Are you looking for a classical guitar pickup?
If so, you are in luck!
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of classical guitar pickups (or nylon string pickups) and help you choose the right one for your needs.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a classical guitar pickup, such as the type of music you play and your budget.
We will go over all of the different options so that you can make an informed decision about which pickup is right for you.
Classical guitar pickups come in many different varieties, each with its own set of pros and cons.
The most important things to consider when choosing a nylon string pickup are the type of music you play and your budget.
With that said, let’s take a look at these pickups and the different types that are out there!
What are classical guitar pickups?
A pickup for a nylon string guitar are devices that sense the vibrations of the classical guitar strings and convert them into electrical signals.
The signal can be amplified, recorded, or processed to create the desired sound.
The Different Types of Classical Guitar Pickups
There are three main types of classical guitar pickups: piezo, magnetic, and microphone.
The most common type of classical guitar pickup is the magnetic pickup, which uses one or more magnets to sense the string’s vibrations.
Magnetic pickups
These pickups are generally very accurate and are capable of reproducing a wide range of sounds.
However, they can also be susceptible to interference from other sources of magnetic fields, such as power lines or speakers.
Piezo pickup
Piezo Pickups are another type of pickup for a classical guitar.
Which uses a small crystal to sense the string’s vibrations.
Piezo pickups are less susceptible to interference than magnetic pickups, but they can sometimes produce a “quacky” sound.
Microphone Pickup
The last type of classical guitar pickup is the microphone, which picks up the sound of the classical guitar through a microphone.
Microphones are generally very accurate and can reproduce a wide range of sounds, but they require an external power source and can be more difficult to install.
Now it’s time we take a look at our top choices for classical guitar pickups!
Best Overall Nylon String Guitar Pickup
L. R. BAGGS ELEMENT VTC-N ACTIVE SYSTEM NYLON STRING GUITAR PICKUP
The L. R. Baggs Element VTC-N Active System Nylon String Guitar Pickup is a top-of-the-line pickup that delivers studio-quality sound.
The all-discrete, Class A preamp provides superior warmth and natural balance of tone, while the proprietary analog compression creates a live sound that is second to none.
The soundhole mounted volume and treble tone controls allow you to tailor the sound to your liking.
The built-in LF compressor is tuned to reflect the actual dynamics of the acoustic guitar, providing superior tone and balance.
With a battery life of 1,000 hours, this pickup is perfect for any gigging musician who wants the best possible sound.
What separates this from its peers is that you will get a quality studio sound and you can use this at home or when you are performing live.
Pros
Pros:
- A top-of-the-line pickup that delivers studio-quality sound.
- All-discrete, Class A preamp provides superior warmth and a natural balance of tone.
- Proprietary analog compression creates a live sound that is second to none.
- Soundhole mounted volume and treble tone controls allow you to tailor the sound to your liking.
- The Built-in LF compressor is tuned to reflect the actual dynamics of the acoustic guitar, providing superior tone and balance.
- Battery life of up to 1000 hours.
Cons
Cons:
- Depending on preference it may not be as loud as one would like for their nylon string guitar.
Best Nylon String Pickup for Natural Sound
FISHMAN SBT CLASSICAL GUITAR TRANSDUCER ACOUSTIC GUITAR PICKUP
Looking to get the most accurate and natural sound possible from your nylon string guitar?
Look no further than Fishman’s SBT Classical Guitar Transducer!
This easy-to-install pickup is perfect for classical or steel-string guitars and can be used on a variety of other stringed instruments as well.
Featuring a transparent tone that faithfully reproduces the sound of your instrument, the SBT is a must-have for any musician looking to get the most out of their acoustic pickups.
The SBT Series pickups from Fishman are designed to help you get the truest, most natural sound possible whenever you plugin.
These pickups are perfect for classical guitarists, as they excel in small-bodied guitars with responsive tops.
What is unique about this pickup is that it provides a transparent tone that will make you fall in love with your instrument all over again.
Pros
Pros:
- A transparent tone that faithfully reproduces the natural sound of your instrument.
- Easy to install.
- Can be used on a variety of stringed instruments.
- Excellent for classical guitars or steel-string guitars.
- Perfect for small-bodied guitars with responsive tops.
- Very affordable.
Cons
Cons:
- The sound was a little muffled at times.
Best Budget Nylon String Guitar Pickup
KNA AP-2 PIEZO ACOUSTIC PICKUP WITH VOLUME CONTROL
Looking to amplify your acoustic instrument and control volume from the stage?
The KNA AP-2 PIEZO ACOUSTIC PICKUP is just what you need.
This high-quality piezo pickup features a handsome wooden casing that houses both the passive piezo sensor and a volume potentiometer.
