Enhance your guitar’s amplified sound and reach a broader audience. Capture the nuanced sound qualities of your acoustic with the best acoustic guitar pickup.
Passive Acoustic Guitar Pickups | Passive Acoustic Guitar Pickups Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
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Active Acoustic Guitar Pickups | Active Acoustic Guitar Pickups Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
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*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
While guitar mic’ing remains the gold standard for capturing acoustic sound, the best pickups for acoustic guitars offer good sound quality and greater freedom of movement on stage.
Installing an acoustic guitar pickup is needed for this. It lets you plug into amplifiers or PA systems, making your guitar more suitable for live performances.
Selecting the right acoustic guitar pickup deals is essential, whether you’re a hobbyist or a gigging pro. In this guide, we’ll explore the best acoustic guitar pickups available in the US, focusing on current market trends.
We cover two main types: Active vs Passive pickups, detailing their features, installation, and pros and cons. This guide aims to help you find the best acoustic pickup system as part of your acoustic guitar buying guide.
The Best Passive Acoustic Guitar Pickups
Passive Acoustic Guitar Pickups
Passive pickups captures your acoustic sound without the need for batteries. These lightweight acoustic guitar pickups come in three acoustic guitar pickup types:
- First are magnetic soundhole pickups that sit right in the soundhole. It functions similarly to electric guitar pickups, it also positions like one as it sits right below the strings.
- Next are Piezo pickups often found in under-saddle transducers (UST). They are placed under the bridge saddle or at times attached to the bridge of an acoustic. It picks up vibrations from both the strings and the guitar body. Transducer and piezo pickups are the most widely used among the majority of acoustic-electric guitars.
- Third are contact pickups. These acoustic guitar pickups attach directly to the soundboard or the guitar’s body, capturing surface vibrations.
A passive system adds the least coloration, resulting in a natural acoustic tone. Yet, they will need an external preamp or DI box to achieve the best performance and output.
The K&K Pure Mini passive pickup is a lightweight acoustic guitar pickup. It captures the instrument’s body vibrations via its bridge plate.
This transducer pickup gives a natural, more open tone, contrasting the more processed sound of piezo or soundhole pickups.
The Pure Mini has a mellow and dynamic tone ideal for intricate playing. This dynamic tone is paired with reduced pick attack and feedback, which is ideal, especially when playing live.
However, it lacks the upper-frequency sparkle of piezo pickups and doesn’t emphasize midrange frequencies.
This warmer tone can tame the brightness of some guitars. But guitars with naturally dark tones, such as mahogany or rosewood, may require EQ adjustments on the amp for balance.
To install the K&K Pure Mini pickup, you will need to modify your acoustic guitar’s body. This involves drilling a hole for the input jack and gluing the contacts onto the bridge plate to ensure a proper fit for optimal guitar sound quality.
And while this passive acoustic pick up sounds decent when plugged directly into a PA system, it performs best when run through a DI.
The manufacturer’s site, however, doesn’t specify the ideal impedance rating, but some forums suggest that it operates under a 1 MΩ rating.
Overall, the K&K Pure Mini is particularly suited for guitars that sound overly sharp when strummed. It offers a solution to achieve a warm, more balanced acoustic tone.
- Type: Transducer/Contact
- Required Mods: Endpin, Gluing the Contacts to the Bridge Plate
- Installation Difficulty: Moderate
- Controls: None
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
The Journey Instruments EP001K is a passive piezo pickup that effectively captures the authentic sound of your acoustic guitar.
Similar to the K&K, installation is straightforward, requiring minimal modification. Just a drilled endpin jack hole and gluing the elements to the bridge plate.
Even so, it may pose challenges on guitars with thicker end blocks or non-standard bracing patterns.
The EP001K maintains the natural tone of your guitar, making it a solid choice if you prefer a simple setup without onboard controls.
It comes equipped with three balanced German-made ceramic piezo contacts. This delivers clear, vibrant tone reproduction without needing batteries.
It boasts low noise and high signal clarity operation, suitable for both recording and live performances. Users appreciate its ability to faithfully represent their guitar’s acoustic sound.
