10 Best Acoustic Guitar Pickups Compared & Reviewed

 

Best Acoustic Guitar Pickup Review – Top Rated Models with Buying Guide

 

Getting the desired results when playing an acoustic guitar calls for lots of practice and the use of quality musical gear, including the best acoustic guitar pickup if you want to improve your guitar’s tone. Finding the best sounding acoustic guitar pickup for your needs might not be the easiest task, though, given the many options available out there. To simplify your shopping process, we have taken a closer look at the features offered by both expensive and cheap acoustic guitar pickups and a few acoustic guitar pickup reviews, and we’ve concluded that the first model to consider is the Luvay Piezo Contact Microphone Transducer. The item can be used not only with acoustic guitars but also with many other instruments, such as ukuleles, violins, and banjos. It was built to get you a clear tone and resist feedback. Moreover, the volume is adjustable so that you can practice according to your needs, and thanks to the sticky-style and no-battery design, installing it is easy. If this option is temporarily out of stock, another product worth considering is the HDE Electric Transducer for Acoustic Guitars.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Acoustic Guitar Pickups (Updated Reviews) in 2020

 

 

The best acoustic guitar pickups can up your performance and get you closer to the sonic output you’re interested in, but finding an affordable acoustic guitar pickup isn’t always easy since there are various features to consider and so many models available for sale. Besides the acoustic guitar pickup comparison above, we have also compiled a list of reviews. Check it out for a more informed buying decision.

 

 

1. Luvay Piezo Contact Microphone Transducer

 

Easy to install and designed to get you a clear sound, this pickup for acoustic guitars also works with other instruments, including ukuleles, banjos, and violins. Besides its versatility, you will also benefit from a clear sound when employing this unit as the product was built to be highly resistant to feedback.

What’s more, the materials used for the plugs will add to the clear sounds delivered. The volume can be adjusted thanks to the control knob featured so that you can perform according to your needs. The mini no-battery design ensures easy storage and transportation, and you can install it easily by sticking it near the guitar’s soundhole.

Furthermore, the manufacturer provides a connection diagram to make it even easier for you to use the unit correctly. The pack includes four stickers and a 10-foot amplifier cable so that you can benefit from its advantages immediately upon arrival.

 

Pros

This piezo contact microphone transducer can be used not only with acoustic guitars but also with ukuleles, violins, banjos, and other similar instruments.

The unit was built to help you contour your acoustic guitar performance with clear sounds and ensure superior resistance to feedback.

The unit’s no-battery design and size make it easy to add it to your musical gear when traveling or storing it when not in use.

Installing the pickup is easy as all you need to do is follow the instructions provided in the connection diagram and stick the item near the soundhole using the stickers included in the pack.

The volume is adjustable, and the control knob makes the entire operation straightforward; the pack also includes a 10-foot amplifier cable.

 

Cons 

Removing the unit from the instrument after using it requires lots of attention and might be a bit difficult; if not carried out carefully, the removal process might damage the surface of the instrument.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($16.88)

 

 

 

2. HDE Electric Transducer for Acoustic Guitars

 

Budget-conscious buyers and those of you interested in a clip-on pickup might want to take a closer look at this model from HDE as the unit is easy to install and is part of the affordable acoustic guitar pickups currently available on the market. Turning your acoustic guitar into an acoustic-electric one is thus a straightforward and simple process when using this unit.

The item was built in such a way to capture mechanical vibrations and convert them into an electrical signal. This signal can then be amplified, broadcast, or recorded, depending on your needs. Its clip-on design makes it easy to install it, as all you have to do is clip it to your acoustic guitar’s soundhole.

The product is designed to fit full-size and ¾-size guitars and work with models with 6 or 12 strings. Thanks to the 1/4″ mono jack featured, you can plug it into your amplifier or other audio equipment.

 

Pros

If you’re interested in an acoustic guitar pickup that won’t break your wallet and that is easy to use and install, this model is worth a closer look.

The product features a clip-on design, which means that all you have to do is clip it to the instrument’s soundhole and then connect it to the audio equipment of interest.

The item can be used with full-size and ¾-size guitars whether they have 6 or 12 strings and audio gear with a standard 1/4″ connector.

By capturing the mechanical vibrations and turning them into an electric signal, this pickup will help you turn your acoustic guitar into an acoustic-electric one without spending much.

