Ever wished your beautiful acoustic guitar could sing out loud on stage without losing its natural charm? Many guitarists love the warm, woody tone of their acoustic, but when it’s time to plug in, that magic can sometimes fade. It’s frustrating when your plugged-in sound doesn’t quite capture the soul of your instrument.
Choosing the right soundhole pickup can feel like a puzzle. You want a pickup that’s easy to install, sounds great, and doesn’t break the bank. With so many different types and brands, it’s easy to get lost in the details. You might worry about feedback, or if the pickup will even fit your guitar.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand the different kinds of soundhole pickups available. We’ll help you figure out which one is best for your playing style and your budget. Get ready to make your acoustic guitar shine!
Our Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup Detailed Reviews
1. Fishman Neo-D Dark Brown Single Coil Soundhole Acoustic Pickup
Rating: 9.0/10
The Fishman Neo-D Dark Brown Single Coil Soundhole Acoustic Pickup is a fantastic way to make your acoustic guitar louder. It fits right into your guitar’s soundhole. This pickup gives you a clear, natural sound. It also makes sure all your strings sound balanced.
What We Like:
- It sounds really good. It keeps the natural sound of your guitar.
- It balances the sound of all your strings.
- It’s small and doesn’t get in your way.
- It doesn’t need batteries.
- You can put it on your guitar easily. No changes are needed.
- It’s ready to use right away. Just plug it in.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a single-coil pickup. Some people might want a humbucker for less noise.
- It’s a magnetic pickup. It won’t pick up the percussive sounds of your guitar body.
If you want an easy and affordable way to amplify your acoustic guitar, the Fishman Neo-D Dark Brown is a solid choice. It delivers great sound without any fuss.
2. Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Magnetic And Microphone Soundhole Pickup For Acoustic Guitar Build-In Volume Control(Black)
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your acoustic guitar’s full potential with this versatile black wireless soundhole pickup. It combines a magnetic pickup with a built-in microphone, giving you rich, detailed sound and the freedom to move around the stage.
What We Like:
- Wireless Freedom: Enjoy up to 100 feet of wireless transmission, so you can play and move without tangled cords.
- Dual Pickup Power: The magnetic pickup and microphone work together to capture every nuance of your guitar’s sound, including percussive playing styles.
- Onboard Controls: Easily adjust volume and tone with the built-in controls. You can even adjust microphone volume and timbre separately.
- Flexible Modes: Use it wirelessly or plug it in with the included cable for wired output.
- Long Battery Life: The rechargeable battery provides up to 8 hours of wireless play or over 100 hours in wired mode.
- Easy Installation: It fits most acoustic guitar soundholes (80mm-120mm) and comes with everything you need to get started.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not for Ukulele or Classical Guitar: This pickup is specifically designed for acoustic guitars and won’t work with other instruments.
- Charger Recommendation: You need to use a lower current charger for optimal charging.
This pickup system offers great sound and flexibility for acoustic guitarists. It’s a solid choice for performers who want to amplify their instrument without sacrificing sound quality.
3. Seymour Duncan SA-3HC Woody HC Acoustic Soundhole Pickup – Magnetic Hum-Canceling Pickup for Standard Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Maple
Rating: 8.8/10
The Seymour Duncan SA-3HC Woody HC is a magnetic soundhole pickup designed for steel-string acoustic guitars. It’s made of maple and easily fits into your guitar’s soundhole. This pickup helps you amplify your guitar’s sound without unwanted noise. It has a standard 1/4″ jack, making it simple to connect to your amplifier or sound system.
What We Like:
- It cancels out humming noises, giving you a cleaner sound.
- The maple finish looks nice on most guitars.
- Installation is quick and easy – no special tools needed.
- It’s designed for standard steel-string acoustics.
- The magnetic pickup captures your guitar’s natural tone well.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works with steel-string guitars, not nylon-string ones.
- The cable length might be short for some setups.
This pickup is a solid choice for guitarists wanting to easily amplify their acoustic sound. It offers good performance and a simple setup.
4. AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup with Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet for Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Single Coil
Rating: 9.1/10
The AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup is a great way to make your steel-string acoustic guitar louder. It fits right into your soundhole. This pickup uses a special magnet and copper wire to give you a clear and balanced sound. You don’t need batteries to make it work, which is super convenient. It’s made of real wood, which helps your guitar sound natural.
What We Like:
- It gives you a clear and balanced sound.
- The wood housing makes your guitar sound natural.
- You don’t need batteries, so it’s easy to use.
- It’s easy to install without drilling holes in your guitar.
- The cable is detachable, so you can unplug it easily.
- It preserves almost all of your guitar’s original sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works with steel-string guitars.
- It won’t fit on smaller guitars like the Taylor Baby or Little Martin.
- It’s not compatible with nylon-string guitars.
This pickup is a fantastic option for any steel-string acoustic guitarist looking for a simple, battery-free way to amplify their instrument. Its natural sound and easy setup make it a winner.
5. Gretsch® Deltoluxe Acoustic Soundhole Pickup
Rating: 8.5/10
The Gretsch® Deltoluxe Acoustic Soundhole Pickup brings your acoustic guitar’s natural sound to life when you plug it in. It’s designed to capture that warm, clear tone you love and project it for performances or recording. This pickup is a great way to add amplification to your favorite acoustic instrument without making permanent changes.
