Acoustic guitar pickups are a worthwhile investment for many players, especially those who perform live or record music, because they offer unparalleled convenience and control in amplified situations. While microphones capture natural sound in a studio, pickups provide consistent amplification and direct control over volume and tone on stage. There are three main types: soundhole pickups, under-saddle transducers, and internal microphones, each suited for different playing styles and sonic preferences.
Understanding Different Acoustic Guitar Pickup Types
Soundhole pickups are the easiest to install, clipping directly into the guitar’s soundhole. These magnetic pickups capture string vibrations, delivering a punchy, direct tone, but can be prone to feedback at high volumes and may not capture full acoustic resonance. They are a popular choice for quick, non-permanent amplification. 
Under-saddle transducers (USTs) are piezoelectric pickups placed beneath the guitar’s saddle. They effectively capture vibrations from the bridge and soundboard, providing a clear, balanced tone with good feedback resistance. Installation is more involved, often requiring a small channel for wiring and saddle adjustments. Many professional acoustic-electric guitars feature factory-installed USTs due to their reliable performance. 
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Internal microphones capture natural air vibrations inside the guitar body, offering the most authentic acoustic sound. While producing a rich, nuanced tone, they are highly susceptible to feedback in live settings and require careful placement and equalization. Often, internal microphones are paired with another pickup type, like a UST, in a dual-source system to combine the natural warmth of the mic with the feedback resistance of the transducer. This hybrid approach is favored by many touring musicians for its versatility. 
Benefits of Investing in Acoustic Guitar Pickups
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| 1 | Joymusic 38 inch brown beginner acoustic guitar kit,bundle with a strap with picks holder,digital tuner, set strings, capo,cleaning cloth,6 picks,gig bag.(JG-38C,BR) |
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| 2 | Pyle Beginner Acoustic Guitar Kit, 3/4 Junior Size All Wood Instrument with Full Accessory Kit, Picks, Shoulder Strap, Carry Case, Cleaning Cloth, Tuner App, 2 Month Lessons, 36” (Natural Gloss) |
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| 4 | Ashthorpe 41-inch Beginner Cutaway Acoustic Guitar Package (Sunburst), Full Size Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Picks |
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| 5 | Yamaha JR1 FG Junior 3/4 Size Acoustic Guitar, Natural |
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| 6 | Moukey 38" Acoustic Guitar for Beginners Kids Youth Adult Dreadnought Guitarra Acustica Kit with Chord Poster, Gig Bag, Tuner, Picks, Nylon Strings, Capo, Strap - Black |
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| 7 | Joymusic 38 inch blueburst beginner acoustic guitar kit,bundle with a strap with picks holder,digital tuner, set strings, capo,cleaning cloth,6 picks,gig bag.(JG-38C,BLS) |
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| 8 | 38inch Wood Acoustic Guitar for Adults, 6 Steel-String Acoustic Guitar With Guitar Bag, Elementary Tutorial of Folk Guitar for Beginners. |
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| 9 | Ashthorpe 38-inch Beginner Acoustic Guitar Package (Blue), Basic Starter Kit w/Gig Bag, Strings, Strap, Tuner, Pitch Pipe, Picks |
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| 10 | Joymusic 38 inch sunburst beginner acoustic guitar kit,bundle with a strap with picks holder,digital tuner, set strings, capo,cleaning cloth,6 picks,gig bag.(JG-38C,3TS) |
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The primary benefit of an acoustic guitar pickup is the ability to amplify your instrument for live performances, rehearsals, or recording without relying solely on external microphones. This provides greater freedom of movement on stage and consistent sound projection. Pickups also offer direct control over your guitar’s volume and tone through onboard preamps or external effects pedals, allowing you to shape your sound to fit any musical context. For recording, a direct signal from a pickup can be blended with a mic’d signal to create a fuller, more dynamic sound.
- Consistent amplification for live performances.
- Reduced feedback compared to external microphones.
- Direct control over volume and tone.
- Versatility for recording and blending with mic’d signals.
- Ability to use effects pedals designed for amplified instruments.
Choosing the Right Pickup for Your Needs
When selecting an acoustic guitar pickup, consider your primary use case. If you’re a casual player who occasionally gigs at open mic nights, a simple soundhole pickup might suffice. For regular performers in louder environments, an under-saddle transducer or a dual-source system would offer better feedback resistance and sound quality. Budget is also a factor, with soundhole pickups generally being the most affordable option, while high-end dual-source systems can be a significant investment. Always research compatibility with your specific guitar model and consider professional installation for more complex systems.
Many players find that the enhanced versatility and sound control offered by a good acoustic guitar pickup significantly improves their playing experience, whether on stage or in the studio. It opens up new possibilities for effects, looping, and blending with other instruments, making it a valuable addition to any serious acoustic guitarist’s setup.Investing in a quality pickup can truly transform how you interact with your instrument in amplified settings, providing a clear and present voice for your acoustic guitar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of acoustic guitar pickups available?
There are three main types of acoustic guitar pickups: soundhole pickups, under-saddle transducers (USTs), and internal microphones. Each type offers distinct advantages for different playing styles and sonic preferences, with soundhole pickups being the easiest to install.
How do soundhole pickups differ from under-saddle transducers?
Soundhole pickups are magnetic, clip into the soundhole, and capture string vibrations for a direct tone, but can be prone to feedback. Under-saddle transducers are piezoelectric, sit under the saddle, and capture bridge vibrations for a clear, balanced tone with better feedback resistance, though installation is more complex.
What are the benefits of using an internal microphone in an acoustic guitar?
Internal microphones capture the natural air vibrations inside the guitar body, offering the most authentic acoustic sound with rich, nuanced tones. However, they are highly susceptible to feedback in live settings and often require careful placement and equalization, sometimes paired with a UST.
Why should a musician invest in an acoustic guitar pickup?
Musicians should invest in an acoustic guitar pickup for consistent amplification during live performances, rehearsals, and recording. Pickups provide direct control over volume and tone, reduce feedback compared to external microphones, and offer versatility for blending signals and using effects pedals.
Which type of acoustic guitar pickup is best for live performances?
For live performances, under-saddle transducers (USTs) or dual-source systems (combining a UST with an internal microphone) are generally best. USTs offer good feedback resistance and a clear, balanced tone, while dual-source systems provide enhanced versatility and a more natural sound.
I tried an internal microphone pickup, hoping for that natural studio sound on stage. While it does capture a lot of the guitar’s resonance, I found it a bit too sensitive to stage noise. It’s good for recording, but for live performance, I think I might need something a bit more robust to avoid unwanted sounds.
I’ve been using an under-saddle transducer for my gigs for about six months now, and it’s been a game-changer. The consistent amplification is exactly what I needed, especially when playing in different venues. It really helps me maintain control over my sound without worrying about mic placement.
As someone who records a lot of acoustic tracks, investing in a good pickup was essential. I went with an under-saddle transducer, and the clarity and control it gives me in the studio are fantastic. It really makes a difference compared to just relying on external mics, especially for consistency across takes.
I recently installed a soundhole pickup on my old dreadnought, and it’s perfect for open mic nights. It was super easy to clip in, just like it mentioned. The tone is pretty direct, which I like, but I do notice a bit of feedback if I push the volume too high. Still, for the convenience, it’s great.