Ever played your beautiful acoustic guitar, only to find it sounds a bit… quiet when you plug it in? It’s a common problem for many guitarists! You love the rich, natural sound of your acoustic, but when it’s time to play on stage or record, getting that sound to come through clearly can be a real challenge. There are so many different types of pickups out there, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right one for your guitar and your music.
Choosing the wrong pickup can mean a tinny, unnatural sound that just doesn’t capture the soul of your instrument. It can leave you frustrated and wishing your guitar sounded as good plugged in as it does unplugged. But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help you navigate the world of acoustic guitar pickups.
By reading on, you’ll learn what makes a pickup great and how to match one to your specific needs. We’ll break down the different types and explain what they do in simple terms. Get ready to discover how to make your acoustic guitar truly sing through any sound system, and finally get the amplified sound you’ve been dreaming of!
Our Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Pick Up Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Pick Up Detailed Reviews
1. K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup
Rating: 8.6/10
The K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup is a simple yet effective way to make your acoustic guitar louder. It fits inside your guitar and picks up the sound of your strings. This pickup is designed to sound natural. It helps your guitar be heard in noisy places or for recording.
What We Like:
- It has three piezo heads. This helps capture a fuller sound from your guitar.
- The frequency response is just right for acoustic guitars. It makes your guitar sound clear and bright.
- It’s easy to install. Most people can put it in their guitar without much trouble.
- It doesn’t change the look of your guitar much. It stays hidden inside.
- It offers a good sound for its price. It’s a budget-friendly option.
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs to be connected to an amplifier or sound system to work. You can’t just plug it in and play without one.
- Some players might want more control over their sound. This pickup is pretty basic.
Overall, the K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup is a solid choice for guitarists wanting a natural amplified sound without a big fuss. It’s a great starter pickup for anyone looking to amplify their acoustic guitar.
2. Fishman Neo-D Dark Brown Single Coil Soundhole Acoustic Pickup
Rating: 8.8/10
The Fishman Neo-D Dark Brown Single Coil Soundhole Acoustic Pickup is a great way to make your acoustic guitar louder. It fits right into the soundhole. This pickup gives your guitar a clear, natural sound. It works well with all kinds of acoustic guitars. You can easily plug it into an amplifier and start playing.
What We Like:
- It sounds very clear and natural, just like your guitar.
- You don’t need batteries, so it’s always ready to go.
- It’s very easy to put on your guitar.
- It doesn’t change your guitar in any permanent way.
- It balances the sound of each string nicely.
- The dark brown color looks good on many guitars.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a passive pickup, so it might not be as loud as some active pickups.
- Some players might want more tone control options.
This pickup is a fantastic option for any guitarist wanting to amplify their acoustic sound easily and affordably. It delivers a great tone without any fuss.
3. Goghost Clip-On Guitar Pickup for 38-42in Acoustic Guitar Electric Transducer Sound Amplify Pickup Cable Length 10ft
Rating: 9.2/10
Want to make your acoustic guitar sound like an electric one? The Goghost Clip-On Guitar Pickup is here to help! It’s a simple way to get a louder, more electric sound from your acoustic guitar. You don’t need to make any big changes to your guitar. Just clip it on and plug it in!
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use.
- The padded clip keeps your guitar safe from scratches.
- You can turn your acoustic guitar into an acoustic-electric without spending a lot of money or changing your guitar.
- Installation is a breeze. Just clip it onto your guitar’s sound hole.
- It connects to your sound system with a standard 1/4″ connector.
- It makes your acoustic music sound bigger and more electric.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pickup itself is small (5 x 1 x 0.3 inches), but the cable is only about 9.84 inches long, which might be a bit short for some setups.
This Goghost pickup offers an affordable and easy solution for acoustic guitarists wanting more power and an electric edge. It’s a great way to experiment with new sounds.
4. Seymour Duncan SA-3HC Woody HC Acoustic Soundhole Pickup – Magnetic Hum-Canceling Pickup for Standard Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Maple
Rating: 9.2/10
If you want to amplify your steel-string acoustic guitar without changing its natural sound, the Seymour Duncan SA-3HC Woody HC is a fantastic option. This pickup fits right into your guitar’s soundhole. It uses a magnetic system to capture your guitar’s vibrations. The maple finish looks great, too.
What We Like:
- It delivers a clear, natural acoustic tone.
- The hum-canceling feature means no annoying buzzing.
- Installation is super easy; you just plug it in.
- It fits most standard steel-string acoustic guitars.
- The maple wood casing adds a touch of class.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1/4″ jack might require an adapter for some amps.
- It’s designed for steel strings, so it won’t work on nylon-string guitars.
This pickup is a simple yet effective way to get your acoustic guitar heard. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to plug in and play.
5. Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Magnetic And Microphone Soundhole Pickup For Acoustic Guitar Build-In Volume Control(Black)
Rating: 9.1/10
Amp up your acoustic guitar sound with the Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup. This black, rechargeable pickup brings your music to life with its dual magnetic and microphone system. It offers a wireless range of up to 100 feet, letting you move freely while you play. You can even control the volume for both the magnetic pickup and the microphone separately, giving you total command over your sound. Plus, it picks up cool techniques like slapping and board hitting, adding new dimensions to your playing.
What We Like:
- Wireless freedom up to 100 feet.
- Dual magnetic and microphone pickups for rich sound.
- Independent volume control for magnetic and mic.
- Supports advanced playing techniques like slapping.
