Ever been at a gig and your acoustic guitar just couldn’t be heard? Or maybe you’ve tried to record your music at home and the sound just wasn’t quite right? Many guitar players face the same problem: how to make their acoustic guitar louder and sound great, especially when playing with others. Soundhole pickups are a popular way to solve this problem. They’re easy to use and often more affordable than other options.
Choosing a soundhole pickup can be tricky. There are so many different types, from those that are super simple to use to those that have extra features. It can be difficult to know which one is best for your guitar and your music style. You might worry about the sound quality, the ease of installation, and if it will even fit your guitar! This blog post will help you understand what to look for and avoid the common mistakes.
In this post, you will learn about the best soundhole pickups, how they work, and how to choose the perfect one for you. We’ll cover the pros and cons of different types and give you tips for getting the best sound. Get ready to explore the world of soundhole pickups and make your acoustic guitar sing! Let’s dive in and find the perfect pickup for you!
Our Top 5 Soundhole Pickup Acoustic Guitar Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Soundhole Pickup Acoustic Guitar 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 simple way to amplify your acoustic guitar. This passive, single-coil pickup sits in your guitar’s soundhole. It’s dark brown and blends in well with most guitars. The Neo-D doesn’t need a battery. It gives you clear acoustic sound without any extra fuss. You can install it quickly without changing your guitar. Just plug it in and play!
What We Like:
- Excellent sound balance across all strings.
- The pickup gives you clear and bright acoustic sound.
- It has a low profile, so it won’t get in your way.
- No batteries are needed, so you save money and time.
- You can install it easily without any guitar changes.
- It’s ready to use right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might prefer a warmer tone.
The Fishman Neo-D is a great pickup for players who want a simple and effective way to amplify their acoustic guitar. It’s easy to install and use, giving you a clean sound without any complicated setup.
2. AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup with Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet for Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Single Coil
Rating: 9.5/10
The AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup is made for your steel-string acoustic guitar. It gives you a clear and balanced sound. It uses a special magnet and coil to make your guitar sound great. This pickup is easy to use and doesn’t need a battery. It fits most acoustic guitars with soundholes in a specific size range. The wood housing helps the sound come through clearly. It also comes with a special cable that keeps the sound signal strong. Setting it up is simple, and it won’t hurt your guitar.
What We Like:
- Clear, bright, and balanced sound from the custom neodymium magnet and hand-wound coil.
- Easy to install on most steel-string acoustic guitars.
- No batteries are needed, so you can just plug and play.
- The wooden housing helps the guitar sound natural.
- The high-quality cable keeps the sound signal strong.
- Detachable cable makes it easy to unplug.
What Could Be Improved:
- It does not work with nylon-string guitars or smaller guitars.
The AMUMU SP30 is a good choice if you want to amplify your acoustic guitar’s sound. It is easy to use and gives a clear and natural tone.
3. Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Active Soundhole Guitar Pickup Adjustable Pickup for Guitar Magnetic Coil Build-in Volume Control Guitar Microphone Acoustic Pickup
Rating: 9.1/10
The Acoustic Guitar Pickup is a rechargeable active soundhole pickup. It’s designed to amplify your acoustic guitar. This pickup combines a microphone and a magnetic pickup. It aims to give you a clear and detailed sound. The pickup is easy to install and has built-in controls. You can adjust the volume, EQ, and more. It’s made for steel-string guitars.
What We Like:
- It is rechargeable. A full charge lasts up to 100 hours!
- The pickup combines a microphone and magnetic pickup for a great sound.
- You can control the microphone volume, tone, and output volume.
- It is easy to put in your guitar’s soundhole.
- The package includes a USB charging cord, screwdriver, and more.
- It comes with a 6-month exchange and refund service.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s not made for ukulele or classical guitars.
This acoustic guitar pickup is a good choice for guitar players. It gives you many features at a good price.
4. Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Magnetic And Microphone Soundhole Pickup For Acoustic Guitar Build-In Volume Control(Black)
Rating: 9.0/10
The Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup is a cool gadget for acoustic guitar players. This black pickup uses both a magnetic coil and a built-in microphone. It lets you play wirelessly up to 100 feet away! You can adjust the volume of the magnetic pickup and the microphone separately. It works with different playing styles, like board hitting and slapping. It also has a wired mode with a 3.5mm output. This pickup is designed to make your guitar sound better!
What We Like:
- Wireless Freedom: You can move around while you play! The 100ft wireless range is a great feature.
- Dual Pickup System: The magnetic pickup and microphone work together for a richer sound.
- Independent Volume Control: You can easily adjust the volume of each pickup.
- Versatile Modes: It works in both wireless and wired modes.
- Long Battery Life: The receiver lasts for 8 hours, and the wired mode lasts even longer.
- Easy Installation: It fits soundholes from 80mm-120mm.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not for All Guitars: It is not compatible with ukuleles or classical guitars.
This wireless pickup is a good choice for acoustic guitar players. It gives you a lot of features for a better playing experience.
