10 Best Banjo Pickups 2025 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 Myers Pickups The Feather Banjo Pickup is an appealing choice for banjo players looking to amplify their sound without compromising the instrument's natural tone. One of its standout features is its lightweight design, making it easy to install and reposition without requiring permanent modifications to your instrument. The internal active preamp ensures rich sound quality, which is enhanced by its compatibility with various wireless systems, providing flexibility for live performances.

Installation is a breeze with all necessary mounting hardware included, allowing users to simply plug and play right out of the box. The pickup is designed to work with multiple instruments, not just banjos, expanding its usability for musicians who play different acoustic instruments.

While the pickup's efficiency is commendable, the need for batteries (two Lithium Metal batteries) can be seen as a drawback, especially for those who prefer a hassle-free setup. Additionally, while the feedback resistance is decent, some users in louder settings may still experience challenges with feedback, depending on their environment.

The Fishman Blackstack Passive Soundhole Pickup is a double-stacked passive humbucker, which provides a warm and full sound, making it a great choice for amplifying acoustic banjos. The passive nature means it doesn't require a battery, simplifying installation and use. One of its standout features is the integrated TA4 mini-XLR connector, ensuring a secure and reliable connection during live performances.

Made in the USA, this pickup promises quality construction and durability. The unique packaging adds a touch of novelty, making it an appealing gift option for musicians. On the downside, being a soundhole pickup, installation might be a bit tricky for those unfamiliar with guitar or banjo setups. Additionally, passive pickups might not provide the same level of output as active ones, which could be a concern in louder performance environments.

Its compatibility is primarily geared towards acoustic guitars, so banjo players should check for fit and sound quality on their specific instruments. Despite these considerations, the Fishman Blackstack offers good feedback resistance, making it reliable in live settings. If you're looking for a durable, easy-to-use pickup for live amplification of your banjo, this model is worth considering.