When it comes to acoustic guitar amplification, piezo pickups are a popular choice. But what exactly is a piezo pickup, and how does it work? In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at piezo pickups, their benefits, and some of the best models on the market.
Editor’s Note:Piezo pickups are an essential tool for any acoustic guitarist who wants to amplify their sound. They offer a number of advantages over other types of pickups, including their natural sound, their feedback resistance, and their durability.
We’ve done the research and put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the right decision for your needs.
Key Differences: Piezo vs. Other Pickups
| Characteristic | Piezo | Other Pickups |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Natural, acoustic sound | Can sound more electric or processed |
| Feedback Resistance | Very feedback resistant | Can be more prone to feedback |
| Durability | Very durable | Can be more fragile |
Main Article Topics
- How Piezo Pickups Work
- The Benefits of Piezo Pickups
- The Best Piezo Pickups on the Market
- Tips for Using Piezo Pickups
1. Natural sound
Piezo pickups are able to reproduce the natural sound of an acoustic guitar because they convert the vibrations of the guitar’s strings into an electrical signal. This is in contrast to magnetic pickups, which are used on electric guitars and bass guitars, and which convert the magnetic field generated by the strings into an electrical signal. Magnetic pickups can add their own coloration to the sound of the guitar, which can be desirable in some cases, but which can also be undesirable in other cases.
Piezo pickups are also very feedback resistant, which makes them a good choice for live performances. Feedback occurs when the sound from the guitar’s speakers is picked up by the guitar’s pickups and re-amplified, creating a howling or squealing sound. Piezo pickups are less susceptible to feedback because they are not as sensitive to the sound coming from the speakers.
The natural sound and feedback resistance of piezo pickups make them a good choice for a wide range of musical styles, from folk to rock to jazz. They are also a good choice for acoustic guitarists who want to use their guitars for both live performances and recording.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between piezo pickups and magnetic pickups:
| Characteristic | Piezo pickups | Magnetic pickups |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Natural, acoustic sound | Can sound more electric or processed |
| Feedback Resistance | Very feedback resistant | Can be more prone to feedback |
| Durability | Very durable | Can be more fragile |
2. Feedback resistance
Feedback is a common problem for acoustic guitarists, especially when playing live. Feedback occurs when the sound from the guitar’s speakers is picked up by the guitar’s pickups and re-amplified, creating a howling or squealing sound. This can be a major problem, especially in large venues with loudspeakers.
Piezo pickups are very feedback resistant, which makes them a good choice for live performances. This is because piezo pickups are not as sensitive to the sound coming from the speakers as magnetic pickups. As a result, piezo pickups are less likely to cause feedback, even in loud environments.
Here are some of the benefits of using piezo pickups for live performances:
- Reduced feedback: Piezo pickups are very feedback resistant, which makes them a good choice for live performances, especially in large venues with loudspeakers.
- Natural sound: Piezo pickups reproduce the natural sound of your acoustic guitar, without any added coloration or distortion.
- Durability: Piezo pickups are very durable and can withstand the rigors of touring and everyday use.
If you’re an acoustic guitarist who plays live, then a piezo pickup is a good investment. Piezo pickups can help you to reduce feedback, improve your sound quality, and increase your overall playing experience.
Key Insights
- Piezo pickups are very feedback resistant, which makes them a good choice for live performances.
- Piezo pickups reproduce the natural sound of your acoustic guitar, without any added coloration or distortion.
- Piezo pickups are very durable and can withstand the rigors of touring and everyday use.
| Characteristic | Piezo pickups | Magnetic pickups |
|---|---|---|
| Feedback Resistance | Very feedback resistant | Can be more prone to feedback |
| Sound | Natural, acoustic sound | Can sound more electric or processed |
| Durability | Very durable | Can be more fragile |
3. Durability
Piezo pickups are built to last. They are made from durable materials, and they are designed to withstand the rigors of touring and everyday use. This makes them a good choice for musicians who need a pickup that can handle the rigors of the road.
- Facet 1: Piezo pickups are made from durable materials.
Piezo pickups are typically made from a piezoelectric material, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT). PZT is a very hard and durable material that is resistant to wear and tear. This makes piezo pickups a good choice for musicians who need a pickup that can withstand the rigors of touring and everyday use. - Facet 2: Piezo pickups are designed to withstand the rigors of touring and everyday use.
Piezo pickups are designed to be able to withstand the rigors of touring and everyday use. They are typically mounted to the guitar’s soundboard using a soundboard transducer, which helps to protect the pickup from damage. Additionally, piezo pickups are often potted in epoxy, which helps to further protect them from damage. - Facet 3: Piezo pickups are a good choice for musicians who need a pickup that can handle the rigors of the road.
