Do you love the natural, woody sound of your acoustic guitar but wish you could make it louder for gigs or recordings? You’re not alone! Many acoustic guitar players face the challenge of amplifying their instrument without losing that authentic tone. It can be tough to figure out which soundhole pickup will give you the best sound and be easy to use.
Choosing the right soundhole pickup can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different kinds, and they all promise to make your guitar sound amazing. But how do you know which one is the best for *your* guitar and *your* music? You want something that sounds great, doesn’t damage your guitar, and is simple to install.
In this blog post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about acoustic guitar soundhole pickups. We’ll explore what makes them tick, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to get the best sound possible. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing a pickup that will let your acoustic guitar shine!
Our Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup Detailed Reviews
1. AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup with Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet for Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Single Coil
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking to amplify your steel-string acoustic guitar without the hassle of batteries or complicated installation? The AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup might be just what you need. This pickup promises a clear and balanced sound, capturing the natural voice of your instrument with ease. Its unique woody design not only looks good but also aims to improve sound quality.
What We Like:
- It delivers a clear and balanced sound.
- The rare earth neodymium magnet and copper coil create bright tones with little noise.
- It fits most steel-string acoustic guitars with soundholes between 3.82” and 4.33”.
- The solid beech wood housing helps transmit vibrations for a natural sound.
- You get a lossless signal, meaning it preserves almost all of your guitar’s original sound.
- It’s battery-free, so you just plug it in and play.
- Setup is easy and doesn’t require drilling into your guitar.
- The detachable cable lets you easily unplug when you’re done playing.
What Could Be Improved:
- It won’t work with nylon-string guitars or smaller guitars like the Taylor Baby or Little Martin.
For guitarists seeking a simple, natural-sounding amplification solution, the AMUMU SP30 is a strong contender. It offers great sound quality and user-friendly features for a hassle-free experience.
2. Fishman Neo-D Dark Brown Single Coil Soundhole Acoustic Pickup
Rating: 9.0/10
Looking to amplify your acoustic guitar without the hassle? The Fishman Neo-D Dark Brown Single Coil Soundhole Acoustic Pickup is a fantastic option. It slips right into your guitar’s soundhole, giving you a clear, natural sound. It’s a simple way to make your acoustic guitar louder for gigs or recording.
What We Like:
- It provides excellent string-to-string balance, meaning every string sounds clear and even.
- You get great acoustic clarity, so your guitar sounds like itself, just louder.
- It’s a low-profile pickup, so it won’t get in your way.
- This pickup is passive, which means you don’t need a battery to power it.
- Installation is super easy – you just plug it in and play, with no changes needed to your guitar.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a single-coil pickup, it might pick up some hum or buzz in noisy environments.
- While it offers great clarity, some players might prefer the warmer tone of a humbucker pickup.
For guitarists seeking a straightforward and effective way to amplify their acoustic sound, the Fishman Neo-D Dark Brown is a solid choice. It delivers clear sound and easy setup for any player.
3. Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Magnetic And Microphone Soundhole Pickup For Acoustic Guitar Build-In Volume Control(Black)
Rating: 9.0/10
Unleash your acoustic guitar’s full potential with this versatile Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup. This innovative soundhole pickup combines a powerful magnetic pickup with a built-in microphone, giving you a rich and detailed sound. You can easily adjust the volume for both the magnetic pickup and the microphone separately. Plus, it’s designed to capture unique playing styles like slapping and board hitting. This pickup is perfect for guitarists who want freedom of movement and a professional sound.
What We Like:
- Wireless Freedom: Enjoy a 100ft (30m) wireless range, letting you move around the stage without being tied down.
- Dual Pickup System: The magnetic pickup and built-in microphone work together for a fuller, more detailed sound.
- Versatile Playing: It captures techniques like slapping and board hitting, adding new dimensions to your music.
- Easy Volume Control: Adjust magnetic and mic volumes independently, and fine-tune EQ and phase settings.
- Dual Working Modes: Use it wirelessly or wired with the included 3.5mm cable for flexibility.
- Long Battery Life: Get up to 8 hours of playtime in wireless mode on a single charge.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not for Ukulele/Classical Guitar: This pickup is designed specifically for standard acoustic guitars.
- Master Volume First: You need to turn on the Master Volume before adjusting the Mic Volume.
This pickup system offers a fantastic blend of wireless convenience and impressive sound quality for acoustic guitarists. It’s a great way to upgrade your live performance setup.
4. Seymour Duncan SA-3HC Woody HC Acoustic Soundhole Pickup – Magnetic Hum-Canceling Pickup for Standard Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Maple
Rating: 9.3/10
The Seymour Duncan SA-3HC Woody HC pickup is a great way to get your acoustic guitar sounding good through an amplifier or PA system. It fits right into the soundhole of most steel-string acoustic guitars. This pickup uses magnets to capture your guitar’s sound. It’s made with a nice maple finish that looks good too. You’ll get a clear, natural sound from it. Plus, it helps get rid of annoying humming noises. This makes your performance sound much cleaner.
- What We Like:
- It’s super easy to install. Just pop it in the soundhole.
- The hum-canceling feature works really well. No more buzz!
- It gives a warm and clear acoustic tone.
- The maple finish looks very natural and classy.
- It comes with a standard 1/4″ jack for easy plugging in.
- What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a passive pickup, so it doesn’t have a built-in battery.
- It might not be as loud as some active pickups.
- For very complex or delicate playing styles, some players might want more.
Overall, the Seymour Duncan SA-3HC Woody HC is a fantastic option for acoustic players who want a simple, effective, and good-sounding pickup.
5. Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Active Soundhole Guitar Pickup Adjustable Pickup for Guitar Magnetic Coil Build-in Volume Control Guitar Microphone Acoustic Pickup
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to make your acoustic guitar sing through any amplifier? This Rechargeable Active Soundhole Guitar Pickup is designed to bring your music to life with clear, detailed sound. It’s a powerful and versatile tool for any guitarist looking to amplify their instrument.
What We Like:
- It’s rechargeable and lasts for 100 hours on a single charge, which is super convenient.
- This pickup combines both a microphone and a magnetic coil, giving you a rich, layered sound.
- It’s easy to install in your guitar’s soundhole with a secure grip that won’t damage your instrument.
- The built-in preamp has controls for volume, EQ, and even phase to prevent howling, giving you lots of sound shaping options.
- It’s designed for steel-string acoustic guitars and offers a brighter, clearer tone.
- The package includes everything you need to get started, plus a 6-month exchange and refund service for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s not suitable for ukuleles or classical (nylon-string) guitars.
- You need to turn on the Master Volume before adjusting the Mic Volume.
This pickup system is a fantastic way to upgrade your acoustic guitar’s sound and performance. It offers great sound quality and ease of use for a wide range of players.
Choosing the Right Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup
So, you want to amplify your acoustic guitar without changing its natural sound too much? A soundhole pickup is your answer! These handy devices fit right into your guitar’s soundhole, capturing the vibrations of the strings and body. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a soundhole pickup, keep these important features in mind:
- Sound Quality: This is the most crucial part. Does it sound natural and warm, or thin and tinny? Good pickups aim to reproduce the rich tone of your acoustic guitar.
- Ease of Installation: Most soundhole pickups are designed for easy, no-tool installation. You should be able to pop it in and take it out without damaging your guitar.
- Volume Control: Some pickups have a built-in volume knob right on the pickup itself. This lets you adjust your sound on the fly without reaching for your amp.
- Output Jack: Most pickups will have a standard 1/4-inch output jack. Make sure it’s sturdy and easy to plug into.
- Feedback Resistance: Feedback is that annoying squealing sound you sometimes get. Better pickups are designed to minimize feedback, especially when playing at higher volumes.
- Durability: You want a pickup that’s built to last. Look for solid construction that can handle being moved around and plugged in regularly.
- Aesthetics: While sound is king, some pickups have a sleek design that won’t look out of place on your guitar.
