Acoustic guitars equipped with pickups offer a unique opportunity to amplify their natural sound while preserving their inherent tonal qualities. Selecting the optimal pickup position is a critical decision that affects the amplified sound of your acoustic guitar. This article guides you through the considerations involved in choosing the best pickup position for your acoustic guitar, helping you achieve a harmonious balance between acoustic and amplified tones.
Importance of Pickup Position for Acoustic Guitars
Pickup position determines how the acoustic guitar’s sound is captured and translated into an amplified signal. The right pickup position can enhance the instrument’s tonal characteristics while minimizing feedback and other unwanted artifacts.
Available Pickup Options
Acoustic guitars typically have two primary types of pickups:
- Soundhole Pickups: These pickups are placed in the soundhole and capture vibrations from the strings’ soundboard. They offer a convenient solution without requiring any modifications to the guitar.
- Undersaddle Pickups: Installed under the saddle, these pickups capture vibrations directly from the guitar’s bridge and saddle. They tend to provide a more accurate representation of the guitar’s natural sound.
Determining the Best Pickup Position
Selecting the best pickup position for your acoustic guitar involves several factors:
- Soundhole vs. Undersaddle: Consider the tonal qualities you want to emphasize. Soundhole pickups can capture the airiness of the guitar, while undersaddle pickups offer a direct representation of the strings’ vibrations.
- Tone and Style: Identify the tonal characteristics that align with your musical style. Soundhole pickups might suit folk, fingerstyle, and lighter genres, while undersaddle pickups could cater to genres that require precision and clarity.
- Feedback Control: Undersaddle pickups generally have better feedback rejection due to their direct contact with the bridge. If you perform at higher volumes, feedback resistance might be a crucial factor in your decision.
- Combination Systems: Some acoustic guitars feature combination pickup systems that blend soundhole and undersaddle pickups. These systems provide versatility by allowing you to mix the captured sounds.
Experimentation and Sound Checks
To determine the best pickup position for your acoustic guitar, follow these steps:
- Experiment: If you have multiple pickup options, try each one individually to assess its tonal characteristics and feedback resistance.
- Blend: If your guitar features a combination system, experiment with blending the two pickup sources to find a pleasing balance.
- Amplification Test: Play your guitar through an amplifier or PA system and assess how the amplified sound compares to the natural acoustic sound.
- Genre and Venue Considerations: Consider the musical genres you frequently play and the venues you perform in. Your pickup choice should suit your playing style and the sonic demands of different performance spaces.
Ultimately, the best pickup position for your acoustic guitar depends on your tonal preferences, performance requirements, and musical style. By understanding the tonal characteristics of different pickup options and conducting thorough sound checks, you can make an informed decision that allows your acoustic guitar’s unique voice to shine through, both acoustically and amplified.
