Imagine this: You’re playing your beautiful acoustic guitar, and you want to share its amazing sound with a crowd. But how do you make that warm, natural tone loud enough for everyone to hear? This is where acoustic guitar pickups come in, and specifically, soundhole pickups are a popular choice for many players. They are like little microphones that attach right to your guitar’s soundhole.
But choosing the right soundhole pickup can feel a bit like finding a needle in a haystack! There are so many different kinds, and they all promise to give your guitar a great sound. Some might sound too thin, others too buzzy, and figuring out which one will sound best with *your* guitar can be a real headache. You want a pickup that captures the true voice of your instrument without any fuss.
Don’t worry, though! By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a good soundhole pickup. We’ll break down what to look for, what different types sound like, and how to pick the perfect one for your acoustic guitar. Get ready to make your acoustic guitar sing on stage or in the studio with confidence!
Our Top 5 Soundhole Pickups For Acoustic Guitar Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Soundhole Pickups For Acoustic Guitar Detailed Reviews
1. Acoustic Guitar Pickup Passive Megnetic Soundhole Pickup with Humbucker Volume Timbre Control
Rating: 9.5/10
The Acoustic Guitar Pickup Passive Magnetic Soundhole Pickup with Humbucker Volume Timbre Control is a great way to amplify your acoustic guitar. It has a beautiful rosewood color and a smart design that fits right into your guitar’s soundhole. You can easily put it in and take it out without hurting your guitar. This pickup is perfect for players who like to play with their fingers.
What We Like:
- Looks really nice with its rosewood color.
- Super easy to put in and take out of your guitar.
- Doesn’t need any batteries, which is convenient.
- Lets you change the sound (timbre) and the loudness (volume) with two knobs.
- Gives a warm and balanced sound.
- Fits guitars with soundholes between 85-100mm.
- Works great for acoustic guitars that are 39-41 inches long.
- The company offers good customer service if you have questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- Only works for standard acoustic guitars, not classical guitars.
- Might not be the best choice for very advanced players who need more features.
This pickup is a solid choice for beginners and fingerstyle players looking for an easy and affordable way to get louder. It’s designed to give you good sound without any fuss.
2. GOGHOST Clip-On Guitar Pickup for Steel-String (Not for Classical) Acoustic Guitar Pickups for 38-42 in Electric Pick Up Transducer Amplifier
Rating: 9.4/10
Want to make your steel-string acoustic guitar sound louder? The GOGHOST Clip-On Guitar Pickup is here to help! This handy little device lets you plug your guitar into an amplifier without any complicated setup. It’s made for steel-string acoustic guitars and won’t work for classical guitars. It’s a simple way to get a bigger sound for your music.
What We Like:
- It’s small and easy to carry around.
- The long 10-foot cable gives you lots of room to move.
- You don’t need batteries or to drill holes in your guitar.
- It installs in just a few seconds.
- The padded clip won’t hurt your guitar’s finish.
- It fits most 34″ to 41″ steel-string acoustic guitars.
- It gives you a clear, natural amplified sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works for steel-string acoustic guitars, not classical ones.
- The sound quality might not be as good as more expensive pickups.
For any musician wanting to amplify their steel-string acoustic guitar easily, the GOGHOST pickup is a solid choice. It offers a straightforward and affordable way to boost your sound.
3. AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup with Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet for Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Single Coil
Rating: 9.3/10
Want to make your acoustic guitar sound even better when you plug it in? The AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup is a cool gadget that helps you do just that. It’s designed for steel-string acoustic guitars and fits right into the soundhole. This pickup uses a special magnet and a copper coil to give you a clear and balanced sound. Plus, it doesn’t need any batteries, which is super convenient!
What We Like:
- It gives you a clear and balanced sound that sounds natural.
- The wood housing looks nice and helps the sound.
- You don’t need batteries, so it’s always ready to go.
- It’s easy to put in and take out without hurting your guitar.
- The cable keeps the sound quality really good.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works with certain sizes of soundholes on steel-string guitars.
- It won’t work on nylon-string guitars or smaller guitars like the Taylor Baby.
If you have a steel-string acoustic guitar and want a simple, great-sounding pickup, the AMUMU SP30 is a solid choice. It’s an easy way to get a better plugged-in tone for your music.
4. Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Magnetic And Microphone Soundhole Pickup For Acoustic Guitar Build-In Volume Control(Black)
Rating: 8.9/10
Unlock your acoustic guitar’s full potential with this versatile Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup. This rechargeable soundhole pickup combines magnetic and microphone technology to capture your guitar’s sound with incredible detail and depth. Its wireless capability gives you freedom of movement, while the built-in controls let you fine-tune your tone on the fly.
What We Like:
- Enjoy wireless freedom with a 100ft transmission range, perfect for stage performances.
- The dual pickup system, featuring both magnetic and microphone options, captures rich and detailed guitar sounds.
- You can adjust the volume of each pickup independently, giving you precise control over your sound.
- It picks up various playing techniques like board hitting, AM, PM, and slapping, adding new dimensions to your music.
- The magnetic pickup works with the microphone to enhance your guitar’s tone and is great for playing and singing without picking up your voice.
- Switch between wireless and wired modes easily, with a 3.5mm output jack and cable included.
- The built-in preamp offers controls for microphone volume, timbre, output volume, EQ, and a phase adjustment to prevent howling.
- A battery indicator lets you know when it’s time to recharge.
- The rechargeable battery provides up to 8 hours of use in wireless mode and over 100 hours in wired mode.
What Could Be Improved:
- This pickup is not compatible with ukuleles or classical guitars.
- It’s recommended to use a lower current charger for optimal battery performance.
This guitar pickup system is an excellent choice for any acoustic guitarist looking to amplify their instrument wirelessly and with exceptional sound quality.