The cable featured measures 9 feet so that you can use it even in a studio where the audio equipment and product might be far apart from one another.

 

Cons 

This pickup might be a better choice for beginners interested in just strumming chords than for professionals who need each string to have the same loudness.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

3. Donner Humbucker Magnetic Passive Soundhole Pickup

 

If you’re in the market for an acoustic guitar pickup that will allow you to tailor the tone you get to a greater extent, this model from Donner shouldn’t go unchecked before you make your final decision. The 12 adjustable head design allows players to make various adjustments and thus get closer to the sonic outputs they’re interested in achieving.

This design will widen the range of the guitar’s picked strings and make it easier for you to switch from a 6-string guitar to a 12-string model. This is a humbucking model that features double-coil technology in order to provide you with clear sounds and eliminate noise.

Since this is a passive pickup system, it doesn’t rely on batteries. To help you get a personalized experience, the unit also features a volume control. Installing it is easy as the manufacturer provides instructions, and the pack includes the needed installation tools.

 

Pros

Suitable for acoustic guitars with a soundhole diameter ranging from 3.8”/96.6mm to 3.94”/102mm, this passive pickup system can be used with guitars featuring 6 or 12 strings.

Thanks to the double-coil technology used, the unit should eliminate noise and get you clear sounds.

To help you tailor your playing experience and the sounds you produce, the pickup comes with a 12 adjustable head design and volume control.

The plug-and-play and no-battery design ensures ease of use and installation, while the tools included in the pack will help you install it immediately upon arrival.

The manufacturer also provides installation instructions so that you can benefit from the unit’s advantages as soon as you get it.

 

Cons 

The product does not work with 3/4 size acoustic guitars, such as the Baby Taylor acoustic guitars; therefore, make sure to check the unit’s compatibility with your instrument carefully.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($39.99)

 

 

 

4. Seymour Duncan Woody Series SC SA-3SC Pickup Bundle

 

What you get with this bundle includes a passive magnetic pickup and a True Tune TT-05 tuner so that you can cater to different playing-related needs. The pickup included in the bundle was built in such a way to get you clear and bright tones, and it thus comes with a single-coil design, which ensures more chime.

The way it contributes to the sounds delivered by the guitar it is used with makes this pickup suitable for players interested in both gentle fingerstyle playing or vibrant strumming. The unit works with any standard soundhole with a diameter ranging from 3.75″ (94mm) to 4.0″ (100mm).

The pickup was designed to ensure resistance to feedback, and it can be installed easily without requiring you to modify the guitar. Plus, it can also be easily removed when no longer needed. The 14-foot studio-quality cable included in the pack allows you to connect it to an amplifier and other audio equipment.

 

Pros

Given its design and the bright and clear tones delivered, the pickup can be used whether you’re into gentler fingerstyle playing or more energetic strumming.

What’s great about this bundle is that, besides the magnetic pickup, you will also get a True Tune TT-05 tuner so that you can make sure that your instrument is always in tune.

The pickup works with any standard soundhole with a diameter that ranges from 3.75″ to 4.0″, and installing it is easy as no guitar modification is required; uninstalling it is also simple.

Thanks to the 14-foot studio-quality cable included, you can plug the pickup into your amplifier or the compatible audio equipment of interest.

The unit was also built in such a way to ensure resistance to feedback and thus contribute positively to the sounds delivered.

 

Cons 

This is a magnetic pickup that works with steel-string acoustic guitars; therefore, if your instrument features nylon strings, this product won’t help.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($52.99)

 

 

 

5. Seymour Duncan 1150030 Woody Series SC SA-3SC

 

This pickup cuts a fine figure not only sonically but also visually and was built to provide acoustic guitar players with a warm and rich tone. Given the way it contributes to the sonic output of a guitar, this product is more suitable for players interested in fingerstyle playing.

This is a single-coil model, which means that you will get more chime, and a passive magnetic pickup, so it works best with steel string instruments. The unit is housed in a maple cover, and it is double-potted to ensure superior resistance to feedback.

It fits any standard soundhole with a diameter that ranges from 3.85″ to 4.10″. Considering the pickup’s price, it is a more affordable option than buying a mic for amplification. Installing it is nothing complicated, and thanks to the 14-foot cable included in the pack, you can connect it to your amp, PA system, or mixing console.

