Acoustic Electric Guitar System: Piezo vs Soundhole Pickup

Acoustic Guitar With Electric System

We have mentioned a lot of time, the acoustic guitar with electric system makes them so called acoustic electric guitar. Besides, with such type of system makes the acoustic guitar to have some qualities of electric guitars, so they can be named as electro-acoustic guitars.

Pickups, are electric systems to create acoustic electric guitar. And there are types of pickup, piezo, soundhole pickup, etc. What are the differences and which fits for you the best?

Acoustic Electric Guitar Piezo

Piezo is a type of pickup usually installed on the bottom side of acoustic guitar body. This is the most commonly seen electric / sound system for an acoustic electric guitar.

The word piezo is short for piezoelectric. Basically, it generates voltage by detecting variations in pressure (in guitar, vibration). The acoustic guitar piezo is different with most of traditional electric pickups, it uniquely detects vibrations from the guitar wood to generate the sound, most of the time, from the saddle.

Since the piezo of an electro-acoustic guitar detects the vibration from the saddle of the acoustic guitar (where the strings are particularly tight), the sound is extremely bright and clear since every note is defined. Thus, the piezo is so popular. Besides, the piezo of acoustic electric guitar almost totally resists to the feedback, it is a brilliant device for loud, live performance.

Acoustic Guitar Soundhole Pickup

The soundhole pickup is commonly seen on almost all types of acoustic guitar, all solid acoustic guitar, solid top guitar, 41 inch guitar, 40 inch guitar, Jumbo Guitar, OM guitar, etc.

Takes advantages of magnetic to detect the vibration of strings. Sometimes, it can produce a clear sound that’s similar to electric guitar. But soundhole pickups can be a little more susceptible to feedback. Thus, it is not so frequently used on live concert, but recording.

The soundhole pickup is very easy to install. Just simply slot in.

Which You Should Choose?

Piezo has advantages. But for an unexperienced player, it may be difficult for them to mount the piezo on their existed acoustic guitars. If so, there are chances to damage the guitars.

Thus, it is better to buy a well acoustic guitar with built-in piezo system. The cost of the piezo won’t influences the cost of the guitar so much. But it is still cost-effective to buy a good acoustic guitar with this electric system. So, it is better to buy a solid top acoustic electric guitar at least.

For soundhole pickup, it is no need to worry about it. Since this type of pickup is easy to install and uninstall, the player has great freedom to choose to equip it or not.

You may be hesitate to make your own choice, if so, pleas feel free to CONTACT US for free consultant.