And speaking of live sound, the EP001K requires an input impedance of under 1 MΩ. So, you’ll need a DI box or a suitable amp to unleash its best sound quality.
Despite this, the EP001K is still highly regarded for its reliable performance and versatility. It can be used across different acoustic guitars and playing styles, from fingerpicking to strumming.
If you’re seeking a dependable passive pickup that enhances your guitar’s natural tone, consider the Journey Instruments EP001K. This cheap acoustic guitar pickup is the most affordable on this list and is truly worth checking out.
- Type: Piezo
- Required Mods: Endpin, Gluing the Contacts to the Soundboard
- Installation Difficulty: Moderate
- Controls: None
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Active Acoustic Guitar Pickups
Active pickups feature built-in preamps and are battery-powered. This allows for enhanced signal processing and EQ controls. They provide higher and more consistent output, making them ideal for direct connections to amplifiers and PA systems.
You can choose from acoustic guitar pickup types:
- Magnetic pickups with onboard EQ for precise sound shaping.
- Piezo pickups that boost signal and refine tone using onboard EQ and volume controls.
- Hybrid pickups combine pickups or mics with blend controls for a customized sound experience.
If you’re a guitarist playing in a band or ensemble, the LR Baggs Anthem Tru-Mic Microphone/Piezo pickup system offers versatility and control.
This premium acoustic guitar pick up features an in-guitar microphone combined with Anthem SL. This pairing provides extensive options to adjust the mix of pickup and microphone sound.
A piezo pickup alone may sound overly trebly, necessitating EQ adjustments when blending with the mic. It is known for its sometimes nasal and harsh sound.
Using only the mic can also lead to feedback issues. But, blending the piezo tone with a mic can help your guitar cut through busy band mixes and prevent unwanted feedback.
After all, the Anthem system excels in feedback suppression, which is crucial for pros performing on stage.
This versatile acoustic guitar pickup is equipped with volume and tone controls. It also has a blend control that allows you to seamlessly mix the piezo and microphone signals to achieve your desired sound.
Its phase button in the middle helps eliminate or reduce feedback issues. On its side is a convenient battery indicator that lets you check the battery status with a simple press and hold.
One unique feature of the Anthem is its set screw that adjusts the microphone level.
Turning it all the way up results in a very bright sound, and, it can also pick up a lot of feedback. Finding the sweet spot for your specific guitar type is crucial for optimal performance.
While the LR Baggs Anthem offers superior sound quality it is not cheap. It also typically requires professional installation to ensure it works perfectly.
Overall, if you’re seeking a pickup with great flexibility and are willing to spend more for quality, consider the LR Baggs Anthem.
- Type: Piezo / Microphone
- Required Mods: Endpin, Setting Pickup in Bridge, Mounting Soundhole Control
- Installation Difficulty: High
- Controls: Volume, Mix, Phase, Battery Check, Mic Level
Rating Source Highlight
Worship Tutorials
Doug Young
95/100
92/100
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
The Fishman acoustic guitar pickups are renowned for their versatility and performance. That quality is certainly not lost in the Fishman Matrix Infinity.
This acoustic guitar pickup system features Fishman’s Acoustic Matrix undersaddle pickups, known for their clear tone reproduction.
This acoustic guitar pickup integrates a preamp within the endpin jack. Now, it comes with a durable soft-touch finish and conveniently positioned soundhole controls for volume and tone.
Tone-wise, it scoops the mids while boosting the bass and treble, delivering a distinct tone that stands out in a mix.
A notable feature of the Matrix Infinity is its stereo output. This acoustic guitar pickup allows you to separate the microphone and piezo output. Thanks to its stereo cable that splits into two separate mono cables.
This means you have the freedom to independently EQ each of these signals, giving you precise control to achieve your desired sound.
The Matrix Infinity VT includes a relocated voicing switch and an integrated battery indicator for convenience. It’s designed to fit various guitar body sizes and performance needs.
Aside from standard acoustics, the Matrix Infinity VT can also function as a classical guitar pickup as it supports nylon strings. It also comes in custom configurations with solderless connections and optional custom lengths.
Users also appreciate its consistent volume levels across different guitars. Also, its ability to handle 6-string and 12-string setups effectively, adds to this pickup’s versatility.
