How to choose an acoustic guitar pickup

Have you ever finally acquired your dream acoustic guitar, only to hear the sound coming from the amp or PA system and feel like "something's not quite right"?

The acoustic guitar sounds beautiful and resonant in person, but on stage or in the studio, it sounds harsh and flat. When I record it, it's not the sound of the acoustic guitar I had envisioned.

I myself have experienced many times during live performances and recordings that "the sound is great when played live, but it doesn't sound good when played through a line output."

In the past, I've tried various things, such as changing the type of strings and picks, and rethinking my playing technique. However, upon closer examination, one of the factors that greatly influences the sound is undoubtedly the pickup.

It goes without saying that the guitar itself and playing technique are important for the sound of an acoustic guitar. However, in environments where sound is amplified, such as live performances or recordings, the pickup becomes the entry point for the sound.

No matter how wonderful a guitar may be, the impression of the sound you hear will change greatly depending on how its vibrations are picked up and outputted.
At Advance Guitars, we sometimes receive inquiries from customers.

"What should I choose if I'm going to use it for a live performance?"
"I want to produce a sound that is as close to the original sound as possible."
"The sound of the pickup I currently have is harsh. Should I replace it?"

A common thread in these inquiries is the concern, "I don't know which pickup is right for me." However, even within the category of acoustic guitar pickups, there is a wide variety in their mechanisms and tonal characteristics.

A model that is highly resistant to feedback and suitable for live performances.
Something that can easily reproduce delicate touches.
This design prioritizes the natural, unadulterated sound.
Something that can handle both recording and live performances.

All of these are excellent pickups, but the best choice will vary depending on your intended use.
In other words, the important thing is not to look for the "best pickup," but to find the "pickup that suits you."

This time, we'll explain the typical types and characteristics of pickups, and then discuss in detail which type of player each is best suited for.
Whether you're considering implementing a new system or are dissatisfied with your current sound, please use this as a reference.

"The sound coming from the outside of the live music venue and from the monitor speakers is different from what I had imagined."
"The line output sounds harsh and lacks acoustic qualities."

Have you ever felt this way when using an acoustic guitar in live performances or recordings? This "gap between the live sound and the line-in sound" is a problem that many people face.

There's one crucial premise you need to understand first: "Line output is not a perfect reproduction of the acoustic sound." Correctly understanding this premise is the first step in finding your optimal pickup.

(1) The essential difference between live sound and line-in sound
The natural sound of an acoustic guitar that we usually hear actually goes through a very complex process.
The vibrations of the strings cause the top plate to vibrate via the bridge, the entire body resonates, and the air inside is pushed out through the soundhole.
Furthermore, the sound reflects off the surrounding walls and floor, and only then does it reach people's ears as the "raw sound of an acoustic guitar."
In other words, the essence of live sound can be described as "air vibrations throughout the entire space."

On the other hand, pickups attached to acoustic guitars can only pick up "a very small portion of localized vibrations" within this process.

This is because, unlike human ears, guitars don't pick up the entire acoustics of the space from a distance. This is the main reason why acoustic and line-enhanced sounds fundamentally different.

(2) The character is determined by "what you pick up".
Each pickup differs in its structure (type) in how it "filters information from the guitar and what kind of information it extracts."
Let's look at three typical methods as examples.

- Piezo (under the saddle): Picks up "the pressure of the strings and the direct vibration of the top plate."

- Magnetic (soundhole): Uses magnetism to pick up the "metallic vibration of the strings." (Similar principle to an electric guitar)

- Condenser microphone (inside the body): Picks up "air vibrations inside the body".

Thus, each method extracts a different "part of the information" and converts it into an electrical signal. The reason why people struggle with the difference between live sound and line-in sound is that they cannot visualize this "difference in how information is extracted."

(3) Choose the "ideal output" rather than the "reproduction" of the live sound.

"To eliminate the gap between live sound and line-out sound."
Of course, that is not wrong as one of the goals to aim for.
However, if you perceive the gap between the acoustic sound and the sound of the line-in as inherently bad, you risk narrowing the enjoyable world of acoustic guitar for yourself.

It may sound obvious when put into words, but line-in sound is "a different sound that is created by converting the vibrations of a guitar into electrical signals and then reconstructing them to be played through speakers."
Simply keeping this premise in mind will allow you to purely experience the joy of sound creation, rather than feeling any discomfort when plugging in or being disappointed when comparing it to the live sound.

① Under-saddle piezo pickup

A pickup is a device that uses a long, thin sensor embedded directly beneath the saddle, the part that supports the strings, to convert the string vibrations into electrical signals.
This is often included as standard equipment when acoustic guitars are shipped, and it is currently the most popular and classic type.

