Contents
Are you looking to upgrade the sound of your acoustic guitar, but not sure where to start? Look no further: Acoustic Guitar Pickups 101: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide has you covered.
With this guide, you’ll learn about the different types of pickups, their benefits, and how to install them.
We’ll take you through the most popular options on the market, so you can find the best acoustic guitar pickup for your needs.
Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Key Takeaways
- Acoustic-electric guitars often sound better through their pickups than when played acoustically.
- Finding the right pickup for your guitar is essential for achieving a good sound.
- Magnetic soundhole pickups are the most popular style of acoustic guitar pickup.
- Microphone pickups have the best sound quality.
Magnetic Soundhole Pickups
Frequently used to amplify acoustic guitars, magnetic soundhole pickups create a magnetic field to sense string vibrations and send a voltage signal. They mostly capture vibrations from the strings, not the body, making them easy to install and uninstall without modifying the guitar.
Pros of magnetic soundhole pickups include a good sound for mid-large venues, as well as a more affordable option than some other acoustic guitar pickups.
On the other hand, they may not complement the tone of a vintage guitar. Compared to other types of acoustic guitar pickups, magnetic soundhole pickups may have a thinner sound with a stronger attack. However, they aren’t as resistant to feedback and may not have the richest sound quality.
Undersaddle Pickups
Undersaddle pickups are mounted beneath the bridge of an acoustic guitar and make use of piezo-electric technology to sense string vibrations. These pickups are much more resistant to feedback than soundboard transducer pickups, allowing them to be used in louder settings without fear of feedback. They also provide a brighter, thinner sound with a stronger attack than traditional magnetic pickups.
However, undersaddle pickups require a preamp to boost the signal and often use a compressor to even-out levels. Furthermore, the pickup only captures vibrations from the strings and not the body, which can lead to a less balanced tone.
When used correctly, undersaddle pickups can provide great benefits without the challenges associated with soundboard transducer pickups.
Soundboard Transducer Pickups
However, if you’re looking for more flexibility, soundboard transducer pickups offer a great alternative. These pickups are installed using temporary adhesive and can be easily removed without damaging the guitar finish. They sense vibrations from both the strings and body, resulting in a more balanced sound. They’re suitable for players incorporating percussive techniques and provide great installation options.
While they can be sensitive to feedback, they’re more resistant than other pickups. Soundboard transducer pickups can provide a brighter, thinner sound with a stronger attack that’s great for denser mixes.
Microphone Pickups
If you’re looking for the highest sound quality from your acoustic guitar pickup, then a microphone pickup is the way to go.
Professional installation is required, and the cost can be a bit higher than other pickup types, but you’ll get a well-balanced tone with a natural sound.
Quality Sound
When it comes to sound quality, the best option is a microphone pickup. Microphone pickups capture the natural tonal balance of an acoustic guitar with more precision and accuracy than other pickup types. They’re also more resistant to feedback and can achieve studio-quality sound when used in the right environment.
The downside is that they’re expensive and require professional installation. However, if you’re looking for the highest quality sound, microphone pickups are the way to go.
Additionally, blended pickups can also provide the benefits of both a microphone and piezo-based sensor. Blended pickups are great for players who want to capture the full sonic spectrum of their instrument.
Ultimately, the choice of which pickup to use depends on the sound you want to achieve and the environment you’re playing in.
Professional Installation
Installing a microphone pickup requires professional installation. The technician will need to place the pickup in the optimal spot inside the guitar body to determine the sound quality. It’s important to place the pickup close to the soundboard to capture the most natural sound. Additionally, the pickup should be at least 3/8 of an inch away from any metal hardware to avoid interference. The technician also needs to ensure that the pickup is secure and not loose, as this can affect the sound. Placement and installation of the pickup should not be done hastily, as it is essential to achieving the best sound.
Blended Pickups
Blended pickups offer the best of both worlds, combining a high-quality microphone with a piezo-based sensor. Pros include a balanced sound, less feedback resistance and the ability to be installed almost anywhere. Different brands of blended pickups offer different tonal characteristics, allowing you to find the perfect sound for your playing style.
Compared to other pickups, they offer better versatility and flexibility in terms of installation and feedback resistance. The installation process is straightforward and can be done without any specialist tools.
The tonal characteristics of blended pickups are warm and full, with more clarity and detail than other pickups. They’re suitable for live shows and can provide a good sound in mid-large sized venues without suffering from feedback.
Home Studio Recording
When it comes to home studio recording, many engineers struggle with the choice between quality and simplicity.
On one hand, microphones offer the most accurate representation of an acoustic guitar.
On the other hand, pickups can provide a simpler, more mobile recording setup.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before deciding.
Quality Vs. Simplicity
When recording in a home studio, acoustic guitar pickups can provide both quality and simplicity. The pros and cons of each type, as well as the price comparison, should be taken into consideration when selecting the right one.
Magnetic soundhole pickups offer the most straightforward installation but don’t capture the full range of the instrument.
Undersaddle pickups are more feedback-resistant but require a preamp to boost the signal.
Soundboard transducers are easily installed and removed, but can be sensitive to feedback.
Microphone pickups offer the highest sound quality but are expensive and prone to feedback.
Blended designs combine the best of both worlds.
Ultimately, it comes down to what kind of sound and ease of installation you’re looking for.
Microphones Vs. Pickups
Comparing microphones with pickups for home studio recording can be a difficult task.
Microphones are known to capture the full sonic spectrum of the instrument, but they may be too large or sensitive for certain settings.
Acoustic pickups, on the other hand, provide simplicity and mobility for recording. They may not capture the full sound spectrum, but they can still produce good recordings in many cases.
Advantages of acoustic pickups include their ease of installation and the ability to capture both string vibration and body resonance. However, they can be sensitive to feedback and challenging to use in louder settings.
Ultimately, the decision between microphones and pickups comes down to the desired sound quality and the limitations of the home recording setup.
Conclusion
No matter which acoustic guitar pickup you choose, you’ll be sure to get great sound quality. Just be sure to consider your needs and budget when shopping around.
With the right knowledge and a bit of research, you can find the perfect acoustic guitar pickup for you.
With this guide, you now have all the information you need to make an informed decision and upgrade the sound of your acoustic guitar.
I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!