5. Fishman Neo-D Dark Brown Single Coil Soundhole Acoustic Pickup
Rating: 8.7/10
The Fishman Neo-D Dark Brown Single Coil Soundhole Acoustic Pickup is a simple way to make your acoustic guitar louder. It fits right into the soundhole. This pickup is dark brown and looks nice on many guitars. It uses a single coil to pick up the sound of your strings. This makes your guitar sound clear and balanced.
What We Like:
- It is super easy to put on your guitar. You don’t need to change anything on your guitar. Just plug it in and play!
- It sounds really good. You get clear notes from every string. The sound is balanced, so no string is too loud or too quiet.
- It does not need a battery. This makes it simple to use. You don’t have to worry about changing batteries.
- It has a low profile. This means it sits close to the strings and does not get in your way.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is a passive pickup. This means it relies on your amplifier or sound system to give it power. Some players might want a pickup that has its own power.
- As a single-coil pickup, it might pick up some hum. This is common for single-coil pickups.
This Fishman Neo-D pickup is a fantastic choice for guitarists who want a simple, good-sounding upgrade. It’s an easy way to get your acoustic guitar heard.
Finding Your Sound: The Ultimate Guide to Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickups
So, you want to amplify your acoustic guitar? Soundhole pickups are a great way to do it! They’re easy to install and give your guitar a natural amplified sound. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for a soundhole pickup, a few things really matter.
- Sound Quality: This is number one. You want a pickup that sounds like your guitar, but louder. Some pickups can sound a bit thin or tinny. Look for ones that capture the warmth and richness of your acoustic tone.
- Ease of Installation: Most soundhole pickups are designed to be simple. They usually just clip into your guitar’s soundhole. You shouldn’t need any special tools or skills.
- Volume and Tone Controls: Some pickups have knobs right on them. This lets you adjust your sound without fiddling with your amplifier. It’s a handy feature for live playing.
- Durability: You want a pickup that will last. Good construction means it won’t break easily, even if you play a lot.
- Feedback Resistance: Acoustic guitars can sometimes make a loud, unwanted squeal when amplified. This is called feedback. A good pickup will help reduce this problem.
What’s Inside Matters: Important Materials
The parts inside a pickup affect how it works.
- Magnets: Most soundhole pickups use magnets. These magnets pick up the vibrations from your guitar strings. Common magnets include Alnico and Neodymium. Alnico magnets often give a warmer sound, while Neodymium magnets can be stronger and brighter.
- Coil Wire: This wire wraps around the magnets. The type and amount of wire affect the pickup’s output and tone. Thicker wire can mean a stronger signal.
- Housing: The outside of the pickup is usually made of plastic or wood. Plastic is common and affordable. Wood can sometimes add a bit of natural warmth to the sound.
Making the Grade: Factors That Affect Quality
Some things make a pickup sound great, and others don’t.
- Pickup Design: How the magnets and coils are arranged is important. A well-designed pickup captures more of your guitar’s natural sound.
- String Compatibility: Some pickups work better with certain types of strings. Most are made for steel-string acoustic guitars.
- Guitar Body: The size and type of your acoustic guitar can also play a role. A pickup might sound different on a big dreadnought versus a small parlor guitar.
- Installation: Even the best pickup can sound bad if it’s not installed correctly. Make sure it sits snugly in the soundhole.
Putting It to Work: User Experience and Use Cases
Who uses these pickups and why?
- Live Performers: This is a big one. If you play gigs, a soundhole pickup lets you be heard clearly over other instruments or a loud crowd. You can plug directly into a PA system or an acoustic amp.
- Home Recording: For recording at home, soundhole pickups offer a quick and easy way to get an amplified sound without needing a microphone.
- Practice: If you practice with backing tracks or want to play along with music, a soundhole pickup lets you hear yourself clearly.
- Different Music Styles: Whether you play folk, blues, rock, or country, a good soundhole pickup can adapt to your style. Some are designed for a more traditional acoustic sound, while others offer a bit more punch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are soundhole pickups hard to install?
A: No, most soundhole pickups are very easy to install. They usually just clip into your guitar’s soundhole. You don’t need to make any permanent changes to your guitar.
Q: Will a soundhole pickup damage my guitar?
A: Generally, no. They are designed to be non-invasive. Just make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully.
Q: How do soundhole pickups get power?
A: Some soundhole pickups are passive, meaning they don’t need a battery. Others are active and require a battery to power their internal electronics.
Q: Can I use a soundhole pickup on any acoustic guitar?
A: Most soundhole pickups are made for standard steel-string acoustic guitars. Some might fit nylon-string or classical guitars, but it’s important to check the specifications.
Q: Do soundhole pickups sound as good as microphones?
A: They sound different. Microphones capture the most natural sound of your guitar. Soundhole pickups offer a convenient and feedback-resistant amplified sound that many players prefer for live performance.
Q: What is feedback?
A: Feedback is a loud, unwanted squealing sound that can happen when a microphone or pickup is too close to a speaker. Good pickups help reduce this.
Q: Can I switch out soundhole pickups easily?
A: Yes, because they are not permanently installed, you can often remove one and put in another if you want to try a different sound.
Q: Do I need an amplifier?
A: Yes, you will need an amplifier or a PA system to hear your guitar when it’s plugged into a soundhole pickup.
Q: What’s the difference between passive and active soundhole pickups?
A: Passive pickups don’t need batteries but may have a lower output. Active pickups use batteries for a stronger signal and often have built-in preamps for better tone control.
Q: How much do soundhole pickups usually cost?
A: Prices can vary widely. You can find basic models for under $50, while high-end models with advanced features can cost $200 or more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.