- Works in both wireless and wired modes.
- Built-in preamp with EQ and anti-howling features.
- Long battery life for both receiver and wired use.
- Includes all necessary accessories for setup.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not suitable for ukuleles or classical guitars.
- Master volume needs to be on for mic volume adjustment.
This pickup system is a fantastic way to get better sound from your acoustic guitar. It’s easy to use and gives you lots of control over your performance.
Choosing the Right Acoustic Guitar Pickup: Your Guide to Amplified Sound
Want to play your acoustic guitar through an amplifier or sound system? You need an acoustic guitar pickup. This little device captures your guitar’s sound and turns it into an electrical signal. It lets you be heard loud and clear at gigs, in the studio, or just for fun practice.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an acoustic guitar pickup, keep these important features in mind:
- Sound Quality: This is the most important thing. Listen for a pickup that sounds natural and reproduces the warm, rich tone of your acoustic guitar. Some pickups can sound thin or artificial.
- Ease of Installation: Many pickups are designed to be easy to put in yourself. Others might need a professional. Think about how handy you are.
- Feedback Rejection: Feedback is that annoying squealing sound you sometimes get. A good pickup will help prevent this, especially when you play loudly.
- Volume and Tone Controls: Some pickups have built-in controls. This lets you adjust your sound right on the guitar. It’s super convenient!
- Durability: You want a pickup that will last. Look for sturdy construction that can handle being moved around and played often.
Important Materials
The parts that make up a pickup are important for how it sounds and works:
- Magnets: These are often made of ceramic or neodymium. Ceramic magnets are common and offer a good balance of power and tone. Neodymium magnets are stronger and can give a brighter sound.
- Coils: These are wrapped with wire. The type and thickness of the wire, and how it’s wound, affect the sound.
- Preamp: Many pickups have a small amplifier built into them called a preamp. This boosts the signal from the pickup. Good preamps help make the sound clear and strong. Some are powered by batteries.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a pickup sound better or worse:
- Pickup Type: Different types capture sound in different ways.
- Soundhole Pickups: These clip onto the edge of the soundhole. They are easy to install and remove. They often sound good and are less likely to cause feedback.
- Undersaddle Pickups: These are thin strips placed under the bridge saddle. They capture string vibrations directly. They can sound very clear but might sometimes sound a bit “quacky” if not paired with a good preamp.
- Soundboard Transducers (Contact Pickups): These stick directly onto the guitar’s soundboard (the top part of the guitar). They pick up vibrations from the wood. They can sound very natural but are more prone to feedback.
- Internal Microphones: These are small microphones placed inside the guitar. They capture the natural resonance of the instrument. They offer the most natural sound but can be sensitive to stage noise and feedback.
- Preamp Quality: A well-designed preamp makes a big difference. It can shape the tone and reduce noise.
- Installation: A poorly installed pickup can sound bad. For example, if an undersaddle pickup isn’t seated correctly, it won’t capture the strings’ vibrations well.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your guitar and pickup matters:
- Gigging Musicians: If you play live shows, you need a reliable pickup that sounds good through a PA system and doesn’t feedback. Soundhole or undersaddle pickups with good preamps are popular choices.
- Home Recording: For recording at home, you might want a pickup that captures the most natural sound of your guitar. Internal microphones or carefully chosen soundboard transducers can be great.
- Casual Players: If you just want to plug in and play for fun, an easy-to-install soundhole pickup is a great option.
Choosing the right acoustic guitar pickup can really change how you play and share your music. Think about what you need, listen to different options, and you’ll find the perfect match for your sound!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of an acoustic guitar pickup?
A: The main purpose of an acoustic guitar pickup is to turn the sound of your acoustic guitar into an electrical signal so you can play it through amplifiers or sound systems.
Q: Are acoustic guitar pickups difficult to install?
A: Some pickups are very easy to install, like soundhole pickups. Others, like undersaddle pickups or internal microphones, might be a bit more complex and sometimes need a professional.
Q: What does “feedback” mean in relation to guitar pickups?
A: Feedback is an unwanted loud squealing or howling sound that can happen when the amplified sound from your speaker goes back into your guitar’s pickup.
Q: Can I install a pickup myself?
A: Yes, many pickups are designed for easy DIY installation. However, if you are not comfortable with tools or wiring, it is best to have a professional do it.
Q: Which type of pickup is best for live performances?
A: For live performances, soundhole pickups and undersaddle pickups with good preamps are often preferred because they are less prone to feedback and offer a strong, clear signal.
Q: Do I need a battery for my acoustic guitar pickup?
A: Many pickups have a built-in preamp that requires a battery to work. You will need to replace the battery periodically.
Q: Will a pickup change the unplugged sound of my acoustic guitar?
A: Some pickups, especially those that are permanently installed, might slightly affect the unplugged sound. Soundhole pickups are usually easy to remove and won’t change the unplugged sound.
Q: What is a “preamp” in a guitar pickup system?
A: A preamp is a small electronic circuit that boosts the weak signal from the pickup. It can also help shape the tone of your guitar.
Q: How do I choose the right pickup for my playing style?
A: Consider where you play most often (stage, studio, home), how important natural acoustic sound is to you, and how comfortable you are with installation.
Q: Can I use a pickup with any acoustic guitar?
A: Yes, acoustic guitar pickups are designed to work with most acoustic guitars. However, some guitars might be easier to install certain types of pickups on than others.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.