Best Magnetic Pickups for Acoustic Guitars 2025

Top-rated magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

Best

Best Guitars and Basses

Best Pickups

Best Acoustic Guitar Pickups

Best Magnetic Pickups for Acoustic Guitars

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Live Performance For Recording For Folk For Country For Natural Tone For Feedback Resistance

BRANDS: Fishman Seymour Duncan

National Reso-Phonic Slimline Pickup BRN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

National Reso-Phonic Slimline Pickup BRN

by National Reso-Phonic

Country Live Performance Recording

Key Feature:

• Good feedback resistance for live use

✓ PROS

• Good feedback resistance for live use
• Natural acoustic guitar tone reproduction

✗ CONS

• Can pick up magnetic interference
• Limited dynamic range compared to condensers

National Reso-Phonic Slimline Pickup BRNHumbucking PickupOnly 5.5 mm thickIs mounted on the top at the end of the fret...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 397679

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Seymour Duncan SA-3XL Woody XL Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Seymour Duncan SA-3XL Woody XL Series

by Seymour Duncan

Country Live Performance Folk

Key Feature:

• Natural acoustic guitar tone reproduction

✓ PROS

• Natural acoustic guitar tone reproduction
• Good feedback resistance for live use

✗ CONS

• Can pick up magnetic interference
• Positioning critical for optimal sound

Seymour Duncan SA-3XL Woody XL SeriesElectro - Magnetic PickupFrom the Woody seriesFor sound hole mountingWooden...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 235270

$171

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 5.0/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Seymour Duncan Active Mag Soundhole Pickup

by Seymour Duncan

Folk Natural Tone Recording

Key Feature:

• Less susceptible to handling noise

✓ PROS

• Less susceptible to handling noise
• No battery power required

✗ CONS

• May sound less bright than piezo systems
• Limited dynamic range compared to condensers

Seymour Duncan Active Mag Soundhole PickupMagnetic soundhole pickup for steel-string guitarTuned to accentuate the best...

⭐ 5.0/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 444967

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lace Pickups Ultra Slim Acoustic Sensor CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Lace Pickups Ultra Slim Acoustic Sensor CH

by Lace Pickups

Natural Tone Recording Live Performance

Key Feature:

• Natural acoustic guitar tone reproduction

✓ PROS

• Warm, organic sound character
• Natural acoustic guitar tone reproduction

✗ CONS

• Can pick up magnetic interference
• Limited dynamic range compared to condensers

Lace Pickups Ultra Slim Acoustic Sensor CH, Magnetic pickup for acoustic and resonator guitars, Humbucker, Model:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 498180

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

EMG ACB-4/6 Banjo - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

EMG ACB-4/6 Banjo

by EMG

Country Recording Folk

Key Feature:

• Less susceptible to handling noise

✓ PROS

• Warm, organic sound character
• Less susceptible to handling noise

✗ CONS

• Limited dynamic range compared to condensers
• Can pick up magnetic interference

EMG ACB-4/6 BanjoHumbucker PickupFor 4 & 6 string banjosAlnico magnetsNoise-freeIncl holdershim steel strip2x...

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 404194

$307

Buy at Thomann View Details

DiMarzio The Black Angel DP 234 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

DiMarzio The Black Angel DP 234

by DiMarzio

Feedback Resistance Recording Country

Key Feature:

• Good feedback resistance for live use

✓ PROS

• Warm, organic sound character
• No battery power required

✗ CONS

• Limited dynamic range compared to condensers
• Positioning critical for optimal sound

DiMarzio The Black Angel DP 234, Soundhole Pickup for Steel-string Guitar, Passive humbucker, Phase reverse switch, For...

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 417760

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Takamine TRI-AX 2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Takamine TRI-AX 2

by Takamine

Folk Natural Tone Live Performance

Key Feature:

• No battery power required

✓ PROS

• Warm, organic sound character
• No battery power required

✗ CONS

• May not capture full acoustic resonance
• Can pick up magnetic interference

Takamine TRI-AX 2Magnetic Pickup For Steel-String GuitarSuitable for the Cool Tube PreampAdjustable pole pieces for...