 

Pros

If you’re more into strumming or gentle fingerstyle playing, this passive, magnetic pickup might be of interest as it was built to deliver warm and rich tones.

This is a single-coil model and works with all standard soundholes with a diameter that ranges from 3.75″/94mm to 4.0″/100mm.

Given its design and the 14-foot cable included in the pack, you can use this pickup with amplifiers, PA systems, mixing consoles, and other audio equipment.

The pickup system is housed in a maple cover and is double-potted for feedback-resistance; installing it is simple and straightforward.

 

Cons 

It is best to check the pickup’s dimensions and its compatibility with your acoustic guitar as it does not fit smaller soundholes.

The unit does not have an EQ bar, which would have been a great addition, but that’s to be expected from a product within this price range.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($49)

 

 

 

6. Randon Acoustic Guitar Piezo Contact Pickup

 

Suitable not only for acoustic guitars but also ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, and kalimbas, this piezo contact pickup system is easy to use and built to get your clear sounds. One of the things that make this unit stand out is its lightweight and easy-to-install design.

All you have to do is to stick it to your musical instrument and plug the cable included in the pack into the amp or compatible audio equipment of choice. Speaking of the cable, the one provided with this pickup measures 9.65”, and the package includes instructions to help you install it easily and rapidly.

The unit was designed to eliminate any interfering external sounds and remain unaffected by sound reflections coming from nearby objects. Installing the pickup does not require any modification to the instrument, and since it does not rely on batteries, you can take it with your wherever you perform.

 

Pros

Whether you need a pickup for your acoustic guitar, ukulele, kalimba, or banjo, this model is worth taking into account as it was designed to work with any of these instruments.

Thanks to the way it was built and the materials featured, the unit is able to eliminate interfering external noise and thus provide you with a clear sound.

Given the stick-patch design, the item is in direct contact with the sound source, which contributes to the sonic results delivered; plus, no modification to your instrument is required when using this pickup.

Installing it is easy, and even if this is your first pickup, you shouldn’t have any problems installing it correctly, as instructions are provided in the box.

The lightweight and compact design ensures ease of storage and transportation; the no-battery design also adds to this benefit.

 

Cons 

The adhesive it comes with might not be as strong as expected, and even if the item is advertised as working with several instruments, besides guitars, it might not work that well with cellos.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($9.99)

 

 

 

7. Donner DSS-6 Acoustic Guitar Humbucker Pickup

 

Using the best pickup for acoustic guitar will help you get closer to the desired sonic results, and that’s what Donner had in mind when designing and building this pickup. This model is a passive one that uses the magnetic field to collect the string vibrations and pass them to the speaker.

In order to ensure improved transmission, the manufacturer paired the unit with a customized audio cable and double-coil technology. The result should be a clearer sound and reduced feedback and noise. Thanks to the solid mahogany housing used, the vibrations are transmitted stably, and the tone is balanced and clear.

To help you get the right string balance, Donner packed the item with volume and tone controls. Since this is a passive pickup, you won’t need batteries. Plus, installing it is easy, and thanks to the leather pads and soundhole clip cushion, installing or removing it should not damage your instrument.

 

Pros

This passive pickup was designed to help you pair your acoustic guitar performance with clarity, and it thus uses stacked coils that reduce noise and ensure string-to-string balance.

To help you customize your experience and get the balance and effects you need and want, the unit comes packed with volume and tone controls.

The soundhole clip cushion helps keep the pickup and audio cable firmly in place without damaging the instrument.

Thanks to the way it is built, installing it is a fast and straightforward process as there is no drilling required; plus, since it is a passive pickup, it does not require batteries.

The package includes anything you need to start using the product immediately upon arrival; you will thus get the pickup, an audio cable, cable holders, a leather pad, and an owner’s manual.

 

Cons 

The pickup fits only soundhole diameters that range from 3.8”/96.6mm to 3.94”/102mm, and even if it fits guitars with six strings, it doesn’t suit 3/4 size acoustic guitars.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($35.99)

 

 

 

8.  GUITTO GGP-01 Piezoelectric & Double Mic Pickup 

 

One common issue with pickups is that many of them require modification to the instrument they are being used with, but Guitto designed a pickup that will get you the tone and effects you want without damaging your guitar in any way.