*The image shows the sensor part of the LRBags ELEMENT that is installed under the saddle.

Information to gather:String pressure and direct vibration around the bridge

Features:
Because it directly captures the vibrations of the strings, the attack (the onset of the sound) is very fast, resulting in a crisp, clear sound.
・Because the structure physically blocks air vibrations, even when the volume is turned up, unpleasant high-pitched "whining" feedback does not occur.

Feature 2:
- When strummed particularly hard, it produces a hard, electric high-pitched sound (the so-called "piezo" sound) rather than the warmth characteristic of an acoustic guitar, making it a sound that people will either love or hate.
- Due to its structure, it's almost impossible to capture the airiness of an acoustic guitar or the sound of tapping the body (percussive playing techniques).

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
・Drums andBassFor those who play in a band with a certain instrument (so that the acoustic guitar sound stands out clearly and doesn't get drowned out even in loud music).
- For those performing in loud live music venues (providing peace of mind knowing that even with extremely loud sound coming back from the speakers at your feet, feedback is less likely).
・For those who want to concentrate on their performance without worrying about sound problems.

② Magnetic pickup

A pickup that is clamped into the soundhole and uses magnetism to convert the vibrations of the strings into electrical signals.
It uses the same principles as an electric guitar and can be easily implemented without major modifications to your existing instrument, making it a favorite among many players.

Information to cut out:
The vibration of the string causes "string oscillation (change in magnetic field)."

Features:
・Due to its structure, which is similar to that of an electric guitar, it has a rich mid-to-low range, and chord strums resonate powerfully forward.
・ Because they don't pick up air directly, they are resistant to feedback, and many models can be attached and detached using only screws without requiring extensive drilling, which is another attractive feature.

Feature 2:
Because it primarily picks up the vibration of the strings rather than the vibration of the wood, depending on the pickup model, the natural, organic feel unique to acoustic guitars may be toned down, resulting in a sound closer to that of an electric guitar (a texture similar to that of an electric guitar).
- Because it is attached to the soundhole, it will result in a change in appearance.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
- Guitarists and singer-songwriters who strum intensely.

③ Contact Pickup

A pickup that is directly attached to the back of the body (such as the inside of the top plate) and converts the vibrations of the wood itself into electrical signals.
Its key feature is its ability to capture the very "vibration" of the guitar's natural sound, resulting in a nuanced reproduction that closely resembles the acoustic sound.

*Cling On CP01 can be attached to the body to pick up body vibrations.

Information to gather:
"Real wood vibrations" where the top plate and body wood vibrate directly.

Features:
・By directly capturing the resonance of the guitar's body, the inherent warmth and rich tone of the acoustic guitar are faithfully reflected in the line-out sound.
- It beautifully captures even the delicate "thud" sound of the palm of the hand tapping the body with special playing techniques, as well as the scraping sound of fingers.

Feature 2:
The guitar body resonates even with loud volumes coming from speakers. Because it picks up these vibrations directly, a low-frequency "buzzing" feedback is likely to occur in loud environments.
- The sound changes depending on where you attach it, resulting in stronger treble or muffled bass, so you will need to adjust the placement.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
- Solo guitarists who perform in small spaces such as cafes and classrooms.
・For those who frequently use special playing techniques that involve striking the body and prioritize the realistic resonance of the wooden body.

④Composite type
This system combines two different methods from the three methods we've introduced so far (piezo, magnetic, and contact) or built-in condenser microphones.
By complementing each other's weaknesses, it achieves a high level of balance between the authentic sound of an acoustic guitar and practicality for stage use, making it popular among many professional players and high-end (premium) guitarists.RecruitIt is being done.

*This is a hybrid type combining a magnetic pickup and a condenser microphone.

Features:
・ By combining the "strong, feedback-resistant piezo sound" with the "airy feel of a microphone sound," it's possible to create the ideal sound by taking only the best aspects of each.
- In a band setting, you can use more piezo pickups to improve sound projection, and in a quiet venue for solo guitar playing, you can use more microphones to bring out the natural sound, allowing one guitar to adapt to any environment.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
・A practical player who wants to handle any performance environment, from cafes to large halls, with just this one instrument.
・For those who are willing to spend a lot of money and don't want to compromise on line output sound quality.

*Modern pickups have evolved, and many of the characteristics that might have been considered disadvantages have been technically overcome.
I hope this will serve as a helpful reference for understanding the basic framework of choosing pickups that suit your style.