It maintains a clear tone without distortion, even during vigorous strumming. Although adjusting gain settings may be necessary for stage volume
The Fishman Matrix Infinity VT is the cheaper, popular, and trusted choice for an active acoustic guitar pickup system. It’s high quality, reliable, and enhances your instrument’s natural sound.
- Type: Piezo / Microphone
- Required Mods: Bridge Installation, End Pin, Sound Hole Controls
- Installation Difficulty: High
- Controls: Tone, Volume, Voicing
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Things to Consider When Buying Acoustic Guitar Pickups
Figuring out which pickup is going to work best for you requires that you know a few key pieces of information. If you feel like you don’t know enough about acoustic guitar pickups to make an informed decision, or if you just want to brush up on your knowledge before you pull the trigger, check out the sections below.
Types of Acoustic Guitar Pickups
There are four main types of acoustic guitar pickups, all of which are explained below.
Soundhole
Soundhole pickups are magnetic pickups similar to those found on electric guitars. These acoustic guitar pickups have a very clear and balanced sound. However, a magnetic soundhole pickup tends to sound a bit sterile because it gets the sound directly from the vibration of steel strings. This is the reason why some higher-end soundhole pickups compensate by combining magnetic pickups with a transducer. This configuration adds warmth and body to the resulting sound. This type of pickup is more resistant to feedback than transducers and microphones. Though, they’ll still receive feedback more easily than a piezo pickup.
Piezo
Piezo pickups are placed under your bridge. They’re essentially crystals that convert the vibration of your strings into a signal. These acoustic pickups are generally inexpensive, and while they don’t produce the most natural tone, they don’t sound bad. They’re also very bright, which is a plus if you’re playing in a band because they’re great at cutting through a mix.
The main benefit of piezo pickups is that they’re the least likely to receive feedback, so if you’re looking to perform regularly, they’re worth a look. However, keep in mind that this type of pickup does require that you modify your guitar.
Transducer/Contact
Transducer pickups, also known as contact pickups, are the best acoustic pickups for getting a natural sound. They convert the vibrations of the top of your guitar into a signal, so they capture more of your acoustic tone. However, they’re also the most prone to feedback. This can make it hard to use these pickups at larger venues, especially if you’re playing in a band.
In-Guitar Microphone/Blended Pickup
Microphones obviously aren’t pickups, but many companies have units that combine one of the pickups above with a small microphone. The cool thing about this is that you can blend between the two different sounds. At lower volumes, you can dial in more mic, which will give you a more natural tone. Likewise, if you’re playing at higher volumes, you can dial in more pickup so that your guitar won’t feedback as easily.
The only downside of blended systems is that they’re significantly more expensive than any of the other options. However, they also offer more flexibility and better sound quality.
Pickups That Require Guitar Modifications
The very first thing you want to consider before you purchase a pickup is whether you’re willing to modify your guitar to install it (and have the means to do so). There are pickups that require modification in order to be installed, which you may not want to do if you have a guitar with sentimental value.
Piezo pickups and soundboard transducers often need modification due to their design. However, using a Jack Installation Tool can help make the process easier.
Soundhole pickups, generally don’t require modification because you can simply drape the cord out of the soundhole. With that being said, many of these pickups allow you to do both.
Here is a video that gives you a good idea of what’s involved if you’re considering modifying your guitar by yourself:
Feedback and Acoustic Guitar Pickups
Feedback is a loop of sound caused by resonance. A frequency goes through an amplifier or a PA Mixer; the resulting tone is then captured by your pickup, and then it is amplified further. This goes on until the initial frequency is the only thing coming out of your speakers, and is really unpleasant to listen to.
Acoustic guitar pickups are very sensitive to feedback, though this varies based on the type of pickup. As a basic rule, the more your pickup “hears,” the more sensitive it is. So, for example, a pickup with a built-in microphone is going to be more sensitive to feedback than a piezo. The more frequencies “heard” by a pickup, the higher the likelihood of feedback. So, the pickups that most accurately reproduce your acoustic tone are generally more likely to cause feedback.
