10 Best Banjo Pickups 2026 in the United States

The Gold Tone GT-750 Banjitar Deluxe is a six-string banjo designed to combine banjo sound with guitar tuning (EADGBE), making it especially suitable for guitar players who want banjo tones without relearning fingerings. It features an SMP Plus humbucker pickup with volume control, which is excellent for reducing unwanted feedback and offers straightforward plug-and-play use for amplification. The pickup is built-in, so installation is simple with no extra modifications needed, making it user-friendly.

The instrument’s maple body and resonator provide a bright, clear tone with good projection, while the rosewood fingerboard adds comfortable playability. Its construction is solid, including a two-way adjustable truss rod, which helps maintain neck stability. While the pickup handles feedback well, this banjitar’s sound will differ from traditional 5-string banjos, so it might not fully satisfy purists who want that classic banjo twang.

The size and weight are a bit larger and heavier than some banjos, which could affect comfort during long playing sessions. This model suits players looking for a hybrid instrument with built-in pickup ease, good sound quality, and reliable performance in both unplugged and amplified settings.

The EMG ACB-5 Active 5-String Banjo Pickup is a solid choice for professional banjo players who value authentic sound and noise-free performance. It uses a dual-coil Alnico magnet design, which is beneficial in recreating the natural tone of your banjo. A standout feature is the creation of acoustic 'chambers' thanks to the spaced-apart coils, contributing to superior sound quality uncommon in magnetic pickups. This pickup is highly regarded for its ability to remain true to the banjo's tone, making it ideal for both live performances and recording sessions.

Additionally, its pole pieces are designed to accommodate various string gauges, ensuring even string balance. The ACB-5 is compatible with 5-string banjos, but potential users should note that it's tailored more towards those seeking professional-grade equipment. Its dimensions (7 x 5 x 2 inches) and lightweight (1.6 ounces) make it a manageable option for musicians. This product is best suited for serious players looking for high-quality sound reproduction and a reliable, low-noise pickup.

The L.R. Baggs Banjo Pickup is designed as a 5/8" maple bridge with a built-in miniature vibration sensor, making it an integral part of the banjo rather than an added external pickup. This design helps capture the natural sound qualities of the instrument without changing its acoustic tone, which is a big plus for players wanting authentic sound amplification. Installation is straightforward and quick thanks to the custom jack and mounting system, making it accessible even for those not very experienced with pickups. It uses a standard 6.35mm jack, which fits most common banjo amplifiers and sound systems, so compatibility is broad. Sound quality is generally praised for sensitivity and clear signal transfer, although some users may find it less powerful compared to magnetic pickups in very loud environments.

Feedback resistance is decent because the sensor is built into the bridge, but extreme stage volume might still cause some issues. This pickup is best suited for banjos with a 5/8" maple bridge, so if your banjo has a different bridge size or material, you might need a different model. Weighing just under 3 ounces, it doesn't add noticeable heft to your instrument, which is comfortable for playing. This pickup represents a solid choice for banjo players seeking a natural, acoustic-like amplified tone with quick installation and reliable performance in typical settings.