Acoustic Guitar Pickups! Which one is right for you?

There are three types of acoustic guitar pickups that are commonly used in acoustic guitars.

Soundhole Pickups--These pickups fit under the strings and are wedged into the soundhole.

Piezo-Electric Soundboard Transducers--They are attached to the top or underside of the soundboard or bridge.

Piezo-Electric Under-The-Saddle Transducers--They are fitted into the routed saddle channel under the saddle of the acoustic guitar.

There are several pros and cons that go along with each type of acoustic guitar pickup.

Of course, each can be subjective or objective depending on your perspective!

Soundhole Pickup

Cons---Since these pickups are magnetic coil wound pickups, they have more of an electric guitar sound taking away the traditional acoustic sound.

They also take the traditional look away from the guitar, since the pickup is wedged or mechanically fastened into the soundhole.

Pros---They can be installed quickly and changed to another guitar and the installation can be done by an amatuer.

Piezo-Electric Soundboard Transducers

Cons---It's hard to play at a high volume without getting feedback. You usually have to do a -20 or -40 db volume cut at the mixer level.

Also, it is good to keep a feedback buster(soundhole plug) with you to keep the feedback down. If you are playing small venues, it is usually not a problem.

Pros--Most give a true acoustic sound if installed properly. Usually the only modification is the end pen peg.

It has to be removed and the hole enlarged to accomodate the 1/4" female jack.

The jack usually doubles for the strap peg. It doesn't change the traditional look of the guitar.

Piezo-Electric Under-The-Saddle Transducer

Cons---There is the presence of the annoying piezo quack or quacking sound that is produced by a heavy attack on the strings with a pick.

The quack is almost impossible to EQ out and not suitable for straight forward flatpicking.

Pros---The under-the-saddle installation does not change the traditional look of the guitar. The 1/4" female jack can be installed through the end pen hole.

The sound is more acoustic than a soundhole pickup and this pickup is good for fingerstyle picking.

Both piezo pickups can be used with an installed pre-amp or a belt-worn pre-amp.

Regardless of the acoustic guitar pickup you choose, make sure you get one that fits your needs and ear.

Go to your local music store and try them out before you buy!

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