Piezo pickups are a good choice for musicians who ne
ed a pickup that can handle the rigors of the road. They are durable, reliable, and they sound great. If you’re looking for a pickup that can withstand the rigors of touring and everyday use, then a piezo pickup is a good option.
In conclusion, piezo pickups are very durable and can withstand the rigors of touring and everyday use. This makes them a good choice for musicians who need a pickup that can handle the rigors of the road.
4. Easy to install
Piezo pickups are relatively easy to install, making them a good option for do-it-yourselfers. This is because piezo pickups do not require any soldering or special tools to install. Additionally, piezo pickups are typically mounted to the guitar’s soundboard using a soundboard transducer, which makes installation even easier.
The ease of installation of piezo pickups is a major advantage for do-it-yourselfers. This is because it allows them to install a piezo pickup without having to take their guitar to a professional. Additionally, the ease of installation of piezo pickups makes them a good option for musicians who want to experiment with different pickup configurations.
Here are some of the benefits of installing a piezo pickup yourself:
- Save money: You can save money by installing a piezo pickup yourself instead of taking your guitar to a professional.
- Learn about your guitar: Installing a piezo pickup is a good way to learn about the construction of your guitar.
- Experiment with different pickup configurations: The ease of installation of piezo pickups makes them a good option for musicians who want to experiment with different pickup configurations.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer who is looking for an easy way to improve the sound of your acoustic guitar, then installing a piezo pickup is a good option.
Key Insights
- Piezo pickups are relatively easy to install, making them a good option for do-it-yourselfers.
- Installing a piezo pickup is a good way to save money, learn about your guitar, and experiment with different pickup configurations.
Table: Comparing Piezo Pickups to Other Types of Pickups
| Characteristic | Piezo pickups | Other pickups |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of installation | Relatively easy to install | Can be more difficult to install |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Sound | Natural, acoustic sound | Can sound more electric or processed |
| Feedback Resistance | Very feedback resistant | Can be more prone to feedback |
| Durability | Very durable | Can be more fragile |
5. Affordable
Piezo pickups are a great option for budget-minded musicians because they are relatively affordable. This is in contrast to other types of pickups, such as magnetic pickups, which can be more expensive. The affordability of piezo pickups makes them a good option for musicians who are just starting out or who are on a tight budget.
In addition to being affordable, piezo pickups are also known for their natural sound, feedback resistance, and durability. This makes them a good choice for a wide range of musical styles, from folk to rock to jazz. Piezo pickups are also a good choice for acoustic guitarists who want to use their guitars for both live performances and recording.
Here are some of the benefits of using piezo pickups:
- Affordable: Piezo pickups are relatively affordable, making them a good option for budget-minded musicians.
- Natural sound: Piezo pickups reproduce the natural sound of your acoustic guitar, without any added coloration or distortion.
- Feedback resistance: Piezo pickups are very feedback resistant, making them a good choice for live performances.
- Durability: Piezo pickups are very durable and can withstand the rigors of touring and everyday use.
If you’re looking for a pickup that is affordable, sounds great, and is built to last, then a piezo pickup is a good option.
Key Insights
- Piezo pickups are relatively affordable, making them a good option for budget-minded musicians.
- Piezo pickups offer a number of benefits, including their natural sound, feedback resistance, and durability.
- Piezo pickups are a good choice for a wide range of musical styles, from folk to rock to jazz.
Table: Comparing Piezo Pickups to Other Types of Pickups
| Characteristic | Piezo pickups | Other pickups |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Sound | Natural, acoustic sound | Can sound more electric or processed |
| Feedback Resistance | Very feedback resistant | Can be more prone to feedback |
| Durability | Very durable | Can be more fragile |
6. Wide range of options
The wide range of options available for piezo pickups makes them a versatile choice for acoustic guitarists. Whether you’re looking for a pickup that will give you a natural, acoustic sound or one that will give you a more electric sound, there’s a piezo pickup out there that will meet your needs.
- Facet 1: Piezo pickups are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.
This makes them suitable for a wide range of acoustic guitars, from small-bodied guitars to large-bodied guitars.
- Facet 2: Piezo pickups are available with different mounting options.
This allows you to choose the mounting option that is best suited for your guitar and playing style.
- Facet 3: Piezo pickups are available with different output levels.
This allows you to choose the pickup that will give you the desired output level.
- Facet 4: Piezo pickups are available from a variety of manufacturers.
This gives you a wide range of options to choose from, so you can find the pickup that is right for you.
The wide range of options available for piezo pickups makes them a versatile choice for acoustic guitarists. Whether you’re looking for a pickup that will give you a natural, acoustic sound or one that will give you a more electric sound, there’s a piezo pickup out there that will meet your needs.