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 179202

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fishman Rare Earth Humbucker - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Fishman Rare Earth Humbucker

by Fishman

Country Natural Tone Recording

Key Feature:

• Less susceptible to handling noise

✓ PROS

• Warm, organic sound character
• Natural acoustic guitar tone reproduction

✗ CONS

• May sound less bright than piezo systems
• May not capture full acoustic resonance

Fishman Rare Earth HumbuckerRare Earth HumbuckerFor steel-string guitarsMagnetic soundhole pickupHumbucking stacked...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 129184

$174

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mojotone Quiet Coil NC Passive - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Mojotone Quiet Coil NC Passive

by Mojotone

Folk Live Performance Natural Tone

Key Feature:

• No battery power required

✓ PROS

• Good feedback resistance for live use
• No battery power required

✗ CONS

• Can pick up magnetic interference
• Limited dynamic range compared to condensers

Mojotone Quiet Coil NC PassivePickup for Acoustic GuitarFor mounting in the sound holeConstruction: magneticPerfect...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 555506

$186

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton TrueTone SH-30H Pro Active - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

10/10

Harley Benton TrueTone SH-30H Pro Active

by Harley Benton

Feedback Resistance Live Performance Folk

Key Feature:

• Good feedback resistance for live use

✓ PROS

• Warm, organic sound character
• No battery power required

✗ CONS

• May not capture full acoustic resonance
• May sound less bright than piezo systems

Harley Benton TrueTone SH-30H Pro ActivePickup for Acoustic Steel String GuitarsActive magnetic soundhole pickupActive...

⭐ 5.0/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

5/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 568909

$65

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lace Pickups Alumitone Matchbook - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Lace Pickups Alumitone Matchbook

by Lace Pickups

Natural Tone Folk Feedback Resistance

Key Feature:

• Less susceptible to handling noise

✓ PROS

• No battery power required
• Warm, organic sound character

✗ CONS

• Limited dynamic range compared to condensers
• Positioning critical for optimal sound

Lace Pickups Alumitone Matchbook, Pickup For Cigarbox Guitars, It is easy to install and can be directly wired or via a...

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 530694

$109

Buy at Thomann View Details

Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-2

by Mojotone

Live Performance Natural Tone Feedback Resistance

Key Feature:

• Warm, organic sound character

✓ PROS

• Warm, organic sound character
• Good feedback resistance for live use

✗ CONS

• Limited dynamic range compared to condensers
• May not capture full acoustic resonance

Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-2Pickup and Pre-Amp for Acoustic GuitarConstruction: magnetic and mikedFor pickup mounting in...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 555504

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Shadow SH 145 BK Prestige - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Shadow SH 145 BK Prestige

by Shadow

Natural Tone Live Performance Folk

Key Feature:

• Warm, organic sound character

✓ PROS

• Good feedback resistance for live use
• No battery power required

✗ CONS

• Can pick up magnetic interference
• May sound less bright than piezo systems

Shadow SH 145 BK Prestige, Pickup for Steel-String GuitarThe SH 145 Prestige is an active sound pickup (humbucker) with...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 184876

$122

Buy at Thomann View Details

KNA Pickups HP-1A - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

KNA Pickups HP-1A

by KNA Pickups

Live Performance Country Recording

Key Feature:

• Natural acoustic guitar tone reproduction

✓ PROS

• Less susceptible to handling noise
• No battery power required

✗ CONS

• May sound less bright than piezo systems
• Can pick up magnetic interference

KNA Pickups HP-1A, Active Humbucker Magnetic Pickup, For mounting in the sound hole, High-gloss mahogany housing, 2.5 m...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 585159

$131

Buy at Thomann View Details

DiMarzio Virtual Acoustic DP 138 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

DiMarzio Virtual Acoustic DP 138

by DiMarzio

Feedback Resistance Country Natural Tone

Key Feature:

• Warm, organic sound character

✓ PROS

• Less susceptible to handling noise
• Warm, organic sound character

✗ CONS

• Can pick up magnetic interference
• Limited dynamic range compared to condensers

DiMarzio Virtual Acoustic DP 138, Soundhole Pickup, Virtual Acoustic Series, Passive humbucker

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 189031

$120

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Magnetic Pickups for Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Magnetic Pickups for Acoustic Guitars 2025

National Reso-Phonic Slimline Pickup BRN

Seymour Duncan SA-3XL Woody XL Series

Seymour Duncan Active Mag Soundhole Pickup

Lace Pickups Ultra Slim Acoustic Sensor CH

EMG ACB-4/6 Banjo

DiMarzio The Black Angel DP 234

Takamine TRI-AX 2

Fishman Rare Earth Humbucker

Mojotone Quiet Coil NC Passive

Harley Benton TrueTone SH-30H Pro Active

Lace Pickups Alumitone Matchbook

Mojotone Quiet Coil NC-2

Shadow SH 145 BK Prestige

KNA Pickups HP-1A

DiMarzio Virtual Acoustic DP 138

How to Choose the Best Magnetic Pickups for Acoustic Guitars

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars?

How much should I spend on magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars?

Are expensive magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars worth the investment?

What are the best brands for magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars?

Should I buy magnetic pickups for acoustic guitars online or in-store?

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