Have you ever played your acoustic guitar and wished everyone could hear its beautiful sound as clearly as you do? That’s where acoustic guitar pickups come in! They help turn your unplugged melodies into a powerful sound that can fill a room or be recorded for others to enjoy.
But choosing the right pickup can feel like trying to solve a puzzle. There are so many different kinds, and each one does something a little bit different. Some sound bright and clear, while others give you a warmer, fuller tone. It’s easy to feel lost when you’re just trying to find a pickup that makes your guitar sound its best.
Don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this, you’ll understand the main types of acoustic guitar pickups. We’ll break down what makes them special so you can pick the perfect one for your guitar and your music. Get ready to discover how to make your acoustic guitar sing!
Our Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Pick Up Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Pick Up Detailed Reviews
1. Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Magnetic And Microphone Soundhole Pickup For Acoustic Guitar Build-In Volume Control(Black)
Rating: 8.6/10
Level up your acoustic guitar sound with this versatile Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup. It combines a magnetic pickup with a built-in microphone, offering a rich and detailed tone. You can control the volume and even adjust the microphone’s tone to perfectly suit your playing style.
What We Like:
- Wireless freedom: Enjoy up to 100 feet of wireless transmission so you can move around freely while you play.
- Dual pickup system: The magnetic pickup and microphone work together to capture every nuance of your guitar’s sound, including percussive techniques like slapping and tapping.
- Flexible modes: Use it wirelessly or wired with the included 3.5mm cable for ultimate convenience.
- Onboard controls: Easily adjust microphone volume, microphone tone, output volume, and EQ right from the pickup.
- Anti-howling feature: A one-key phase adjustment helps reduce feedback and unwanted noise.
- Long battery life: The rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 8 hours of wireless use, and over 100 hours in wired mode.
- Easy to install: Fits soundholes between 80mm and 120mm.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not for Ukulele or Classical Guitar: This pickup is specifically designed for standard acoustic guitars.
- Charging current: It’s recommended to use a lower current charger to protect the battery.
This pickup system offers incredible sound quality and flexibility for acoustic guitarists. It’s a fantastic tool for performers who want to amplify their sound without sacrificing tone or ease of use.
2. GOGHOST Clip-On Guitar Pickup for Steel-String (Not for Classical) Acoustic Guitar Pickups for 38-42 in Electric Pick Up Transducer Amplifier
Rating: 8.5/10
The GOGHOST Clip-On Guitar Pickup is a simple way to make your steel-string acoustic guitar louder. It’s designed for guitars that are 38 to 42 inches long. This pickup lets you connect your guitar to an amplifier without making any permanent changes. It’s a quick and easy upgrade for any acoustic guitarist wanting to be heard.
What We Like:
- It’s small and doesn’t get in the way.
- The long 10-foot cable gives you lots of room to move.
- You don’t need batteries or to drill holes in your guitar.
- It installs in just a few seconds.
- The padded clip won’t hurt your guitar’s finish.
- It works with most amplifiers.
- It fits soundholes from 3.5 to 4 inches, working with many guitars.
- It gives you a clear, amplified sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s only for steel-string guitars, not classical ones.
- It might not fit very small or very large soundholes perfectly.
This GOGHOST pickup is a fantastic, no-fuss solution for amplifying your steel-string acoustic guitar. It offers a great balance of ease of use and sound quality for players looking for a simple upgrade.
3. AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup with Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet for Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Single Coil
Rating: 8.8/10
Looking to amplify your steel-string acoustic guitar without changing its natural sound? The AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup might be just what you need. This pickup uses a special magnet and a copper coil to capture your guitar’s voice clearly. It’s designed to be easy to install and doesn’t need any batteries.
What We Like:
- It gives you a clear and balanced sound that sounds very natural.
- The wood casing looks nice and helps the sound.
- You don’t need batteries, so it’s super simple to use.
- It’s easy to put in and take out without hurting your guitar.
- The cable keeps almost all of your guitar’s original sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works with certain sizes of soundholes on steel-string guitars.
- It won’t fit nylon-string guitars or smaller guitars like the Taylor Baby.