7. Can be used with any acoustic guitar
The versatility of piezo pickups is one of their key advantages. Unlike magnetic pi
ckups, which are only compatible with certain types of guitars, piezo pickups can be used with any acoustic guitar, regardless of its size or shape. This makes them a great choice for guitarists who play a variety of different guitars.
- Compatibility with different body sizes: Piezo pickups are compatible with acoustic guitars of all sizes, from small-bodied guitars to large-bodied guitars. This makes them a good choice for guitarists who play a variety of different guitars.
- Compatibility with different body shapes: Piezo pickups are also compatible with acoustic guitars of all shapes, including dreadnought guitars, jumbo guitars, and classical guitars. This makes them a good choice for guitarists who play a variety of different guitars.
- Easy installation: Piezo pickups are relatively easy to install, making them a good choice for guitarists who want to install a pickup themselves.
- Affordable: Piezo pickups are relatively affordable, making them a good choice for guitarists on a budget.
The versatility of piezo pickups makes them a great choice for guitarists who play a variety of different guitars. They are compatible with any acoustic guitar, regardless of its size or shape, and they are relatively easy to install and affordable.
8. Versatile
Piezo pickups are versatile transducers, capable of capturing the natural sound of an acoustic guitar across a wide range of musical genres.
- Facet 1: Piezo pickups accurately reproduce the acoustic sound.
Their ability to faithfully translate the guitar’s vibrations into an electrical signal makes them suitable for genres like folk and bluegrass, where the natural sound of the instrument is paramount.
- Facet 2: Piezo pickups can handle high sound pressure levels.
This makes them well-suited for genres like rock and metal, where the guitar is often played with heavy distortion and high volume.
- Facet 3: Piezo pickups can provide a wide dynamic range.
From delicate fingerpicking to aggressive strumming, piezo pickups can capture the nuances of a guitarist’s performance, making them suitable for genres like jazz and classical.
- Facet 4: Piezo pickups are relatively feedback resistant.
Their low susceptibility to feedback makes them a good choice for live performances, regardless of the musical style.
In conclusion, the versatility of piezo pickups stems from their ability to accurately reproduce the acoustic guitar’s sound, handle high sound pressure levels, provide a wide dynamic range, and resist feedback. These qualities make them suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from folk to rock to jazz, and for both live and studio applications.
9. Long lifespan
The exceptional lifespan of piezo pickups is a significant advantage for acoustic guitarists, contributing to their durability and cost-effectiveness in the long run.
- Facet 1: Piezo pickups are made from robust materials.
The piezoelectric elements used in piezo pickups are renowned for their durability, ensuring longevity and resilience even under demanding playing conditions.
- Facet 2: Piezo pickups have a simple and reliable design.
Unlike magnetic pickups with complex internal components, piezo pickups have a straightforward construction that minimizes potential failure points.
- Facet 3: Piezo pickups are well-protected from external factors.
They are often mounted under the bridge or inside the guitar body, effectively shielding them from moisture, dust, and physical impact.
- Facet 4: Piezo pickups require minimal maintenance.
Once installed correctly, piezo pickups generally do not require frequent adjustments or repairs, further contributing to their longevity.
In summary, the long lifespan of piezo pickups stems from their durable materials, simple design, effective protection, and low maintenance requirements. These factors combine to provide acoustic guitarists with a reliable and long-lasting solution for amplifying their instruments.
10. Improved sound quality
Piezo pickups are known for their ability to capture the natural sound of an acoustic guitar, making them a popular choice among guitarists who want to amplify their instruments without compromising their tone. Here’s how piezo pickups improve sound quality:
- Accurate sound reproduction: Piezo pickups convert the vibrations of the guitar’s strings into an electrical signal, which is then amplified. This process results in a sound that is faithful to the original acoustic sound of the guitar, without any added coloration or distortion.
- Extended frequency response: Piezo pickups have a wide frequency response, which means they can accurately capture the full range of frequencies produced by an acoustic guitar. This results in a sound that is rich, full, and detailed.
- Enhanced clarity: Piezo pickups are known for their clarity, which means they can accurately reproduce the individual notes played on the guitar. This makes them a good choice for fingerstyle guitarists and other players who rely on clarity and precision in their playing.
- Feedback resistance: Piezo pickups are also very feedback resistant, which means they are less likely to produce unwanted feedback when the guitar is amplified. This makes them a good choice for live performances and other situations where feedback can be a problem.
Overall, piezo pickups offer a number of advantages for acoustic guitarists who want to improve the sound quality of their instruments. Their ability to accurately reproduce the natural sound of the guitar, their extended frequency response, their enhanced clarity, and their feedback resistance make them a popular choice among guitarists of all levels.
Practical significance: Piezo pickups are a valuable tool for acoustic guitarists who want to improve the sound quality of their instruments. They can be used in a variety of settings, from live performances to studio recordings. Piezo pickups are also relatively easy to install, making them a good option for do-it-yourselfers.
