If you’re an acoustic guitar player looking to amplify your sound, then investing in a quality pickup is a must. A good acoustic guitar pickup can transform your live performances by capturing the natural sound of your instrument and projecting it through an amplifier or PA system. With so many options available on the market, we’ve compiled a list of the best acoustic guitar pickups to help you find the right one for your needs.
1. Fender Tex-Mex Strat Pickups
Fender Tex
The Fender volume tone pedal is designed to produce the vintage sound of a Stratocaster, with increased output from its Alnico V magnets and Polysol-coated magnet wire. It offers precise control over both volume and tone, with the ability to tilt and swivel for ultimate performance.
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2. EMG JH James Hetfield Guitar Pickup
EMG JH James
The James Hetfield Signature Pickup Set features a stealthy appearance and combines the clarity and punch of an active tone with the familiar tight attack of a passive pickup. It has less inductance for a cleaner low end and comes with a solderless install system for easy installation.
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3. NUX C-5RC 5.8GHz Wireless Guitar
NUX C-5RC 5.8GHz
The NUX C-5RC 5.8GHz Wireless Guitar System is designed for both active and passive pickup guitars, and features a low-interference UHF transmitter and receiver with an auto-match function. It comes with a charging case for easy and convenient charging, making it a reliable and hassle-free wireless solution for guitarists.
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4. Seymour Duncan SHR-1b Hot Rails Strat Pickup
Seymour Duncan SHR
Seymour Duncan’s Hot Rails pickup is a high-output, popular pickup that uses a strong ceramic magnet and powerful coil windings to create a fat, sustained tone, ideal for classic rock and aggressive styles like garage rock or metal. It has a single-coil-sized design, making it easy to install and add thickness to your tone.
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5. Fender Ultra Noiseless Stratocaster Pickups
Fender Ultra Noiseless
Fender Ultra Noiseless pickups offer a livelier and more expansive tone with a vintage voice and classic bell-like chime. These pickups are designed with new winding techniques and crafted with Alnico 5 magnets and polysol wire to eliminate 60-cycle hum. The Ultra Noiseless Vintage Strat SSS pickups feature lower output for classic Stratocaster tone with no hum.
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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Acoustic Guitar Pickup
As an acoustic guitar player, you know how important it is to have a quality pickup that can capture the natural sound of your instrument and amplify it for live performances or recording. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we’ve created this ultimate guide to help you choose the best acoustic guitar pickup.
Types of Acoustic Guitar Pickups:
The first thing you need to know is that there are different types of pickups for acoustic guitars. The most common types are the soundhole pickup, the under-saddle pickup, and the contact pickup.
Soundhole pickups are the easiest to install and remove, and they work by capturing the vibrations of the strings through a magnetic field. Under-saddle pickups are installed under the guitar’s bridge and pick up the vibrations of the strings through the saddle. Contact pickups are attached to the guitar’s top and use a small microphone to capture the sound of the guitar.
Factors to Consider:
When choosing an acoustic guitar pickup, there are several factors you need to consider:
Sound Quality: The pickup should capture the natural sound of your guitar and reproduce it accurately.
Installation: Some pickups require professional installation, while others are easy to install yourself.
Feedback Resistance: The pickup should be resistant to feedback to prevent unwanted noise and distortion.
Price: Acoustic guitar pickups can range in price from budget-friendly to high-end, so consider your budget before making a purchase.
Compatibility: Make sure the pickup is compatible with your guitar and amplifier.
Top Picks:
Based on these factors, here are our top picks for the best acoustic guitar pickups:
LR Baggs Anthem – Best overall pickup with exceptional sound quality and feedback resistance.
Fishman Rare Earth Humbucking Soundhole Pickup – Great sound quality and easy to install.
K&K Pure Mini – Offers natural sound and easy installation.
Seymour Duncan Woody HC – Budget-friendly and produces a warm sound.
DPA d:vote 4099G – High-end contact pickup with exceptional sound quality.
Final Verdict About Acoustic Guitar Pickup
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner, having a high-quality acoustic guitar pickup can make a significant difference in the sound and tone of your instrument. We hope this list of the best acoustic guitar pickups has provided you with useful insights and helped you find the right pickup for your needs. Remember, a good pickup is an investment that will enhance your live performances and take your music to the next level.