What We Like:
- It’s a single-coil pickup, so it gives you a classic, bright acoustic sound.
- Mounting it is super easy. It fits into most acoustic guitars without any fuss.
- The Alnico 5 magnets help create a strong and clear signal.
- The DC Resistance of 14.6k and Inductance of 8.0 Henries mean it’s built for good sound.
- It comes with everything you need, including an internal cable that connects the pickup to a ¼” end-pin jack.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might want more tonal shaping options directly from the pickup.
- While it mounts easily, some guitars might require minor adjustments for a perfect fit.
This Gretsch Deltoluxe pickup offers a straightforward way to amplify your acoustic guitar. It’s a solid choice for musicians looking for a simple and effective soundhole solution.
Choosing the Best Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup
What is an Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup?
An acoustic guitar soundhole pickup is a device that helps you make your acoustic guitar louder. It fits right into the soundhole, which is the big hole in the front of your guitar. This pickup captures the sound of your guitar and sends it to an amplifier or speaker. This lets you play your guitar for larger crowds or record its sound easily.
Key Features to Look For
1. Type of Pickup
- Passive Pickups: These are simple and don’t need batteries. They work by using magnets to sense the strings’ vibrations. They are easy to use but might not be as loud or have as much control as active ones.
- Active Pickups: These need batteries to work. They often have a small preamplifier built in. This preamplifier boosts the signal and can give you better sound quality and more volume. They might also have controls like volume or tone adjustment.
2. Sound Quality
The best pickups sound natural. They should make your guitar sound like itself, not like a robot. Listen for pickups that capture the warmth and brightness of your acoustic guitar. Some pickups can sound a bit thin or tinny, so try to avoid those.
3. Ease of Installation
A good soundhole pickup should be simple to put in your guitar. Most fit right into the soundhole without any permanent changes. You should be able to install it yourself in just a few minutes.
4. Durability
You want a pickup that will last. Look for sturdy materials and a well-made design. If you plan to move around a lot while playing, a strong pickup is important.
Important Materials
Soundhole pickups are often made from plastic for the main body. The parts that capture sound, the actual pickup element, can be made of different things. Magnetic pickups use magnets. Some newer pickups use different technologies to capture the sound of the wood vibrating, which can sound more natural.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Good Wiring: High-quality wires inside the pickup help send a clean signal.
- Solid Construction: When the pickup is built well, it works better and lasts longer.
- Preamp (for Active Pickups): A good preamp can make your guitar sound louder and clearer.
Reducing Quality
- Cheap Materials: Plastic that cracks easily or poor internal parts can make a pickup sound bad.
- Interference: Some pickups can pick up unwanted noise, like hum or buzz.
- Poor Design: If a pickup isn’t designed well, it might not capture the guitar’s sound accurately.
User Experience and Use Cases
For Beginners
If you’re just starting out, a simple passive pickup can be a great way to start amplifying your sound. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require extra batteries.
For Live Performances
For playing at parties, coffee shops, or small gigs, a good soundhole pickup is essential. It lets you be heard without having to use a microphone all the time. Active pickups with volume controls are very useful here.
For Recording
You can plug a soundhole pickup directly into your computer or recording equipment. This makes it easy to record your guitar’s sound for demos or practice tracks.
For Different Guitar Types
Most soundhole pickups work with most acoustic guitars. However, some are better suited for steel-string guitars. If you have a nylon-string guitar, make sure the pickup is designed for it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do soundhole pickups hurt my guitar?
A: Most soundhole pickups are designed not to damage your guitar. They usually just fit into the soundhole and can be removed easily.
Q: Do I need an amplifier?
A: Yes, you need an amplifier or speaker to hear the sound from a soundhole pickup. It sends the sound to the amplifier.
Q: Can I use a soundhole pickup with any acoustic guitar?
A: Usually, yes. They fit in the standard soundhole size. But it’s always good to check the pickup’s size against your guitar’s soundhole.
Q: How do I install a soundhole pickup?
A: You typically just place it inside the soundhole. Some might have a small cable that hangs out the soundhole or a jack you can attach to the guitar’s strap button.
Q: Will a soundhole pickup change my guitar’s unplugged sound?
A: A little bit. When you put a pickup in the soundhole, it can slightly change how the guitar resonates. But for most players, this change is very small.
Q: What’s the difference between passive and active pickups?
A: Passive pickups don’t need batteries and are simpler. Active pickups need batteries but often give a stronger, clearer sound and have controls.
Q: Can I get feedback with a soundhole pickup?
A: Yes, feedback (a loud, high-pitched squeal) can happen, especially at high volumes. Positioning your amp and using volume controls can help.
Q: Are expensive soundhole pickups always better?
A: Not always. While some high-end pickups sound amazing, there are also great budget-friendly options that work very well.
Q: How do I know if a pickup will fit my guitar?
A: Check the diameter of your guitar’s soundhole. Then, look at the specifications of the pickup to make sure they match.
Q: Can I gig with just a soundhole pickup?
A: Yes! Many musicians use soundhole pickups for live shows. They are a convenient and affordable way to amplify your acoustic guitar.
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.