Pickup Q&a

Pickup Special: What pickup type for my acoustic guitar?

The best ways to amplify the voice of your acoustic

I have owned a Martin 000-15M for around two years now, a companion to my old-faithful Takamine EG-series electro. To date I’ve been using the Tak when I play live with friends. It’s not a very common occurrence, but given the Martin’s superior sound, I’d like to start using that instead for sessions and gigs. The only problem is that it doesn’t have a pickup and I have become very confused about what kind of pickup to choose and fit (or have fitted, if necessary). There are so many available, I can’t see the mahogany for the trees, so to speak! The plugged-in sound of the Takamine is quite harsh if I’m honest, so something more natural, or warmer sounding would be preferable.

I am also thinking of investing in a Laney A1+ acoustic amplifier to use with the Martin once the pickup is fitted. I would be very grateful if you could provide an overview of my options, and recommend what you’d choose for the 000-15M. David Atkins, via email You’re not alone David. The world of acoustics is more problematic than electric guitars when it comes to amplification and pickups because in truth, it is always a compromise. Electric guitars were designed to be plugged in. Acoustics, not so much. Ahem.

Given your comments, we’d recommend checking out one of the dual-source options that includes either an internal mic or a soundhole pickup, but before you leap ahead, here’s an overview of the different types of pickup available to you and anyone else thinking about making that acoustic into an electro. [MT]