Another important option: Active vs. Passive.
There are four types (systems), and the next step is to choose which one suits your style: "active (with battery)" or "passive (without battery)."）This is a difference in the signal output method.
Simply put, the difference lies in whether or not the guitar has a battery-powered preamp (a small amplifier) inside.
The ease of use changes drastically depending on which one you choose.

・Active type

A battery (9V or button cell) is installed inside the guitar, and a preamp is built in to amplify the sound to a certain level and make it resistant to noise before outputting it. Even when using a long cable, noise is less likely to be picked up, and you can get a thick, stable sound even when connected directly to the sound equipment of a live music venue.

• Passive type

This system does not use batteries; it directly outputs the weak vibrations picked up by the pickup.
It has the advantage of not having to worry about the battery running out and not compromising the natural resonance and lightness of the guitar itself, as it doesn't contain any unnecessary electronic circuit boards. However, because the output signal is very weak and delicate, it is prone to picking up noise.
In practical use, an external preamp (DI) is often necessary to amplify the sound outside the guitar.
When you hear that "passive amplifiers are susceptible to noise and require an external preamplifier," it might seem like there are only disadvantages at first glance.
However, professionals and discerning players who don't want to compromise on sound quality will deliberately choose passive.
This is because you can use your favorite high-performance preamp or DI box outside of the guitar to create your ideal sound without compromise.

1. LRBaggs Element (Active System)

kinds:
Under-saddle piezo pickup

Features:
ELEMENT is a standard feature used by acoustic guitar manufacturers worldwide.RecruitIt is a pickup that can be considered the world standard (standard) for under-saddle piezo pickups.
It has low noise and is resistant to feedback, making it suitable for live performances and band performances.
It boasts a well-balanced sound from low to high frequencies, possesses a presence that won't get lost in an ensemble, and features a natural sound that suppresses the "piezo-like" crackling sound (piezo harshness) characteristic of under-saddle piezo pickups.
While it's a practical pickup on its own, you can further shape the sound by using an external preamplifier.
When choosing an acoustic guitar pickup, you often have to consider its compatibility with the guitar, but the ELEMENT pickup provides consistent sound across all guitars without significant differences. It's a model that gives you the confidence to say, "If you're unsure, this is the one."

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
- Performing in loud live music venues or with a full band

2. LRBaggs M1 Passive

kinds:
Magnetic pickup

Features:
The M1 Passive is a classic magnetic pickup that attaches to the soundhole and is a passive pickup that does not use any batteries.
Thanks to its unique structure, it picks up not only the vibration of the strings but also the vibration of the body simultaneously, resulting in the airy sound characteristic of acoustic guitars.
It produces an acoustic sound without the "electric guitar-like" feel often associated with conventional magnetic pickups.

Since the unit does not have a built-in preamplifier or battery, there is no need to worry about the battery running out during a performance. However, because the output signal is weak and delicate, it is susceptible to noise.
Unlike the M1 Active, which will be discussed later, this unit does not have a volume control. Therefore, it is a model that truly shines when combined with an external preamplifier or DI box rather than being used on its own.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
・For those who want to shape their sound using an external preamp (DI)

3. M1 Operation

kinds: Magnetic pickup

Features:
The M1 Active is a classic model that allows you to easily obtain high-quality acoustic sound simply by clipping it onto the soundhole.
Because it has a built-in amplifier, it produces extremely low noise, and you can simply plug the cable directly into the system at a live music venue to get a practical, professional sound.

Similar to passive models, its unique "3D sensor" simultaneously captures vibrations from the body top through the soundhole, resulting in a distinctive airy sound. Furthermore, it boasts high resolution, picking up even the subtle "tick" of a finger pressing down on the strings.
Compared to the M1 Passive, the sound seems to be more neatly put together.

One of the major advantages of this active design is that you can instantly control the volume on stage using the volume knob on the unit itself, without needing to prepare a separate external preamp.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
・For those who want to easily perform live with just one cable.
- Guitarist/vocalist or singer-songwriter
・For those who want to reduce feedback during live performances

4. LRBaggs M80

kinds:
Magnetic pickup

Features:
The M80 is an innovative model that further evolves the M1 series and is considered the ultimate form of magnetic revolvers.

Its most distinctive feature lies in its unique structure, which, despite being fixed to the soundhole, picks up vibrations from not only the body top but the "entire guitar" across almost the entire frequency range. This brilliantly overcomes the "lack of airiness" that was a weakness of previous magnetic pickups, achieving a realistic, resonant sound similar to that picked up by a condenser microphone.

The sound of tapping techniques, where the guitar body is struck, is also reproduced with astonishing clarity, and the body tapping sound is said to be about 200% better than that of the M1.

