Acoustic guitars offer a beautiful, natural sound, but when it comes to playing in larger venues, recording studios, or even for personal practice, amplification is often necessary. The choice of pickup for your acoustic guitar can significantly impact the quality and character of the amplified sound. In this article, we’ll explore various pickup options and discuss factors to consider when choosing the best pickup for your acoustic guitar.
1. Types of Acoustic Guitar Pickups
There are several types of pickups available for acoustic guitars, each with its own set of advantages and considerations:
a. Piezo Pickups:
- Under-Saddle Pickup: These pickups are commonly installed underneath the guitar’s saddle (the small strip of material that the strings rest on). They detect string vibrations through the saddle and produce a clear, bright, and balanced sound.
- Soundboard Transducer: Placed directly on the guitar’s soundboard, these pickups capture the vibrations of the entire top, resulting in a more natural and resonant tone.
- Contact/Micropiezo Pickups: These pickups use a very thin, flexible element that adheres to the soundboard, allowing for sensitivity and a more accurate representation of the guitar’s acoustic sound.
b. Magnetic Soundhole Pickups:
- These pickups are installed in the soundhole of the guitar and use magnets to detect string vibrations. They provide a warm, electric guitar-like tone and are easy to install and remove.
c. Internal Microphone Pickups:
- Internal microphones are positioned inside the guitar body to capture the instrument’s natural sound. They tend to provide a warm and authentic acoustic tone but can be sensitive to feedback.
2. Factors to Consider
When choosing a pickup for your acoustic guitar, consider the following factors:
a. Sound Preference:
- If you want to preserve the natural acoustic character of your guitar, consider a piezo pickup or soundboard transducer for a more authentic tone. If you prefer a warmer or more electric-like sound, a magnetic soundhole pickup might be suitable.
b. Versatility:
- Think about how and where you’ll use your acoustic guitar. If you play in various settings, a versatile pickup that handles different environments well may be ideal.
c. Feedback Resistance:
- If you plan to play at higher volumes or on stage, feedback resistance becomes crucial. Piezo pickups, soundhole pickups, and magnetic pickups are generally better at handling feedback than internal microphones.
d. Ease of Installation:
- Consider how comfortable you are with installation. Some pickups, like soundhole pickups, are user-friendly and require minimal modification to your guitar. Others, like internal microphones, may need professional installation.
e. Budget:
- Pickup prices vary significantly. Determine your budget and find a pickup that offers the best balance of performance and cost for your needs.
3. Popular Pickup Recommendations
- LR Baggs Anthem: Known for its exceptional sound quality, the LR Baggs Anthem combines a pickup and a microphone to capture the best of both worlds.
- Fishman Rare Earth Humbucking Soundhole Pickup: This magnetic soundhole pickup offers a warm, clear tone with excellent feedback resistance.
- K&K Pure Mini: A popular choice among acoustic guitarists, the K&K Pure Mini is a passive soundboard transducer known for its natural sound.
- Fishman Matrix Infinity: This under-saddle piezo pickup offers versatile tone shaping options and feedback control.
Conclusion
Choosing the best pickup for your acoustic guitar depends on your sound preferences, playing style, and specific needs. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but understanding the different types of pickups and considering factors like sound quality, versatility, feedback resistance, ease of installation, and budget will help you make an informed decision. Experimentation and trying out various pickups can also be helpful in finding the perfect fit for your acoustic guitar.