Amplifying Your Acoustic: Magnetic, Piezo, or Mic — The Ultimate Comparison Guide

Every acoustic player eventually faces the same challenge — how to plug in without losing that natural, woody tone. What sounds warm and full in a quiet room can turn thin, harsh, or feedback-prone once amplified.

At Tone Tailors in Lancaster, PA, we know amplifying an acoustic guitar takes more than plugging in a cable. It’s an art that balances electronics, craftsmanship, and respect for the guitar itself. The key is choosing the right pickup system — and having it installed perfectly.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the three main ways to amplify your acoustic, their pros and cons, and how to find the setup that fits your style.

1. Piezo Pickups (Undersaddle or Soundboard Transducers)

Piezo systems are the most common, found in many acoustic-electric guitars. They pick up vibration either from the bridge (undersaddle) or the top of the guitar (soundboard).

Undersaddle Piezo (UST):
– Captures string pressure through the saddle.
– Bright, cutting tone that works well in a band mix.
– Can sound “quacky” if not installed or buffered properly.
– Requires precise saddle fitting and drilling for the endpin jack.

Soundboard Transducer (SBT):
– Picks up vibration directly from the guitar’s top.
– Warmer, more natural tone that captures body resonance.
– Glued to the bridge plate or top (like the K&K Pure Mini).
– Semi-permanent installation; usually needs an endpin jack.

Best For: Fingerstyle players or solo performers who want a natural tone, or gigging musicians who need volume and feedback resistance.

2. Magnetic Soundhole Pickups

These work just like electric guitar pickups — sensing string vibration through magnetic coils. They’re the easiest, most reversible way to amplify your acoustic.

How They Work:
A small coil and magnet sit in your soundhole, picking up the strings’ vibration.

Tone Profile:
Warm, punchy, and slightly “electric.” Great clarity and string separation.

Installation:
Non-permanent. Most (like the L.R. Baggs M1) simply clamp into the soundhole. Some can be wired permanently with an endpin jack, but many include an external cable for a no-drill option.

Best For: Players who want a feedback-resistant, removable pickup or use effects with their acoustic.

3. Microphone and Hybrid Systems

Internal microphones give you that true, “studio mic” sound — rich and natural — but they can be feedback-prone. That’s where hybrid systems come in.

How They Work:
A small condenser mic is mounted inside the guitar to capture air movement, often blended with a piezo element for clarity and attack.

Tone Profile:
Systems like the L.R. Baggs Anthem combine the realism of a mic with the focus of a piezo, offering studio-level tone that can handle live volume.

Installation:
Permanent. Requires internal mounting, wiring, and drilling for the endpin jack.

Best For: Recording artists and professionals who want the highest fidelity possible and don’t mind a permanent setup.

The Tone Tailors Difference

Installing an acoustic pickup is precise work. A slightly uneven saddle or misaligned transducer can ruin an otherwise great system. That’s why professional installation matters.

At Tone Tailors, we handle every acoustic amplification job with care — from simple soundhole pickups to full hybrid systems. We’re proud to carry and install trusted brands like:

• K&K Sound: Organic tone and easy installation.
• Fishman: From simple Neo-D magnetics to advanced Matrix systems.
• L.R. Baggs: The industry leader in hybrid and magnetic solutions.

Whether you’re performing on stage, recording in a studio, or just want your acoustic to sound its best, we’ll help you choose the right system and install it perfectly.

Ready to amplify your acoustic the right way?
Stop by Tone Tailors in Lancaster, PA, or reach out to our team to talk about your setup and installation options.