Last Updated: November 19, 2019
It’s no secret – we love a
quality guitar pickup. Because, as any guitarist knows, a good pickup is one of the biggest factors in finding your perfect tone.
However, by definition, acoustic guitars don’t actually need pickups. That’s the joy of having an acoustic – you can play it unplugged anywhere, anytime. But for those guitarists who want to perform to larger groups, play with a band, or conveniently record with their acoustic guitar, a pickup becomes more of a necessity.
Some of the
best acoustic guitars from brands including Martin, Taylor, Breedlove, Takamine, and Gibson all feature quality electronics. At the other end of the spectrum many budget acoustic guitars (think Rogue and Ibanez) are also fitted with pickups – some of which can be pretty good systems for the price.
However, to keep costs low, many acoustics simply don’t have electronics. Other brands know that a pickup is personal choice, so don’t include them – instead allowing the guitarist to choose what is right for them.
To help you make an informed decision, we have prepared a chart highlighting seven of the best acoustic pickups around, covering a wide range of price categories – from budget to high-end. Then stick around for our guide to acoustic guitar pickups which follows the chart.
The Top 7 Acoustic Guitar Pickups:
What Makes a Good Acoustic Guitar Pickup
Acoustic guitars have a wide range of pickup styles that cater for all sounds, playing styles, installation methods, and budgets. Here are the most popular:
Soundboard Transducers
The most basic acoustic pickup is the soundboard transducer, which sticks to the face of the guitar to pick up the vibrations through the top. They usually stick with a non-permanent adhesive, meaning installation tends to be the simplest of all the pickups, while removing the device is just as easy.
While the cheapest of the acoustic pickup varieties, transducers also tends to give the lowest sound quality and volume. They are ideal for smaller performances. Take a look at the Dean Markley DM3000 on our chart to illustrate a good soundboard transducer.
Undersaddle Pickups (Piezo)
One of the most common acoustic pickups is the undersaddle piezo. These are made with thin strips of sensory material, which – as the name suggests – sits directly underneath the bridge saddle, picking up pressure changes from the string’s vibrations. Unlike a soundboard transducer, the undersaddle pickup usually isn’t seen.
Undersaddle pickups offer a very direct sound, which is very string-focused (opposed to capturing the general ambiance of the guitar). It’s therefore particularly good for fingerstyle and classical guitarist, with a very bright sound – with more attack and presence than soundboard transducers – and minimal feedback issues. However, these pickups are prone to a slight brittle (or ‘quacky’) sound. The Fishman Matrix Infinity on our chart below is a good example of an undersaddle pickup system.
Soundhole Pickups
Introduced in the 1960s, this style of pickup has never waned in popularity because they are affordable, versatile, don’t require any major installation, and can be easily removed. As the name suggests, this pickup sits across the soundhole underneath the strings. While all models differ, they will feature magnets and coils that produce sound in a similar way to a standard electric guitar pickup.
The benefit of sitting directly under the strings is that they deliver a clear and detailed sound, with good warmth that’s perfect for flat-picking/strumming. Their disadvantage is that they can produce a slightly artificial tone, while feedback can also be an issue in the
single-coil versions (humbuckers do exist though, usually at a higher price). Check out the Fishman Rare Earth humbucker on our chart for an example of a good soundhole pickup.
Internal Microphones
Guitarists generally agree that internal microphones are the best way to naturally amplify an acoustic guitar – although they come at a higher price. These sensitive pickups are mounted inside the body of the guitar, and pick up vibration from a larger area of the instrument, delivering a more natural tone that captures the warmth and detail of any acoustic guitar. They are therefore ideal for fingerpicking.
These pickups still have some drawbacks, such as feedback, although the microphones can be easily adjusted to compensate. Installation can also be a bit tricky, and often best left with a professional. Microphones can also be part of a blended or hybrid system, which include an undersaddle pickup for a ‘best of both worlds’ sound. On our chart, the LR Baggs Anthem Tru-Mic is a good example of a hybrid system.
Also, check out this video, which is a simple but clear explanation of a hybrid system (with a little on piezo pickups and microphones individually):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKacNSypUnY
Does It Have a Preamp?
Many acoustic guitar pickup systems come with a preamp, which allows you to shape your sound directly from your guitar. These can range from very basic volume and tone controls, up to more advanced systems, including individual EQ sliders (bass, middle, treble), blend controls (for two different pickups), feedback controls, and onboard digital tuners.
While the simpler systems are usually tucked into the soundhole, the more advanced preamps tend to be attached to the side of the guitar in the form of a control panel, or come as an external device.
If the pickup you like the sound of doesn’t come with a preamp, fear not – these can be purchased separately and attached at the same time as the pickup.
A Word on Amplifiers
It’s worth remembering that even though you could spend $300 on an awesome hybrid pickup system, playing it through a basic amp isn’t likely to give you the high-end sound you were hoping for.
So, when choosing a pickup, consider the amp that will be providing the final output. There’s no need to spend thousands on a brand-new amplifier, but the more you can invest in an amp, the better your overall sound will be.
To get some inspiration, check out our article on the
best dedicated acoustic amplifiers to see what’s hot at the moment.
The Final Word
As you have read, there is plenty to consider when it comes to buying a pickup for your acoustic guitar. We hope our chart has given you a little inspiration when it comes to choosing something to suit your playing style and budget, although plenty more pickups exist – these are just our favorites.
Take some time over your decision and, if possible, try out your shortlisted pickups in person. If not, read some reviews and watch some videos of your shortlist in action. If you’re spending a considerable amount of cash – and potentially making permanent alterations to your guitar – you’ll want to ensure what you buy is right for you.
Good luck with your new pickups!