Acoustic guitar pickups are essential for amplifying your sound, allowing you to play in a live setting and record with ease. There are two main types of acoustic guitar pickups: soundhole pickups and piezo pickups. While both serve the same purpose, they differ in their design and sound quality. In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between soundhole pickups and piezo pickups, helping you make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Soundhole Pickups
Soundhole pickups, also known as magnetic pickups, are the simplest and most traditional form of acoustic guitar pickups. They consist of a magnet wrapped in a coil of wire and are placed in the soundhole of the guitar. The vibration of the strings generates a magnetic field, which the pickup detects and converts into an electrical signal. This signal is then sent to an amplifier to be amplified and produce sound.
One of the biggest advantages of soundhole pickups is that they are easy to install and remove. They simply fit into the soundhole of the guitar, and you don’t need any special tools or modifications to your guitar to use them. Additionally, because soundhole pickups use a magnet to detect the strings’ vibration, they often produce a warm, rich tone that’s similar to the natural sound of the acoustic guitar.
However, there are some disadvantages to soundhole pickups as well. For one, they don’t pick up the lower frequencies as well as piezo pickups, which can lead to a thinner, less full-bodied sound. Additionally, because the pickup is placed in the soundhole, it can pick up other sounds in the room and introduce unwanted noise into your sound.
Piezo Pickups
Piezo pickups, on the other hand, use a different method to convert the vibration of the strings into an electrical signal. Instead of a magnet, they contain a piezoelectric crystal that generates a voltage when it’s subjected to pressure or vibration. This voltage is then sent to an amplifier to be amplified and produce sound.
One of the main advantages of piezo pickups is that they are much better at capturing the lower frequencies of the guitar, resulting in a fuller, warmer tone. Additionally, because the pickup is not placed in the soundhole, it doesn’t pick up as much room noise, which can be a major advantage in live performance settings.
However, there are some disadvantages to piezo pickups as well. For one, they can be more difficult to install and remove, as they often require modifications to the guitar or the use of a special mounting system. Additionally, because piezo pickups generate a voltage instead of an electrical signal, they can produce a harsher, more “electronic” sound that some players find unappealing.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pickup for Your Acoustic Guitar
When choosing a pickup for your acoustic guitar, there are several factors to consider, including your playing style, the type of music you play, and your budget. Here are some important factors to keep in mind when making your decision.
Playing Style
Your playing style will play a big role in determining which type of pickup is right for you. For example, if you play fingerstyle or use a lot of alternate tunings, you may want to consider a piezo pickup, as they are better at capturing the nuances of your playing and producing a full, balanced tone. On the other hand, if you primarily strum or play flatpicking styles, a soundhole pickup may be a better choice, as they are easy to use and often produce a warm, rich tone that’s well-suited for these playing styles.
Music Genre
The type of music you play will also be a factor in determining which type of pickup is right for you. For example, if you play blues, folk, or roots music, a soundhole pickup may be a good choice, as they often produce a warm, natural sound that’s well-suited to these genres. However, if you play more modern styles like rock, pop, or alternative, you may want to consider a piezo pickup, as they often produce a more balanced, versatile sound that’s well-suited to a wide range of musical styles.
Budget
Your budget will also play a role in determining which type of pickup is right for you. Soundhole pickups are often less expensive than piezo pickups, making them a more budget-friendly option for many players. However, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, a piezo pickup can provide a more versatile, high-quality sound that’s well worth the investment.
Installation and Maintenance
When choosing a pickup, it’s also important to consider the installation and maintenance requirements. Soundhole pickups are generally easier to install and maintain, as they simply fit into the soundhole of your guitar. Piezo pickups, on the other hand, often require more extensive installation and maintenance, as they may need to be mounted to the guitar using a special system or hardwired into the instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a soundhole pickup and a piezo pickup?
A soundhole pickup is a type of pickup that fits into the soundhole of your guitar and uses a magnetic coil to pick up the vibrations of the strings. A piezo pickup, on the other hand, uses a crystal to pick up the vibrations of the strings, resulting in a more natural, balanced tone.
Which type of pickup is better for fingerstyle playing?
Piezo pickups are often better for fingerstyle playing, as they are better at capturing the nuances of your playing and producing a full, balanced tone.
Which type of pickup is better for strumming and flat picking?
Soundhole pickups are often better for strumming and flat picking, as they are easy to use and produce a warm, rich tone that’s well-suited to these playing styles.
Is a piezo pickup worth the investment?
Whether a piezo pickup is worth the investment will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a more versatile, high-quality sound, a piezo pickup may be worth the investment. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, a soundhole pickup may be a better choice.
How difficult is it to install a piezo pickup?
Installing a piezo pickup can be more difficult than installing a soundhole pickup, as it may need to be mounted to the guitar using a special system or hardwired into the instrument. If you’re not confident in your ability to install a piezo pickup, it may be a good idea to have it professionally installed.
How do I choose the right pickup for my acoustic guitar?
When choosing a pickup for your acoustic guitar, it’s important to consider your playing style, the type of music you play, your budget, and the installation and maintenance requirements. By weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision about which type of pickup is right for you and get the most out of your guitar’s sound.