If you have a compatible steel-string acoustic guitar, this pickup offers a simple way to get great amplified sound. It lets your guitar’s true voice shine through.
4. Acoustic Guitar Pickup Passive Megnetic Soundhole Pickup with Humbucker Volume Timbre Control
Rating: 9.0/10
Want to make your acoustic guitar sound louder and clearer? This Acoustic Guitar Pickup Passive Magnetic Soundhole Pickup with Humbucker Volume Timbre Control is a great way to do it! It’s designed to fit right into your guitar’s soundhole without hurting your instrument. You can easily install and remove it. Plus, it has knobs to change the sound and volume, so you can get the perfect tone for your music. It’s perfect for beginners and anyone who loves playing fingerstyle guitar.
What We Like:
- Looks really nice with its rosewood color and smart design.
- Super easy to put in and take out of your guitar’s soundhole.
- Doesn’t damage your guitar at all.
- Fits soundholes from 85mm to 100mm wide.
- You can adjust the sound (timbre) and the loudness (volume) with two separate knobs.
- Gives a warm and balanced sound that’s great for fingerstyle playing.
- No batteries needed, which is very convenient.
- Great for beginner guitarists learning fingerstyle.
- Works with 39-41 inch acoustic guitars.
- The company offers good customer service if you have any problems.
What Could Be Improved:
- Doesn’t work with classical guitars, only acoustic ones.
- The description doesn’t mention if there are different pickup sizes available for less common soundhole diameters.
This pickup is a fantastic choice for acoustic guitar players looking for an easy and effective way to amplify their sound. It offers good sound quality and simple controls, making it a solid addition to your guitar setup.
5. Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Active Soundhole Guitar Pickup Adjustable Pickup for Guitar Magnetic Coil Build-in Volume Control Guitar Microphone Acoustic Pickup
Rating: 8.7/10
This Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Active Soundhole Guitar Pickup Adjustable Pickup for Guitar Magnetic Coil Build-in Volume Control Guitar Microphone Acoustic Pickup is a fantastic tool for any acoustic guitar player looking to amplify their sound. It easily attaches to your guitar’s soundhole and combines a microphone and a magnetic pickup to capture your music with rich detail.
What We Like:
- It’s rechargeable and lasts up to 100 hours on one charge, so you don’t have to worry about batteries.
- The dual pickup system blends a microphone and magnetic pickup for a clear, bright sound that sounds great when amplified.
- It has a mini preamp with lots of controls, including volume, EQ, and phase adjustment to prevent howling.
- Installation is simple and secure, designed to protect your guitar.
- It comes with everything you need, including a charging cord and instructions.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s not suitable for ukuleles or classical guitars with nylon strings.
- You need to turn on the Master Volume before adjusting the microphone volume.
This pickup offers excellent sound quality and a lot of control for its price. It’s a great way to upgrade your acoustic guitar’s sound for performances or recording.
Your Guide to Awesome Acoustic Guitar Pickups
Want to make your acoustic guitar sound amazing when plugged in? You need a good pickup! A pickup captures your guitar’s sound and sends it to an amplifier or sound system. This guide will help you find the perfect one.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Sound Quality
This is the most important thing. A good pickup sounds natural. It should sound like your guitar, just louder. Some pickups can sound a bit “electric” or “tinny.” You want one that captures the warmth and richness of your acoustic sound.
2. Ease of Installation
Some pickups are easy to put in yourself. Others might need a professional. Think about how much work you want to do. Do you want to drill holes or just stick something on?
3. Volume and Tone Control
Many pickups have knobs. These let you adjust how loud your guitar is and how bright or warm the sound is. This is super helpful for different songs and venues.
4. Feedback Resistance
Feedback is that annoying loud squealing noise you sometimes get when plugged in. Good pickups help stop this. This is important if you play loud or close to your amp.
5. Durability
You want a pickup that will last. Look for well-made parts. It should feel solid and not flimsy.
Materials Matter
The parts used in a pickup affect its sound and how it works.
