Choosing the Best Pickup for your acoustic guitar can be a daunting task, especially when you’re aiming for a sound that truly represents your instrument’s natural tone while being practical for your playing environment. For guitarists who frequently perform with a band, particularly in louder settings like a church auditorium, the challenge is amplified. Let’s delve into the considerations for finding the ideal pickup, drawing from a real-world scenario and offering expert advice.
Understanding the Acoustic Pickup Dilemma
Many guitarists face the same predicament: they own a prized acoustic guitar, perhaps a Martin D-28 or similar high-quality instrument, and want to amplify it without sacrificing its inherent acoustic beauty. The quest for the best pickup often begins when the desire to share the guitar’s sound in a larger setting clashes with the complexities of amplification.
One guitarist, for example, sought advice for their Authentic D28, a guitar known for its exceptional acoustic qualities. Accustomed to playing a D18 with an LR Baggs Anthem in a church with a 250-person capacity and excellent acoustics, they now wished to feature their D28. However, the full band setup – drums, piano, electric guitars, bass, and vocals – creates a considerable stage volume. This scenario isn’t unique; many musicians in similar environments need reliable amplification that can cut through a mix without feedback issues and maintain tonal integrity.
Evaluating Pickup Options: Lyric vs. Trinity Pro and Beyond
The guitarist in question narrowed their choices to the LR Baggs Lyric and the K&K Trinity Pro. These are both reputable options, but cater to different preferences and priorities.
The LR Baggs Lyric is an internal microphone system designed to capture the nuanced sound of the guitar from within the body. It’s praised for its natural, airy tone, aiming to replicate the experience of playing unamplified. However, a valid concern raised is the potential impact of the battery pack on the guitar’s acoustic properties. Furthermore, while the Anthem system from LR Baggs is well-regarded, the Lyric’s sound may be unfamiliar territory for some players.
On the other hand, the K&K Trinity Pro combines undersaddle transducers with an internal microphone. K&K pickups, in general, are known for their robust and direct sound. While the guitarist had reservations about the K&K Pure Mini in previous guitars, the Trinity Pro, with its microphone blend, offers a potentially richer and more versatile sound. The passive nature of the K&K system is appealing for its simplicity and lack of onboard electronics potentially affecting the acoustic tone. However, the microphone positioned near the soundhole can be aesthetically unappealing to some.
Beyond these two, other best pickup contenders exist. Consider these factors when exploring alternatives:
- Pickup Type: Undersaddle transducers, soundhole pickups, internal microphones, and combinations each offer distinct sonic characteristics and installation complexities.
- Sound Preferences: Do you prioritize a natural, mic’d sound, or a more direct, punchy tone?
- Feedback Resistance: High-volume stage environments demand pickups that minimize feedback. Undersaddle transducers are generally more feedback-resistant than microphones.
- Installation: Some pickups require professional installation, especially those involving internal microphones or endpin jacks. Others, like soundhole pickups, are easily installed and removed.
- Budget: Pickup prices vary significantly. Determine your budget early in your search.
Finding Your Best Pickup Solution
Ultimately, the best pickup is subjective and depends on individual needs and preferences. For the guitarist playing in a loud church band with a D28, several recommendations emerge:
- Consider a Blend System: Like the K&K Trinity Pro or LR Baggs Anthem, blend systems combining transducers and microphones can offer a balance of natural tone and feedback resistance. Experimenting with the blend can help find the sweet spot for different stage volumes.
- Explore Soundhole Pickups: For ease of use and potentially less invasive installation, high-quality soundhole pickups, especially humbucking models, can provide excellent amplified tone and feedback rejection.
- Test Before You Commit: Whenever possible, try out different pickups with your D28 in a similar setting to your church band. Many music stores allow in-store testing.
- Consult with Experts: Talk to experienced guitar technicians or sound engineers who understand acoustic amplification in live settings. Their insights can be invaluable.
In conclusion, finding the best pickup for your acoustic guitar is a journey of exploration and informed decision-making. By considering your specific needs, exploring different pickup types, and ideally testing options firsthand, you can achieve amplified acoustic tone that does justice to your instrument and playing style, even in demanding live environments.
