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10 Best Soundhole Pickups 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Magnetic And Microphone Soundhole Pickup For Acoustic Guitar Build-In Volume Control(Black)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,475
Type of Pickup
Installation
Sound Quality

Most important from
161 reviews

Type of Pickup
Combining a magnetic pickup and a mic, this system makes even smaller guitars sound big, with musically useful tone knobs.
Installation
The installation process is straightforward and doesn't interfere with playing.
Sound Quality
The pickup offers more response, more attack, and more control, making it a fantastic upgrade from stock systems.

This Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup features a versatile design that supports both wireless and wired modes, making it suitable for a variety of performance settings. The wireless transmission can cover up to 100 feet, providing freedom of movement during play. With its dual pickup system, combining a magnetic pickup and a built-in microphone, it offers detailed sound quality and the ability to adjust the volume independently, which helps in capturing the nuances of your playing style, including techniques like board hitting, AM, PM, and slapping. The anti-interference capability enhances sound clarity, and the system includes a mini preamp with controls for volume, timbre, EQ, and phase adjustment, which can help reduce feedback issues.

This pickup is compatible with acoustic guitars with soundholes ranging from 80mm to 120mm, but not suitable for ukulele or classical guitars. The built-in rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 8 hours of use in wireless mode and more than 100 hours in wired mode, ensuring you can perform without worrying about battery life. The package also includes necessary accessories like a USB charging cable and a 3.5mm audio output cable.

Some users may find the installation process slightly challenging, and the price could be a bit high compared to simpler pickup systems. Moreover, since it is a relatively new product, long-term durability is yet to be fully assessed. It is a solid choice for acoustic guitar players looking for a comprehensive, high-quality pickup system.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,475
Type of Pickup
Installation
Sound Quality

Most important from
161 reviews

Type of Pickup
Combining a magnetic pickup and a mic, this system makes even smaller guitars sound big, with musically useful tone knobs.
Installation
The installation process is straightforward and doesn't interfere with playing.
Sound Quality
The pickup offers more response, more attack, and more control, making it a fantastic upgrade from stock systems.
#2

L.R. Baggs Anthem-SL Acoustic Guitar Pickup and Microphone

Rating
9.6
Installation
Sound Quality
Feedback Resistance

Most important from
233 reviews

Installation
Installation is straightforward and simple, even for those with basic guitar setup skills.
Sound Quality
The Anthem-SL delivers a full and rich low end with detailed, breathy highs, capturing the natural acoustic tone beautifully.
Feedback Resistance
Feedback resistance is excellent, even with the internal microphone, making it reliable for live performances.

The L.R. Baggs Anthem-SL Acoustic Guitar Pickup and Microphone stands out in the soundhole-pickups category, appealing especially to acoustic guitarists looking for rich sound quality and easy installation. Its patented TRUMIC technology captures a broad frequency range, giving your guitar a full-bodied tone without the muffled sound that some pickups offer. The Element Pickup is specifically designed to handle lower frequencies, effectively complementing the microphone's capabilities. This combination results in a balanced and natural sound that many users appreciate.

Installation is straightforward, making it accessible for players who may not have technical expertise. The inclusion of a soundhole remote allows for on-the-fly adjustments to volume and mic trims, which can be handy during live performances. Feedback resistance is another notable strength, ensuring that you can play confidently in various settings without unwanted noise.

The Anthem-SL excels in sound quality and ease of use, but it does come with a few drawbacks. The reliance on a battery power source may require occasional maintenance, as you’ll need to ensure the battery is charged or replaced. Some users may also find the price point a bit steep compared to other options in the market. Additionally, while it's designed for 6-string guitars, compatibility with different models should be checked to avoid potential issues.

Rating
9.6
Installation
Sound Quality
Feedback Resistance

Most important from
233 reviews

Installation
Installation is straightforward and simple, even for those with basic guitar setup skills.
Sound Quality
The Anthem-SL delivers a full and rich low end with detailed, breathy highs, capturing the natural acoustic tone beautifully.
Feedback Resistance
Feedback resistance is excellent, even with the internal microphone, making it reliable for live performances.
#3

AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup with Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet for Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Single Coil, Passive, Battery-Free, Clear & Balanced Acoustic Tone

Rating
9.4
Sound Quality
Installation
Price

Most important from
939 reviews

Sound Quality
Delivers fantastic sound quality that's well-suited for connecting to external devices like loopers.
Installation
Installation is straightforward and hassle-free, fitting snugly without risking damage to the guitar's finish.
Price
Offers great value for the price, making it a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive internal pickup systems.

The AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup is a solid choice for steel-string acoustic guitar players wanting a simple, battery-free way to amplify their instrument. Its use of a rare earth neodymium magnet combined with a hand-wound oxygen-free copper coil delivers a clear and balanced tone with low noise, which means your guitar’s natural sound will come through nicely without unwanted buzzing or distortion. The wooden housing made from solid beech wood helps enhance vibration transmission, giving the amplified sound a more natural acoustic feel compared to many plastic pickups. Installing the pickup is straightforward and guitar-friendly since it requires no drilling — it simply fits into your guitar’s soundhole and connects using the included detachable 10-foot cable with a standard 1/4-inch plug. Being a passive pickup, it doesn’t need any batteries, so there’s no worry about power running out during a performance.

This pickup is limited to steel-string guitars with soundholes between about 3.8 and 4.3 inches in diameter, so it won’t work with nylon-string guitars or smaller models like Taylor Baby or Little Martin guitars. While it generally provides clear sound, some users might find it more prone to feedback in loud or high-volume settings compared to more advanced piezo or active pickups. The price is reasonable for the quality and features offered, making it a good budget-friendly option if you want a natural, plug-and-play acoustic tone without extra fuss. The AMUMU SP30 is best suited for steel-string guitar players who want an easy-to-use, natural-sounding, and affordable magnetic soundhole pickup without the hassle of batteries or complex installation.

Rating
9.4
Sound Quality
Installation
Price

Most important from
939 reviews

Sound Quality
Delivers fantastic sound quality that's well-suited for connecting to external devices like loopers.
Installation
Installation is straightforward and hassle-free, fitting snugly without risking damage to the guitar's finish.
Price
Offers great value for the price, making it a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive internal pickup systems.

Buying Guide for the Best Soundhole Pickups

Choosing the right soundhole pickup for your acoustic guitar can significantly enhance your playing experience by providing better sound amplification and quality. Soundhole pickups are designed to fit into the soundhole of your guitar and convert the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal, which can then be amplified. When selecting a soundhole pickup, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs and playing style.
Type of PickupSoundhole pickups come in three main types: magnetic, piezo, and microphone. Magnetic pickups are similar to those used in electric guitars and are great for a warm, natural sound. Piezo pickups capture the vibration of the guitar's body and strings, offering a bright and clear tone. Microphone pickups capture the sound of the guitar as it resonates in the air, providing a very natural and acoustic sound. Your choice should depend on the type of sound you prefer and the style of music you play. For a more electric sound, go for magnetic; for a bright, clear tone, choose piezo; and for a natural acoustic sound, a microphone pickup is ideal.
InstallationThe ease of installation is an important factor to consider. Some soundhole pickups are designed for easy, tool-free installation, while others may require more permanent modifications to your guitar. If you prefer a non-invasive option, look for pickups that can be easily clipped or mounted into the soundhole without any drilling or alterations. For those who don't mind a more permanent setup, there are options that can be installed internally for a cleaner look. Consider how comfortable you are with making modifications to your guitar and choose accordingly.
Sound QualitySound quality is a critical aspect of any pickup. Different pickups will produce different tones, so it's important to consider what kind of sound you want. Magnetic pickups tend to produce a warmer, more electric sound, while piezo pickups offer a brighter, more articulate tone. Microphone pickups provide a very natural and true-to-life acoustic sound. Think about the type of music you play and the sound you want to achieve. If you play a lot of fingerstyle or solo acoustic, a microphone pickup might be best. For strumming and more aggressive playing, a magnetic or piezo pickup could be more suitable.
Feedback ResistanceFeedback can be a major issue when amplifying an acoustic guitar, especially at high volumes. Some pickups are designed with better feedback resistance than others. Magnetic pickups generally have good feedback resistance, making them suitable for live performances. Piezo pickups can be more prone to feedback but offer a clear sound. Microphone pickups, while providing the most natural sound, are often the most susceptible to feedback. If you plan to play live or at high volumes, consider a pickup with good feedback resistance to avoid unwanted noise.
CompatibilityNot all soundhole pickups are compatible with every guitar. It's important to check the dimensions of your guitar's soundhole and ensure that the pickup you choose will fit properly. Some pickups are adjustable and can fit a range of soundhole sizes, while others are designed for specific dimensions. Measure your guitar's soundhole and compare it to the specifications of the pickup to ensure a proper fit. Additionally, consider whether the pickup is compatible with your amplifier or sound system.
PriceWhile budget is not the focus here, it's worth noting that soundhole pickups come in a range of prices, and more expensive models often offer better sound quality and additional features. Consider what features are most important to you and how much you're willing to invest in your sound. Sometimes, spending a bit more can make a significant difference in the quality and performance of the pickup.

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