Acoustic Guitar Pickup Systems for Recording

Acoustic guitar pickup systems enable direct recording and live amplification. Different technologies offer distinct tonal characteristics and practical advantages. Understanding the options helps in selecting systems appropriate for recording applications.

Undersaddle Piezo Pickups

Piezo elements sit beneath the saddle, generating signal from string pressure. This technology dominates acoustic guitar pickups due to reliability and feedback resistance. Brands like Fishman, LR Baggs, and B-Band produce quality undersaddle systems.

The tonal character tends toward bright and compressed. The “piezo quack” describes the distinctive quality that differs from natural acoustic sound. Processing addresses these characteristics for recording.

Installation requires saddle modification. The pickup strip fits in a slot beneath the saddle. Professional installation ensures proper fit and optimal signal. Some guitars come factory-equipped.

Feedback resistance makes piezo systems practical for loud stage use. The direct contact with strings avoids air-coupled feedback. This advantage matters less for recording but enables versatile use.

Magnetic Soundhole Pickups

Magnetic pickups mount in the soundhole, sensing string vibration like electric guitar pickups. The tone resembles hollow-body electric guitar more than natural acoustic. Brands include Sunrise, L.R. Baggs, and Seymour Duncan.

Installation requires no permanent modification. The pickup clamps into the soundhole and removes easily. This non-invasive approach suits players wanting flexibility.

The tone suits certain applications well. Folk, jazz, and electric-influenced acoustic styles benefit from the magnetic character. The sound cuts through amplified ensembles effectively.

Recording considerations differ from piezo. The magnetic tone may need less correction than piezo. Different processing approaches suit the alternative starting point.

Internal Microphone Systems

Small condenser microphones mounted inside the guitar capture actual acoustic sound. The tone more closely resembles external microphones than other pickup types. Systems from DPA, LR Baggs, and Schertler excel in this category.

Natural tone represents the primary advantage. The microphone captures the guitar’s resonance authentically. Less processing is typically needed to achieve natural sound.

Feedback susceptibility presents challenges. The microphone picks up sound through air, making it prone to feedback at higher volumes. This limitation affects live use more than recording.

Positioning affects the captured tone. Different mounting locations emphasize different frequency ranges. Factory-installed systems optimize position; aftermarket installation requires experimentation.

Contact Pickups

Transducers attach to the guitar’s top, sensing wood vibration directly. The tone captures body resonance rather than string vibration. K&K, Schertler, and McIntyre produce respected contact systems.

Installation locations affect tone dramatically. Bridge plate mounting captures string energy through the top. Soundboard mounting captures overall resonance. Multiple elements provide fuller capture.

The tonal character differs from other pickup types. Contact pickups can sound woody and organic. The response may emphasize certain resonant frequencies.

Multiple element systems improve coverage. Several small pickups placed strategically capture more complete response. Single-element systems may miss some frequencies.

Hybrid and Multi-Source Systems

Dual-source systems combine two pickup types. Common combinations include piezo plus microphone or piezo plus magnetic. Blending addresses the limitations of single sources.

Onboard blending allows real-time adjustment. Many hybrid systems include controls for balancing sources. Finding optimal blend during performance or recording maximizes flexibility.

LR Baggs Anthem combines microphone with undersaddle piezo. The microphone provides body and air; the piezo adds string definition. This combination addresses piezo quack while maintaining clarity.

Fishman Matrix Blend and similar systems offer piezo plus microphone options. The specific character varies between products. Each combination has distinct tonal personality.

Preamp Systems

Built-in preamps shape tone onboard. EQ, phase, and notch filters address common problems before the signal leaves the guitar. Battery-powered circuits require maintenance.

Outboard preamps offer more powerful processing. Dedicated acoustic preamps from Fishman, LR Baggs, and others provide extensive tone shaping. These units can dramatically improve recorded sound.

The Fishman Aura system applies acoustic imaging. Stored responses from premium microphone recordings transform pickup tone. The technology addresses the fundamental difference between pickup and microphone sound.

LR Baggs Venue series provides comprehensive preamp functionality. EQ, compression, and phase tools address acoustic guitar needs specifically. These professional tools improve recording results.

Recording Considerations by Pickup Type

Piezo signals need the most processing for natural sound. IR-based processing, extensive EQ, and compression transform the raw signal. The starting point sits far from natural acoustic tone.

Magnetic pickups require different approach. The electric guitar-like character needs shaping toward acoustic sensibility. EQ emphasizes acoustic qualities while reducing electric character.

Microphone systems require least correction. The natural capture needs minimal processing. Light EQ and dynamics serve most applications.

Contact pickups vary in processing needs. Some sound remarkably natural; others have resonant peaks requiring attention. Each system presents unique challenges.

Installation Quality Matters

Professional installation optimizes system performance. Proper saddle fitting, secure mounting, and clean wiring affect sound quality. Poor installation compromises even excellent pickup systems.

Factory-installed systems ensure optimal integration. Guitars designed around specific pickups often perform better than aftermarket installations. The engineering accounts for pickup characteristics.

Acoustic instrument specialists handle installation best. Luthiers and experienced technicians understand the nuances. General music stores may lack specific expertise.

Testing after installation verifies performance. Playing through quality monitoring reveals problems. Addressing issues before recording sessions saves time.