Thanks to the double mics, you will benefit from subtle and mellow tones when plucking the instrument’s strings or deeper sounds when tapping. Given the piezoelectric pickup’s capacity of picking up a wider audio frequency, the dynamic range of the circuit is amplified. In order to cater to different guitars and preferences, the unit comes with an adjustable EQ function.

The product is easy to install as there’s no need to punch holes. All you need to do is buckle the pickup on the verge of your guitar’s soundhole. What’s more, thanks to the buckle design, the pickup will stay firmly in place while protecting the instrument’s surface from being scratched.

 

Pros

The unit was designed to pair your performances with the tone and effects you want, and it thus comes with double mics, an adjustable EQ function, a phase reversal knob, and volume control.

The piezoelectric pickup is built in such a way to pick up a much wider audio frequency, and given the unit’s shielding and anti-interference capacity, the background noise is reduced.

The pickup housing features zinc alloy, which not only adds to the item’s durability but also contributes to the reduction of electromagnetic interference from cell phones.

Thanks to the buckle design, the unit is not only easy to install, but it also stands firmly in place without damaging the instrument’s surface.

Due to the adjustable EQ function, the pickup is suitable for different preferences, which renders it worthy of consideration if you’re looking for a versatile product.

 

Cons 

This unit is more suitable for budget-conscious beginners and casual players than for professionals interested in a high-end unit.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. Donner Humbucker Pickup with Mic & Adjustable Heads

 

If you’re interested in an active pickup, this model from Donner is worth taking into account as it was built not only to pick up the acoustic tones of your guitar but also its sonic details, such as its overtones. All this translates into complex and warm sounds.

To make sure that noise and feedback are reduced and thus the sounds you get are clear, the product comes with double-coil technology. For a more personalized experience, the item features six adjustable heads. You can thus adjust them to pair your performances with the tone you need and like.

The 9v battery needed for this unit to work is included in the box. Installing the item is easy, and the solid mahogany housing won’t just ensure stability but will also add a nice touch from a visual point of view. The pickup comes paired with all the accessories needed for you to install it immediately upon arrival.

 

Pros

This is an active pickup that features the double-coil technology to reduce noise and feedback and thus get you clear sounds.

In order to provide you with greater versatility and help you get a personalized experience, the product comes with six adjustable heads, as well as volume and tone controls.

The MIC pickup is designed in such a way to pick up the guitar’s authentic acoustic tones as well as its sonic details, such as the overtones.

The pack includes the pickup, a 9v battery, a hexagonal adjusting rod, three cable holders, a fixtures leather pad, and an owner’s manual so that you can install it properly.

 

Cons 

Keep in mind that this pickup fits soundhole diameters that range from 3.8”/96.6mm to 3.94”/102mm; plus, it does not work with 3/4 size acoustic guitars, such as the ones in the Baby Taylor series.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

10. ASCENDAS A-202 Guitar Equalizer Piezo Pickup

 

When looking for an affordable or even cheap acoustic guitar pickup, this model from Ascendas shouldn’t be left unchecked before you make a decision as it is built to help you shape your guitar’s sound and do so nicely, as we will see in this short acoustic guitar pickup review.

This model is suitable for many types of guitars, including classical and folk guitars, and it works no matter if the instrument features steel or nylon strings, which is a great advantage. To help you tailor the guitar’s sonic output even further, the pickup is packed with volume and tone controls.

Thanks to the unit’s design, the coupling between the guitar and the transducer is improved, which enhances the transducer’s sensitivity and thus adds to the sound quality delivered. What’s also nice about this model is that it also comes with a mic so that you can up your performance even further.

 

Pros

This product is not only suitable for various types of guitars, but it also works whether the instrument features steel or nylon strings.

Given its design, the unit improves the coupling between the instrument and the transducer, which adds to the latter’s sensitivity and thus to the quality of the sounds ensured.

Thanks to the volume and tone controls featured, you will get to tailor your performance even further and thus find the right balance for you.

Even if installing it requires attention and might take a bit of time, it is nothing complicated as long as you follow the instructions.

 

Cons 

The unit requires a 9v battery to work, and it might drain the battery more than expected, so it is best to have a spare battery at hand just in case.

Even if the mic is a great addition to this unit, in order to get sound out of it, you’ll have to turn the piezo volume up.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($37.99)