5. Seymour Duncan SA-3HC Woody HC Acoustic Soundhole Pickup – Magnetic Hum-Canceling Pickup for Standard Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Maple
Rating: 8.9/10
The Seymour Duncan SA-3HC Woody HC is a magnetic soundhole pickup. It is made for standard steel string acoustic guitars. This pickup cancels hum, so your sound is clear. It fits easily into your guitar’s soundhole. The SA-3HC has a maple finish, so it looks nice. It uses a 1/4″ male jack to plug into an amplifier. This pickup lets you play your acoustic guitar louder.
What We Like:
- Easy to install in your guitar’s soundhole.
- The hum-canceling design gives a clean sound.
- The maple finish looks good on most guitars.
- It is easy to use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might prefer a pickup with more tonal options.
- The sound is magnetic and may not fully capture the acoustic guitar’s natural sound.
The Seymour Duncan SA-3HC Woody HC is a good pickup for amplified acoustic sound. It is a great option if you want a simple, hum-free sound.
Soundhole Pickup Acoustic Guitar: Your Guide to Amplified Sound
Are you ready to make your acoustic guitar louder? Soundhole pickups are a great way to do that! This guide will help you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
Picking a soundhole pickup can be easy. Here are some things to consider:
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Type of Pickup: There are a few types of soundhole pickups. Magnetic pickups use magnets and coils. They sound clear and focused. Some are also humbuckers. Humbuckers reduce unwanted noise. Transducer pickups are also available. They pick up vibrations from the guitar’s soundboard. These are often more natural sounding.
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Active vs. Passive: Active pickups need a battery. They usually sound louder and have more features. Passive pickups don’t need a battery. They are often simpler.
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Controls: Some pickups have built-in volume and tone controls. This is helpful for easy adjustments.
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Installation: How easy is it to install? Some pickups just clamp into the soundhole. Others may need professional installation.
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Output Jack: Make sure the output jack is compatible with your amplifier or sound system.
Important Materials
The materials used affect the sound and durability.
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Magnets: Stronger magnets often mean a better signal. Alnico magnets are common.
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Coil Winding: The way the coils are wound affects the pickup’s response.
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Housing: The housing protects the pickup. It can be made from plastic, metal, or other materials.
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Cables: Quality cables are important for good sound.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a pickup great. Other things can make it not so great.
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Quality of Components: Better quality parts equal better sound.
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Construction: A well-made pickup will last longer.
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Sound Quality: Listen to sound samples or read reviews. See if the pickup sounds good to you.
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Noise Reduction: Look for pickups that reduce unwanted noise.
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Price: You often get what you pay for. But you don’t always need the most expensive pickup.
User Experience and Use Cases
Soundhole pickups are easy to use. Here’s how they work:
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Installation: Most clamp into the soundhole. You may have to attach the output jack.
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Playing: Plug the pickup into an amplifier or sound system. Start playing!
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Use Cases: Soundhole pickups are good for:
- Playing live gigs.
- Recording.
- Practicing with an amplifier.
- Playing with a band.
They’re a great way to amplify your acoustic guitar!
Soundhole Pickup Acoustic Guitar: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a soundhole pickup?
A: A soundhole pickup is a device that amplifies the sound of your acoustic guitar. It fits inside the soundhole.
Q: How does a soundhole pickup work?
A: It converts the vibrations of your guitar strings into an electrical signal. This signal is then sent to an amplifier.
Q: What are the different types of soundhole pickups?
A: The main types are magnetic pickups and transducer pickups. Magnetic pickups are most common.
Q: Do I need to install a battery for all soundhole pickups?
A: No. Active pickups need a battery. Passive pickups do not.
Q: Are soundhole pickups easy to install?
A: Many are very easy to install. You often just clamp them into the soundhole.
Q: Can I use a soundhole pickup for live performances?
A: Yes! Soundhole pickups are often used for live performances.
Q: What kind of sound can I expect from a soundhole pickup?
A: Magnetic pickups usually give a clear and focused sound. Transducer pickups tend to sound more natural.
Q: How do I choose the right soundhole pickup for my guitar?
A: Consider the type of pickup, active or passive, and any built-in controls. Also, think about ease of installation.
Q: What is the output jack?
A: The output jack is where you plug in your guitar cable.
Q: Are there any downsides to using a soundhole pickup?
A: Soundhole pickups may change the natural acoustic sound of your guitar. Some may also be prone to feedback.
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.
Hi, I’m Robert Contreras, a passionate archery instructor based in the USA. With years of experience under my belt, I’ve dedicated my life to mastering the art of archery and sharing its intricacies with enthusiasts of all levels. Through my website, 10Bows.com, I invite you to explore a treasure trove of tips, techniques, and personal insights that reflect my journey in the world of archery. Whether you’re picking up a bow for the first time or refining your skills, I’m here to help guide you toward precision, focus, and a deeper appreciation for this timeless sport.