Furthermore, the back of the unit features a switch to toggle between active and passive modes.
Because it can be used in different situations, and in some cases the pickup itself can even be removed, it can be said to be a pickup that can handle any situation.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
・For those who want to combine the convenience of a magnetic microphone with the realistic, atmospheric sound of a condenser microphone.
- Those who perform solo guitar or sing-alongs incorporating body hits (percussive techniques).
・For those who want to choose a pickup based on various situations (e.g., planning to install a preamp in the future, wanting to remove the pickup during recording, etc.)

5. LRBaggs HiFi

kinds:
Contact pickup (bridge plate mounted type)

Features:
HiFi is a new generation contact pickup developed to pursue the ultimate in pure acoustic guitar sound.
The structure simply involves attaching two ultra-lightweight sensors to the bridge plate (directly behind the saddle inside the body) using double-sided tape.RecruitI am doing it.
Because it doesn't put stress on the guitar, it doesn't physically hinder the natural vibration and resonant potential of the top plate.
From the delicate touch of a finger pluck to a vigorous stroke, it faithfully reproduces the soft resonance characteristic of wooden instruments with the same volume balance.

Thanks to its active design, which features a thoroughly tuned balance between the amplifier and sensor, this contact-type device boasts extremely low noise and ensures a stable output level, which is a major advantage.

Because the sensor is in direct contact with the area directly beneath the saddle—the "place where the richest resonance occurs"—it picks up everything from deep, rich bass to lustrous treble without the harshness often associated with piezo pickups.
This state-of-the-art system responds faithfully to even the slightest nuances in the performer's touch, transmitting the instrument's vibrations to the amplifier without any loss.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
- Players who want to express the delicate nuances and dynamics of fingerpicking exactly as they are in live performances.
・For those who want to easily achieve a microphone-like atmosphere

6. LRBaggs Lyric

kinds:
Acoustic microphone system

Features:
Lyric is a special condenser microphone-type pickup that is mounted on the bridge plate (inside the body).
Conventional, typical "internal microphones" have a structure where the microphone is placed inside the guitar's body, which means they pick up even the "muffled low frequencies" that sound like you're speaking inside a tube, and this has the weakness of easily causing severe feedback.

However, Lyric uses its own noise cancellation technology (Tru-Mic technology)RecruitIt produces a realistic and raw sound, as if a high-end studio microphone were placed right in front of the guitar during recording.
Its strength lies in its active design with a built-in amplifier, which ensures clear and sufficient volume even when used as a standalone microphone.

Unlike magnetic microphones that are fixed to the soundhole, this system simply involves attaching an ultra-lightweight microphone inside, so it does not physically interfere with the body's natural vibrations.
Therefore, it has an ideal structure for the instrument, as it does not impair the guitar's natural resonance and tone.

However, no matter how much technology advances, it remains a "real microphone," so compared to piezo or magnetic microphones, it has a higher risk of feedback when playing at high volumes.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
・For those who don't want to lose the guitar's natural acoustic sound.
- Solo guitarists who want to reproduce the "realistic atmosphere of live sound" even with line-out audio.

7. LRBaggs Anthem

kinds:
Dual source system (microphone + under-saddle piezo)

Features:
Anthem is the definitive high-end system, combining two different pickups: a groundbreaking special microphone (Tru-Mic) and a world-standard piezo pickup (Element).
Traditional dual-source systems had the drawbacks of "good sound quality but being difficult to adjust and prone to feedback."
However, Anthem features a circuit that automatically performs a perfect division of labor, entrusting the low frequencies below 200Hz to the piezo element and capturing the high frequencies above 250Hz with the airy feel of the Tru-Mic microphone.

By highlighting the breathtaking rawness of the microphone while building upon the powerful core strength of the piezo pickup, it produces an astonishingly natural and three-dimensional sound.

Because the control unit is fixed in an inconspicuous location behind the soundhole, it's possible to freely adjust not only the overall volume but also the "blending ratio" (blend) of the microphone and piezo pickup from your fingertips.
By increasing the microphone ratio, a rich, airy feel with a glossy tone spreads across the mid-to-high frequencies. Conversely, by reducing the microphone ratio, you can freely change the character of the sound to the thick, tight sound characteristic of piezo pickups.

From band performances to solo guitar playing, this is a truly flawless, top-of-the-line system that delivers the perfect sound for any situation with just the touch of a knob.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
・For those who want to recreate the raw sound of a microphone in a live setting.
A practical player who wants to be able to perform in any environment.