FAQs on “Acoustic Guitar Pickup Piezo”
This section addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding acoustic guitar pickup piezo to provide comprehensive information and address common concerns.
Question 1: What are the advantages of using piezo pickups for acoustic guitars?
Answer: Piezo pickups offer several benefits for acoustic guitarists, including natural sound reproduction, feedback resistance, durability, ease of installation, affordability, and a wide range of options available to suit different needs and preferences.
Question 2: How do piezo pickups differ from magnetic pickups?
Answer: Piezo pickups convert the vibrations of the guitar’s
strings into an electrical signal using piezoelectric materials, while magnetic pickups rely on electromagnetic induction. Piezo pickups generally offer a more natural sound, higher feedback resistance, and are less prone to interference.
Question 3: Are piezo pickups suitable for all types of acoustic guitars?
Answer: Yes, piezo pickups can be used with any acoustic guitar, regardless of its size or shape. They can be mounted on the guitar’s soundboard, bridge, or inside the body, providing versatility in installation and compatibility with different guitar designs.
Question 4: How do piezo pickups compare to microphones in terms of sound quality?
Answer: Piezo pickups and microphones have distinct sound characteristics. Piezo pickups generally provide a more consistent and controlled sound, while microphones offer a wider dynamic range and can capture more of the guitar’s natural resonance. The choice between the two depends on the desired sound and application.
Question 5: Are piezo pickups durable and reliable?
Answer: Yes, piezo pickups are known for their durability. They are made from robust materials and have a simple design, making them less susceptible to damage or failure. They also require minimal maintenance and can withstand the rigors of regular use and transportation.
Question 6: What are some factors to consider when choosing a piezo pickup?
Answer: When selecting a piezo pickup, consider factors such as the type of sound you want to achieve, the size and shape of your guitar, the mounting options available, the desired output level, and your budget. Matching the pickup’s characteristics to your specific needs and preferences will ensure optimal performance.
In summary, piezo pickups offer a range of advantages for acoustic guitarists, including natural sound reproduction, feedback resistance, durability, and versatility. They are a popular choice for both live performances and studio recordings, providing guitarists with a reliable and effective way to amplify their instruments.
Transition to the next article section:
For further exploration of acoustic guitar pickup piezo, including detailed reviews, installation guides, and comparisons with other pickup types, refer to the additional resources provided in the following sections.
Tips for Using Piezo Pickups on Acoustic Guitars
Piezo pickups offer numerous advantages for acoustic guitarists, but utilizing them effectively requires careful consideration and proper technique. Here are some essential tips to optimize your piezo pickup experience:
Tip 1: Choose the Right Pickup for Your Guitar
Selecting the appropriate piezo pickup for your acoustic guitar is crucial. Factors to consider include the size and shape of your guitar, the desired sound, and the mounting options available. Matching the pickup’s characteristics to your specific needs will ensure optimal performance.
Tip 2: Position the Pickup Correctly
The placement of the piezo pickup on the guitar’s soundboard or bridge significantly impacts the sound. Experiment with different positions to find the sweet spot that provides the desired balance of volume, clarity, and feedback resistance.
Tip 3: Adjust the Pickup Height
The height of the piezo pickup affects the output level and tone. Adjust the height to achieve the desired volume and minimize any unwanted feedback or distortion. Proper height adjustment also helps prevent the pickup from contacting the strings, which can cause unwanted noise.
Tip 4: Use a Preamp or Equalizer
An external preamp or equalizer can enhance the sound of a piezo pickup by providing additional control over tone, volume, and feedback suppression. Use the preamp’s EQ to fine-tune the pickup’s response and compensate for any imbalances in the sound.
Tip 5: Consider Using a Soundhole Cover
Using a soundhole cover can help reduce feedback, especially when playing at high volumes. The cover blocks the sound from the guitar’s soundhole from reaching the microphone or pickup, minimizing the potential for feedback loops.
Summary
By following these tips, you can effectively harness the benefits of piezo pickups and achieve optimal sound quality for your acoustic guitar. Proper pickup selection, positioning, height adjustment, and the use of external gear will enhance your playing experience and allow you to fully utilize the unique characteristics of piezo pickups.
Conclusion
Piezo pickups have become an indispensable tool for acoustic guitarists seeking natural sound reproduction, feedback resistance, and durability. Their versatility and affordability make them suitable for a wide range of playing styles and budgets. By carefully selecting, positioning, and adjusting the piezo pickup, guitarists can optimize its performance and achieve the desired sound.
The future of piezo pickup technology is promising, with ongoing advancements in materials and design. As technology evolves, piezo pickups will continue to play a vital role in amplifying the acoustic guitar’s natural voice, allowing guitarists to connect with their audiences and deliver captivating performances.
Youtube Video:
