Tyler Wynn
Magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars are a popular option for many musicians. They are usually installed by clamping a rectangular shell into the soundhole, just past the end of the fingerboard. Magnetic pickups detect string vibrations using magnets that react to the metal strings, but because of this, they will only work with steel strings. The 80/20 bronze wrap wire itself is not magnetic, so the pickup only picks up the central core of the string, which is magnetic. Magnetic pickups can make your acoustic guitar sound more like an electric guitar, but they may lack the pure resonance of the instrument.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sound | Magnetic pickups can make an acoustic guitar sound more like an electric guitar. |
| Function | Magnetic pickups detect string vibrations using magnets that react to the metal strings. |
| Compatibility | Magnetic pickups are compatible with steel strings. |
| Installation | Magnetic pickups are easy to install. |
| Design | Magnetic pickups come in the form of a rectangular shell that clamps into the soundhole. |
| Sensitivity | Magnetic pickups have adjustable pole pieces to increase detection of the strings and adjust sensitivity for each string. |
| Performance | Magnetic pickups may lack the pure resonance of the instrument and can sometimes produce feedback. |
| Popularity | Fishman's Rare Earth and LR Baggs' M1 are two popular magnetic pickup systems. |
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What You'll Learn
- Magnetic sound hole pickups only detect the steel core of the strings
- They can make an acoustic guitar sound more like an electric guitar
- They are easy to install and come in passive and active versions
- They can be used with nylon strings, unlike microphone pickups
- LR Baggs' M1 and Fishman's Rare Earth are popular magnetic pickup systems
Magnetic sound hole pickups only detect the steel core of the strings
Magnetic soundhole pickups are a popular choice for acoustic guitar players. They are mounted across the soundhole, just beneath the strings. They work similarly to electric guitar pickups, where the disturbance in the magnetic field around the pickup caused by the strings being played sends an electric signal down the pickup's cable towards an amplifier or PA system.
The magnetic soundhole pickup only detects the steel core of the strings. The windings of the strings are not magnetic and hence are not picked up by the magnets in the pickup. This results in an "electric" sound that omits the true acoustic voice of the guitar. The larger the diameter of the string, the less responsive it will be because there is more material insulating the steel core from the magnets.
To compensate for this, some modern acoustic guitar magnetic pickups use stronger magnets under the wound strings. Another solution is to use Zebra Strings, which are alternately wound in phosphor bronze and nickel, allowing them to respond to magnetic pickups while retaining a brighter acoustic tone.
If a more acoustic sound is desired, a Guitar Mounted Mic Pickup or Soundboard Transducer can be added, and an A/B/Y footswitch can be used to choose between the magnetic soundhole pickup, the alternate pickup, or a blend of the two.
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They can make an acoustic guitar sound more like an electric guitar
Sound hole pickups are a type of magnetic pickup that can be placed in the sound hole of an acoustic guitar to amplify its sound. They work by sensing the vibrations of the guitar strings and converting them into an electrical signal, which can then be amplified through a guitar amplifier or sound system.
One of the benefits of using sound hole pickups is that they can make an acoustic guitar sound more like an electric guitar. This is because magnetic pickups capture the string vibrations directly, resulting in a brighter and more defined sound compared to the softer, warmer tone typically associated with acoustic guitars.
By installing sound hole pickups, guitarists can achieve a louder and more cutting sound that has a similar character to an electric guitar. This can be particularly useful for players who want to add a new dimension to their acoustic playing or blend in with electric instruments in a band context while still retaining the familiarity of their acoustic guitar.
Additionally, sound hole pickups offer a convenient way to quickly switch between acoustic and electric tones without having to change instruments. Guitarists can explore a wider range of sounds and styles, adding versatility to their performances and recordings. The ability to easily modify an acoustic guitar's sound opens up new creative possibilities for musicians.
It's important to note that while sound hole pickups can alter the acoustic guitar's sound, the overall tone and feel of the instrument will still be influenced by factors such as body shape, wood type, and string choice. However, with sound hole pickups, guitarists can explore a hybrid tone that combines the familiarity of their acoustic guitar with the edginess and drive of an electric guitar sound.
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They are easy to install and come in passive and active versions
Magnetic soundhole pickups are a popular choice for acoustic guitarists. They detect the strings' vibrations using magnets that react to the metal strings. They are easy to install and come in passive and active versions.
To install a magnetic soundhole pickup, simply clamp the rectangular shell into the soundhole, just past the end of the fingerboard. This is a straightforward process, but if you want the best performance and reliability, it may be worth hiring a professional to do it for you.
Magnetic pickups can make your acoustic guitar sound more like an electric guitar. They produce a robust, electric timbre, but may lack the pure resonance of the instrument. They are also usually only compatible with steel strings.
If you want to capture the natural brightness of your acoustic guitar, you might prefer a piezo system, which is almost entirely feedback-proof. For the true sound of the guitar, a microphone pickup could be a better option, although these are prone to feedback.
Many guitarists opt for a combination of pickup choices to achieve a versatile blended tone. For example, the LR Baggs M1 Active pickup combines piezo, magnetic, and microphone elements to produce a natural sound.
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They can be used with nylon strings, unlike microphone pickups
Sound hole pickups are magnetic and are used to produce a robust, electric timbre. They are usually placed in a rectangular shell that clamps into the soundhole, just past the end of the fingerboard. However, magnetic pickups are not suitable for nylon strings as they can only pick up vibrations from metal strings.
For nylon strings, piezo pickups are recommended. Piezo pickups capture the natural brightness of the guitar and deliver authentic acoustics. They are also cheaper and easier to correct bad tones with by EQing out 400hz.
While microphone pickups can deliver authentic acoustics, they are prone to feedback and require a good audio technician to maintain an acceptable sound live. They are also more expensive than pickups.
Therefore, for nylon strings, piezo pickups are a better option than microphone pickups as they are compatible with the strings, deliver authentic acoustics, and are more affordable and reliable.
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LR Baggs' M1 and Fishman's Rare Earth are popular magnetic pickup systems
Magnetic soundhole pickups are a popular choice for acoustic guitars, and two well-known systems are the LR Baggs M1 and Fishman's Rare Earth. Both systems are available in passive and active versions, catering to different player preferences and budgets.
The LR Baggs M1 Active is a battery-powered humbucking magnetic pickup that mounts across the soundhole of an acoustic guitar. It is praised for providing a thick, full, and decent-sounding signal with good feedback projection and lots of headroom. The M1 Active is particularly suitable for acoustic guitarists who play in loud rock bands with high on-stage volumes, as it excels in competing with other instruments while maintaining a clear sound. The M80, an improved version of the M1, features a proprietary suspension that allows each axis of the humbucking coil to respond to the guitar's movement, resulting in a more acoustic character.
Fishman's Rare Earth system is also a popular choice among acoustic guitarists. While some users prefer the tone of the LR Baggs M1, the Rare Earth system is considered a worthy competitor, offering similar performance and sound quality. The Rare Earth Blend, in particular, has been praised for its ability to solve various problems related to sound and technique.
Magnetic pickups, in general, offer a robust, electric timbre, but they may lack the pure resonance of an acoustic guitar. They are often preferred by players who use pedals or effects, as they interact with those in a more comfortable and familiar way. It's worth noting that standard magnetic pickups only capture the sound of the strings, resulting in an electric sound that omits the true acoustic voice of the guitar.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, many sound hole pickups are magnetic and detect string vibrations using magnets that react to the metal strings.
Magnetic pickups have adjustable pole pieces that allow you to position the sensors closer to the wound strings to increase the detection of the steel core and adjust the sensitivity for each string to achieve a better balance.
Magnetic sound hole pickups only work with steel strings. The wrap wire of 80/20 bronze, phosphor bronze, or nickel-plated phosphor bronze strings is not magnetic, but the central core is, so the pickup 'picks up' on this.
Sound hole pickups can make your acoustic guitar sound more like an electric guitar. They are also easy to install and can be used with nylon strings.
Examples of magnetic sound hole pickups include the LR Baggs M1 and M80, Fishman's Rare Earth, and the D'Addario Nickel Bronze string set.