8. LRBaggs HiFi Duet

kinds：
Dual-source system (contact pickup + microphone)

Features:
HiFi Duet is a next-generation, top-of-the-line blending system that combines two different pickups: a state-of-the-art contact sensor (HiFi) and a newly developed studio-quality microphone (Silencer).
While the earlier Anthem was based on the "powerful sound of a piezo pickup," the HiFi Duet features a "soft, wooden instrument-like resonance thanks to its contact sensor."BassI'm doing it that way.

By combining this with the overwhelming sense of atmosphere captured by the newly developed internal microphone, we have achieved an extremely natural and high-resolution acoustic sound that makes you completely forget that it is a line output.

The control unit is an active design that fits neatly behind the soundhole, allowing you to freely change not only the overall volume but also the "blending ratio" between the sensor and microphone to suit your playing environment.
By increasing the microphone ratio to create a rich sound, and switching to sensor-based control to suppress feedback on loud stages, this single unit perfectly covers the ideal sound creation demanded by modern live musicians.

It retains an ultra-lightweight design that does not hinder the natural vibration of the guitar's top plate, and a major advantage is that it allows you to bring out the natural resonance of your beloved instrument.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
・For those who dislike the mechanical sound of line speakers and want to pursue the ultimate in live sound.
- Players who want to deliver the true sound of their beloved instrument in every situation.

9.FISHMAN Rare Earth Mic Blend Active Soundhole Pickup

kinds:
Dual-source system (magnetic + microphone)

Features:
The Rare Earth Mic Blend is a long-selling, active-use model packed with technology from FISHMAN, the world's leading mic manufacturer.
In addition to a powerful humbucking (magnetic) pickup that clamps into the soundhole, it features a unique dual structure with a flexible gooseneck microphone extending from the body.
The magnetic pickup's precise picking attack can be blended with the soft, airy feel (ambient sound) provided by the microphone, all to your liking using the dial on the unit.

Additionally, the microphone has a "low-frequency cut (roll-off) switch" on the back.
When the microphone is about to produce the characteristic "boomy low-frequency feedback" due to reflections from the venue walls or the volume, this function instantly optimizes the sound for a tight, well-defined performance by cutting only the low frequencies of the microphone at hand.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
A versatile player who can play a wide range of styles, from the delicate nuances of fingerpicking to powerful, solid strokes.

10.Sky Sonic WL-800JP

kinds:
Wireless Dual Source System (Magnetic + Microphone)

Features:
The WL-800JP is a groundbreaking model that revolutionized acoustic guitar pickups by integrating a preamplifier and wireless functionality.
Simply attach the main unit to the soundhole and plug the receiver into the amplifier to produce sound.
The design features two microphone systems: a magnetic microphone for a thick, powerful sound and a condenser microphone for adding airiness. The volume of each can be controlled independently with the knobs on the unit.
Despite its numerous functions, it delivers clear sound with absolutely no noticeable latency (sound delay).

Since it requires no internal wiring or drilling for the endpin jack, it's an ideal option for players who don't want to damage their precious instrument.

Another advantage is that, since it's powered by a rechargeable battery, you don't have to worry about bothersome battery changes.

What kind of players/situations is this recommended for?
・For those who want to install a high-quality system without drilling holes or making any other damage to their beloved instrument.
・For those who want to be freed from the hassle of cables during live performances.
Players who want to easily handle a wide range of styles, from strumming to solo guitar and body hits.

"Which pickup do you recommend the most?"
We often receive such questions in our stores.

However, those of you who have read this far should understand why I cannot answer that question in a single sentence.
The role of sound required in a performance setting is fundamentally different for someone playing in a band with drums compared to someone strumming a solo guitar in a quiet space.
There are times when a powerful sound that cuts through the ensemble is needed, and other times when we want to cherish the delicate atmosphere of the live sound as it is.
That's why I believe that choosing a pickup shouldn't be based solely on its "popularity ranking" or "price."

The acoustic guitar is inherently a beautiful instrument with a very rich sound.
To convey that appeal to a wider audience beyond the speakers, the pickup functions as an important "means of expression."
Given the limitations of physical mechanisms, it may be impossible to reproduce the exact same sound as live music with 100% accuracy.
However, by combining the specific conditions of your own playing environment with the characteristics of your equipment, it is certainly possible to convey the potential of your beloved instrument more naturally and appealingly.

Author of this article:Mochizuki (Advance Guitars staff)

In his personal life, he mainly plays electric guitar. Leveraging his boundless love and interest in instruments—which leads him to continue playing even during work breaks—he showcases the charm of acoustic guitar with Advance Guitars' top-notch strumming technique.

Qualifications and experience: Four years of experience as a musical instrument appraiser.

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