It attaches safely with enough PowerTack adhesive for multiple applications, while a detachable 1/8″ to 1/4″ cable allows you to easily remove the pickup when not in use.
It has a wooden casing that houses both the passive piezo sensor and the high-quality volume potentiometer.
Plus, it attaches safely with PowerTack adhesive, so you can use it multiple times!
Perfect for guitars, ukuleles, upright basses, cajons, and more.
Best of all, this piezo pickup is handcrafted in Europe for unbeatable quality.
Pros
Pros:
- High-quality piezo pickup with a handsome wooden casing.
- Features a volume potentiometer for easy onstage control.
- PowerTack adhesive allows for multiple uses without damaging your instrument.
- The detachable cable makes it easy to remove when not in use.
- Perfect for a variety of stringed instruments.
- Handcrafted in Europe for unbeatable quality.
Cons
Cons:
- Volume control can be temperamental.
Best Magnetic Classical Pickup
Fishman Neo D Single Coil Magnetic Soundhole Pickup
Looking for a great-sounding, low-profile pickup?
Check out the Fishman Neo D Single Coil Magnetic Soundhole Pickup!
This compact design is based on Fishman’s best-selling Rare Earth active magnetic soundhole pickup line and shares the same neodymium magnets and technology.
The single-coil design makes it passive and very affordable for your nylon string guitar.
This makes it perfect for students, novices, or part-time players.
Easy to install and remove, the Fishman Neo D Single Coil Magnetic Soundhole Pickup is a great way to get famous Fishman quality without breaking the bank.
Fishman is known for its quality craftsmanship, and the Neo D is no exception.
What is unique about this pickup is that it uses neodymium magnets to deliver natural, acoustic sound.
It’s also low-profile for a comfortable fit on your guitar.
So if you’re looking for great sound without breaking the bank, the Fishman Neo D Single Coil Magnetic Soundhole Pickup is a perfect choice!
Pros
Pros:
- Famous Fishman quality at an affordable price.
- Compact design based on Fishman’s best-selling Rare Earth active magnetic soundhole pickup line.
- Uses neodymium magnets to deliver a natural sound.
- Low-profile for a comfortable fit on your guitar.
- Easy to install and remove.
- The passive design makes it very affordable.
Cons
Cons:
- No volume knob.
Buyers Guide
Why do you need a classical guitar pickup?
Classical guitar pickups are an essential piece of equipment for any classical guitarist.
They are used to amplify the sound of the guitar, and they can be invaluable when performing in a large venue.
Classical guitar pickups are typically mounted on the side of the guitar, near the neck.
They are usually made of piezo-electric material, which produces a signal when it is compressed or vibrated.
Classical guitar pickups can be connected to an amplifier or PA system, or they can be used to connect to a recording device.
In addition, classical guitar pickups can be used to add effects to the sound, such as reverb or delay.
Can’t I just buy a classical guitar with an internal pickup?
You can for sure!
Classical guitars are nylon-stringed instruments that are typically played unplugged.
However, many guitarists choose to use pickups to amplify their sound.
While there are a few different types of classical guitar pickups on the market, they all serve the same purpose: to convert the string vibrations into electrical signals that can be amplified.
Most classical guitar pickups are installed beneath the saddle, and they can be either active or passive.
Active pickups require a battery, but they tend to produce a cleaner signal than passive pickups.
Passive pickups don’t require a battery, but they are more susceptible to noise.
When choosing a classical guitar pickup, it’s important to consider your playing style and what type of sound you’re hoping to achieve.
Conclusion
Classical guitar pickups come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles.
With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for classical guitar pickups.
First, consider the type of music you play.
If you’re a classical guitarist, you’ll need a pickup that can reproduce the intricate sounds of this style of music.
On the other hand, if you play more contemporary styles of music, you’ll need a pickup that can produce a more powerful sound.
Second, think about the size of your guitar.
Smaller guitars will need smaller pickups, while larger guitars will need larger pickups.
It’s important to choose a pickup that’s the right size for your guitar so that it doesn’t throw off the balance of your instrument.
Finally, take into account your budget.
These pickups range in price from around $50 to $500 or more.
By setting a budget before you start shopping, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and find the right pickup for your needs without breaking the bank.
We hope you enjoyed our article on how to choose the right classical guitar pickup.
Have you found the perfect pickup for your nylon string guitar?
Let us know in the comments below and always remember to HAVE FUN!
- How Many Frets On A Guitar? The Ultimate Guide - July 21, 2022
- Drop D Tuning: How to Easily D Tune Your Guitar - July 20, 2022
- Grote Guitar Review - July 19, 2022