The acoustic guitar, a beloved instrument across genres, often needs a boost in volume for live performances or recording. This is where Acoustic Guitar Pickups become essential. They transform your standard acoustic guitar into a versatile acoustic-electric instrument, ready for any stage or studio. Whether you need to project your sound across a large venue, connect to a sound system, or experiment with effects pedals, acoustic pickups open up a world of sonic possibilities.
Acoustic guitar pickups come in various designs, each with unique sonic characteristics and installation methods. Soundhole pickups are among the most user-friendly. These pickups mount directly in or around the guitar’s soundhole and include different styles. Some soundhole pickups utilize microphone technology, like the LR Baggs Lyric Classical Acoustic Guitar Microphone, capturing the guitar’s natural acoustic tone from within the soundhole. Others employ magnetic principles, similar to electric guitar pickups, and come in single-coil and humbucker configurations. Popular examples in this category include the Fishman Neo-D02 Humbucker Soundhole Pickup, known for its warm, hum-free tone, and the Seymour Duncan Woody HC Humbucking Soundhole Pickup, another excellent option for a rich and powerful sound. The Seymour Duncan Woody SC Single-Coil Soundhole pickup offers a brighter, more articulate tone, favored by players seeking clarity and definition.
Alt text: Seymour Duncan Woody SC Single-Coil Soundhole pickup showcasing its single coil design for acoustic guitars.
For players seeking an alternative to soundhole mounting, transducer pickups offer a different approach. The Dean Markley Artists Transducer exemplifies this type. Transducers are typically attached to the guitar’s soundboard and respond to the vibrations of the wood itself, rather than solely the strings. By experimenting with placement on the guitar top, you can fine-tune the captured sound, emphasizing different tonal qualities.
Alt text: Dean Markley Artists Transducer pickup demonstrating its small and adhesive design for soundboard mounting on acoustic guitars.
Piezo pickups, such as the Fishman Saddle Acoustic Guitar Pickup and the Shadow Quick Mount Classical Guitar Under Saddle Pickup, represent another popular category. Often favored for their clarity and feedback resistance, piezo pickups are typically installed under the saddle of the guitar, sensing the pressure of the strings. While requiring slightly more involved installation compared to soundhole or transducer pickups, their performance has established them as a reliable and high-quality standard for amplifying acoustic guitars.
Alt text: Fishman Saddle Acoustic Guitar Pickup illustrating its under-saddle installation for capturing string vibrations on acoustic guitars.
Ultimately, the “best” acoustic guitar pickup is subjective and depends on individual preferences, the specific guitar, and the musical style. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Experimenting with different types of pickups is encouraged. You might even consider using multiple pickups in combination to blend their unique sonic characteristics, creating a well-rounded and versatile amplified acoustic sound. Just like choosing guitar strings, exploring the world of acoustic guitar pickups can significantly enhance your instrument’s capabilities and your overall sound.