Important Materials
The materials used in a soundhole pickup can affect its sound and durability.
- Magnets: Most soundhole pickups use magnetic sensors. Different types of magnets, like neodymium or ceramic, can influence the pickup’s output and tone. Neodymium magnets are generally stronger and can produce a hotter signal.
- Coils: The wire used to wrap the coils is usually copper. The gauge and winding of the copper wire play a role in the pickup’s sound.
- Housing: The casing of the pickup is often made from plastic or sometimes metal. Plastic is lighter and more common.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a soundhole pickup sound great or not so great.
- Pickup Design: How the pickup is constructed matters. A well-designed pickup will capture a balanced sound from all six strings.
- String Type: The type of strings you use on your guitar can interact with the pickup. Steel strings generally work best with magnetic soundhole pickups.
- Installation: Proper installation is key. Make sure the pickup is seated firmly in the soundhole and not rattling.
- Cable Quality: The cable you use to connect your guitar to your amp can also affect the sound. A good quality cable will transmit the signal cleanly.
- Internal Electronics: Some higher-end pickups have built-in preamps. These preamps can boost and shape your signal, often improving clarity and reducing noise.
User Experience and Use Cases
Soundhole pickups are incredibly versatile and easy to use.
- Live Performance: This is the most common use. Plug into a PA system or amplifier to be heard in a band or at a gig.
- Recording: You can easily record your acoustic guitar directly into a mixer or audio interface. This gives you a clean signal to work with.
- Practice: If you want to play along with backing tracks or practice with headphones, a soundhole pickup is a simple solution.
- Open Mic Nights: They are perfect for quickly setting up and playing at open mic events.
- Busking: If you play on the street, a soundhole pickup lets you amplify your sound without needing a complex setup.
Most users find soundhole pickups to be a convenient and effective way to amplify their acoustic guitar. They are generally plug-and-play, making them accessible to players of all levels.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickups
Q: Are soundhole pickups easy to install?
A: Yes, most soundhole pickups are designed for simple installation. They usually clip or wedge into the soundhole without needing any tools or permanent changes to your guitar.
Q: Will a soundhole pickup change the unplugged sound of my guitar?
A: A good quality soundhole pickup should have minimal impact on your guitar’s natural acoustic tone when it’s not plugged in. Some very small changes might be noticeable, but it’s usually not a concern.
Q: What kind of guitars work best with soundhole pickups?
A: Soundhole pickups work with most acoustic guitars, especially those with steel strings. They are particularly popular with dreadnoughts, concert, and OM-style guitars.
Q: Do I need batteries for a soundhole pickup?
A: It depends on the pickup. Many basic magnetic soundhole pickups do not require batteries. However, some pickups with built-in preamps or active electronics will need batteries.
Q: How do I connect a soundhole pickup?
A: You connect the soundhole pickup to your amplifier or PA system using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable. The cable plugs into the output jack on the pickup.
Q: Can I use a soundhole pickup for recording?
A: Absolutely! They are a great way to get a clean, direct signal from your acoustic guitar into a recording interface or mixer.
Q: What is feedback and how do soundhole pickups handle it?
A: Feedback is an unwanted loud squealing sound caused by the amplified sound of your guitar re-entering the soundhole. Better soundhole pickups are designed to reduce or prevent feedback, especially when played at higher volumes.
Q: Are there different types of soundhole pickups?
A: Yes, the most common are magnetic pickups. There are also contact pickups (which attach to the soundboard) and microphone-style pickups, but soundhole pickups are typically magnetic.
Q: Do soundhole pickups sound as good as microphones?
A: While soundhole pickups offer convenience, a good external microphone often captures a more natural and nuanced acoustic tone. However, for live performance, soundhole pickups are usually more practical and less prone to feedback.
Q: How do I choose the right soundhole pickup for my budget?
A: For beginners or those on a budget, simpler magnetic pickups offer good value. If you need better sound quality, feedback resistance, and features like volume control, consider mid-range or higher-end models with active electronics.
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.