- Magnets: These are often made of ceramic or neodymium. Neodymium magnets usually give a stronger, brighter sound.
- Wire: Copper wire is used to wrap around the magnets. The thickness and quality of the wire can change the sound.
- Housing: This is the outside part. It can be plastic or metal. Metal can sometimes offer better shielding from noise.
What Makes a Pickup Great (or Not So Great)
Quality Boosters:
- Good shielding: This stops unwanted buzzing and humming sounds.
- High-quality components: Better magnets and wires make a better sound.
- Balanced output: The pickup sends a strong, clear signal to your amp.
- Careful design: Engineers think hard about how to capture the guitar’s true voice.
Quality Reducers:
- Cheap materials: These can lead to poor sound and quick wear.
- Poor shielding: This causes annoying background noise.
- Weak signal: Your amp might have to work extra hard to make it loud.
- Bad installation: If not put in right, even a good pickup can sound bad.
Your Experience and How You’ll Use It
Think about how you play guitar. This helps choose the right pickup.
- Live Gigs: If you play shows, you need a pickup that resists feedback and sounds good loud. Volume and tone controls are very useful here.
- Recording: For recording, a natural-sounding pickup is best. You want to capture every detail of your guitar.
- Practice: Even for practice, a good pickup can make playing more fun. You can plug into headphones or a small practice amp.
- Different Guitar Types: Some pickups work better with certain types of acoustic guitars (like dreadnoughts or OM guitars).
There are different types of pickups:
- Soundhole Pickups: These fit into the soundhole. They are usually easy to install.
- Undersaddle Pickups: These go under the bridge saddle. They often give a bright, clear sound.
- Soundboard Transducers (Contact Pickups): These stick to the guitar’s body. They capture the vibrations of the wood.
- Microphones: These are small mics that mount inside or outside the guitar. They offer a very natural sound but can be prone to feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main job of an acoustic guitar pickup?
A: Its main job is to turn your acoustic guitar’s sound into an electrical signal so you can plug it into an amp or speaker.
Q: How do I know if a pickup will sound good?
A: Listen to sound samples online. Read reviews from other guitarists. A pickup that sounds natural and true to your guitar’s voice is usually a good choice.
Q: Do I need to drill holes in my guitar for a pickup?
A: Not always. Some pickups, like soundhole pickups, don’t require any drilling. Others, like undersaddle pickups, might need a small hole for the endpin jack.
Q: Can I install a pickup myself?
A: Many soundhole and contact pickups are easy to install. Undersaddle pickups or those with internal mics might be trickier and could require professional help.
Q: What does “feedback” mean with guitar pickups?
A: Feedback is a loud, high-pitched squeal that happens when the sound from your amplifier gets picked up by your guitar’s pickup and amplified again, creating a loop.
Q: Will a pickup change the unplugged sound of my guitar?
A: Some pickups, especially undersaddle ones, can slightly change the unplugged tone. Soundhole pickups usually have little to no effect.
Q: Are expensive pickups always better?
A: Not always. While good components cost more, there are many great pickups at different price points. Focus on sound quality and features you need.
Q: What’s the difference between a pickup and a microphone for an acoustic guitar?
A: A pickup converts string vibrations into an electrical signal. A microphone captures the sound waves in the air. Microphones often sound more natural but can be more prone to feedback.
Q: Can I use a pickup with effects pedals?
A: Yes! You can use effects pedals with your amplified acoustic guitar sound, just like you would with an electric guitar. This opens up many creative sound possibilities.
Q: How do I clean and maintain my acoustic guitar pickup?
A: For most pickups, a soft, dry cloth is enough. Avoid getting moisture on electrical parts. If you have a soundhole pickup, you can gently dust it.
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.
Hello, I’m Muzammil Siddiqui, the mind behind ChairsFly.com.. With a deep passion for chairs and a wealth of expertise, I created this platform to share my insights, experiences, and knowledge about everything chair-related. From ergonomic solutions to stylish designs, my goal is to guide you in finding the perfect seat for your needs. Let’s embark on this journey of comfort and elegance together!