Frequency response indicates the range of frequencies the pickup can capture and is usually measured in Hertz. A wide frequency response will result in a more balanced and dynamic sound, whereas a narrower range may lead to a more focused or articulate tone. Polar patterns describe the direction in which the pickup captures sound and can be either unidirectional or omnidirectional. Omnidirectional pickups capture sound from all directions, while unidirectional pickups focus on a specific area, which can be beneficial in reducing background noise or feedback issues.

Installation and Compatibility

Acoustic guitar pickups can be installed in various ways, such as underneath the bridge or saddle, on or through the guitar’s soundhole, or via a soundhole-mounted pickup. Different models may require specific installation methods, and it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper installation and compatibility. Additionally, the type of pickup and its location may affect its sound quality, so it is crucial to test the pickup in a suitable environment before making a final decision.

General Advice

When choosing an acoustic guitar pickup, consider your playing preferences, the type of music you play, and the tone you desire. If you prefer a more natural, unplugged sound with minimal coloration of your guitar’s tonality, a piezo pickup might be a better option. On the other hand, if you desire a warmer, more dynamic sound with increased sustain and volume control, a magnetic pickup could be the perfect choice. Remember that the best acoustic guitar pickup for one player may not necessarily be the best choice for another.

FAQ

What is an Acoustic Guitar Pickup?

An acoustic guitar pickup is an innovative device that captures the sound vibrations from an acoustic guitar and converts them into an electrical signal. It is usually attached to the body of the guitar and is utilized during performances to amplify the sound, making it audible for the audience or during studio recordings.

There are two primary types of pickups available for acoustic guitars: soundhole and under-saddle pickups. Soundhole pickups are installed within the soundhole of the guitar, while under-saddle pickups are positioned underneath the saddle of the guitar. Both types have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on your specific requirements.

What’s the Difference Between Soundhole and Under-saddle Pickups?

The primary distinction between soundhole and under-saddle pickups is their placement and installation on the guitar. Soundhole pickups are set inside the soundhole, whereas under-saddle pickups are placed under the saddle. The soundhole pickup captures the sound vibrations from the top of the guitar, while the under-saddle pickup focuses on the vibrations from the strings. This variation in positioning results in differences in overall tone and sound quality.

Under-saddle pickups generally provide a more focused and precise sound, as they capture the vibrations directly from the strings. This can lead to better clarity and definition. Alternatively, soundhole pickups capture a more natural and full-bodied sound, as they account for the sound resonance from the top of the guitar. This contributes to a richer and warmer tone.

Are Acoustic Guitar Pickups Difficult to Install?

Installing an acoustic guitar pickup can often be a straightforward process, particularly when you opt for a professionally installed pickup system. Numerous manufacturers offer pickups with user-friendly installation kits, which provide clear instructions and make it easy for guitarists to complete the task on their own.

If you are not comfortable with the process or lack the necessary tools, it is always advisable to hire a professional to install the pickup. The installation typically involves drilling holes in the guitar body or soundhole, so any mistakes can potentially damage the instrument. Engaging a qualified technician to perform the installation will ensure the best results and preserve your guitar’s integrity.

Can I Install an Acoustic Guitar Pickup on Any Type of Guitar?

In general, many acoustic guitar pickups are compatible with various types of guitars, such as dreadnought, concert, and classical. However, the installation process may differ depending on the specific model and design of the guitar. Therefore, it is always essential to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or seek professional advice before installing a pickup.

Furthermore, certain guitar models may be more suitable for specific types of pickups. For example, soundhole systems usually work best on guitars with cutaway features, as they offer easier access to the upper frets. Conversely, under-saddle pickups are better suited for guitars with flat tops and minimal body contours.

Do I Need Any Accessories or Additional Equipment When Installing an Acoustic Guitar Pickup?

Apart from the pickup itself, the installation process of an acoustic guitar pickup also requires specific accessories and tools. These typically include a pickguard, adhesive tape or double-sided tape for securing the pickup, a hex key for tightening the pickup, and possibly a screwdriver for completing the installation.

When purchasing an acoustic guitar pickup, it is crucial to ensure that the necessary accessories and tools are included in the package or readily available from the manufacturer or a reputable retailer. Having these items on hand will make the installation process more efficient and minimize the risks of damaging your instrument.

How Much do Acoustic Guitar Pickups Typically Cost?

The cost of acoustic guitar pickups can vary depending on factors such as brand, quality, type, and features. High-end, professional-grade pickups from well-known manufacturers can range from $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on the specific model and materials used. Mid-range and entry-level pickups can be found for $50 to $100, while budget options may start from just around $20 to $30.

When selecting an acoustic guitar pickup, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your playing style, the type of guitar you’re using, and your budget. A good-quality pickup should provide a clear, natural, and balanced sound, while an affordable pickup can still offer a satisfactory performance when installed correctly and used for the appropriate application.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, I may earn from qualified purchases at no cost to you!