Here’s a table that shows a rough estimate of feedback risk for each type of pickup:
Pickup Type | Feedback Risk |
---|---|
Piezo | Low |
Transducer | Medium/High |
Soundhole | Low/Medium |
Microphone | High |
Active vs. Passive
When you’re shopping for an acoustic pickup, you’re going to hear the terms “active” and “passive’ thrown around a lot. The difference between the two basically boils down to the fact that one is externally powered (almost always by a battery) to boost the signal and the other is not. Active pickups are the former; passive pickups are the latter. Interestingly, passive is the most common electric guitar pickup type. While most acoustic-electric guitars are equipped with active pickups.
The cool thing about active pickups is that you’re basically good to plug into any P.A. or acoustic amp around. Passive pickups don’t have the boost that active pickups do, the signal is weak, which results in a squashed tone and a very quiet output. Most PAs and acoustic amps can compensate for this. But, there are going to be cases where you need to get an acoustic preamp or active D.I. box to get a strong enough tone.
The only drawback to active acoustic pickups best function is the need for a battery. Thankfully, it’s really easy to compensate for this. All you really need to do is make sure that you always carry a spare battery.
Amplifying Nylon String Guitars
Nylon string guitar players usually fall into two camps: classical/flamenco musicians who are looking for a really natural tone. There are also those who just prefer the feel and response of a nylon string over that of a steel string. If you’re really dedicated to getting a natural tone, you’re going to be happiest with an in-guitar microphone or a microphone and pickup combo. For this, the best pickup for classical guitar would naturally be the LR Baggs Anthem.
If you’re not as particular about your tone, your best bet is going to be either a transducer or a piezo. Transducer pickups will sound more natural, but they are a bit more expensive. Piezo pickups are cheaper, and while they won’t sound quite as natural as a transducer, you can still get a good tone.
The only pickup type that really wouldn’t work well with a nylon string guitar is a soundhole pickup. Because nylon isn’t magnetic, you’re not going to get any output on the treble strings. This makes this type of pickup basically useless for nylon string instruments.
Best Acoustic Guitar Pickup Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017. The current edition was published on July 15, 2024
We looked at all acoustic pickup systems that are being sold by major online American music gear retailers. Then, we selected the most popular and highly rated models to form a short list of 38; you can see them in the Music Gear Database. We then collected and analyzed over 10,700 relevant ratings, reviews, comments, and recommendations, including the most recent ones. All these data were then fed to the Gearank Algorithm, which produced the rating scores out of 100 that we used to select the highest-rated active and passive systems, which we recommend above. For more information about our methods, please read How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
My first acoustic guitar came with a detachable magnetic pickup that didn’t really sound good. These days, the quality of detachable pickups has improved dramatically, as showcased by the DiMarzio Black Angel. Hybrid mic plus piezo systems are also very much in these days, with the popularity of percussive acoustic guitar playing.
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Supplemental writing and research.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Created by Gearank.com using photographs of the LR Baggs Anthem, DiMarzio Black Angel and K&K Pure Mini.
The video has been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
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Comments:
8 responses
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The following pickups came off our recommended list when we published the December 2022 Edition:
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Publication of our September 2021 Edition resulted in the following pickup systems coming off the recommended list above:
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As a result of our September 2020 update the following came off the recommended list above: Seymour Duncan SA-6.
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I’m looking for a review of pickups with on-board preamp / EQ / volume adjustment for gigs.
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Your reviews are way off base. The absolute best acoustic guitar pickup is the Sunrise. None of the pickups you list come close and I know that for a fact because I’ve had every single one. The Sunrise is positively the best acoustic guitar pickup that out performs, sounds worlds better that any of the other pickups especially the LR Baggs when are quite frankly not good.
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Thanks for sharing your opinion. I’ve heard good things about these handmade pickups but they’re only made in relatively small numbers and aren’t widely available so they didn’t meet our eligibility criteria.
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Hello: You might mention and evaluate the time it takes to change batteries. The MIA is very time consuming and will ruin your gig. The Ibeam active is quick with a pair of needle nose pliers.
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Or you could not be a fool and instead put a new battery in long before a gig.
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- The Best Acoustic Guitars – From $100 to $2000
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- The Best Acoustic Guitar Strings
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