Best Other Pickups 2025

Top-rated other pickups 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

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

National Reso-Phonic Hot Plate Bright Nickel - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

National Reso-Phonic Hot Plate Bright Nickel

Creative Solutions Specialty Instruments Experimental Setups
Key Feature:
• Creative application possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized pickup solutions available
  • • Experimental sound possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain compatibility
  • • Limited selection and availability

National Reso-Phonic Hot Plate Bright NickelCover Plate With Pickup1/4 inch outputLollar® single coil tele-style...

5.0/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
National Reso-Phonic Hot Plate Rubbed Steel - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

National Reso-Phonic Hot Plate Rubbed Steel

Alternative Instruments Specialty Instruments Experimental Setups
Key Feature:
• Creative application possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative application possibilities
  • • Custom project enablement
✗ CONS
  • • Limited selection and availability
  • • May require custom installation

National Reso-Phonic Hot Plate Rubbed SteelCover plate with pickupLollar single-coil T-style pickupReplaces the...

4.8/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Gold Tone ABS Banjo-Resonator Mic - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Gold Tone ABS Banjo-Resonator Mic

Alternative Instruments Unique Applications Custom Projects
Key Feature:
• Creative application possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized pickup solutions available
  • • Creative application possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain compatibility
  • • Limited support and documentation

Gold Tone ABS Banjo-Resonator MicDynamic microphone for banjo resonatorAdjustable gooseneckShockproof mount without...

4.7/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
K&K Pure Bass 5-String Pickup - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

K&K Pure Bass 5-String Pickup

Alternative Instruments Unique Applications Specialty Instruments
Key Feature:
• Experimental sound possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Alternative instrument amplification
  • • Custom project enablement
✗ CONS
  • • Limited selection and availability
  • • Specialized knowledge required

K&K Pure Bass 5-String Pickup, Pickup, For 5-string acoustic bass, Warm, natural sound, 6.3 mm jack

4.6/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
EMG BZ Bouzouki Pickup Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

EMG BZ Bouzouki Pickup Black

Unique Applications Specialty Instruments Creative Solutions
Key Feature:
• Custom project enablement
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized pickup solutions available
  • • Creative application possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain compatibility
  • • Limited support and documentation

EMG BZ Bouzouki Pickup BlackSingle Pickup For BouzoukiActiveNo noiseDirect connection to mixing consoles and wireless...

4.5/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Journey Instruments EPA01 Passive Volume Wheel - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Journey Instruments EPA01 Passive Volume Wheel

Experimental Setups Alternative Instruments Unique Applications
Key Feature:
• Experimental sound possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative application possibilities
  • • Experimental sound possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Uncertain compatibility
  • • Limited selection and availability

Journey Instruments EPA01 Passive Volume Wheel, Passive Soundhole Volume Wheel, Passive volume control for all...

4.4/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
10/10
Journey Instruments JourneyTek Passive 3-piezo - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Journey Instruments JourneyTek Passive 3-piezo

Unique Applications Experimental Setups Creative Solutions
Key Feature:
• Specialized pickup solutions available
✓ PROS
  • • Creative application possibilities
  • • Custom project enablement
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom installation
  • • Specialized knowledge required

Journey Instruments JourneyTek Passive 3-piezoPickup for Acoustic GuitarConstruction: Ceramic piezoInstallation...

4.6/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Journey Instruments JourneyTek CL Passive 4-Piezo - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Journey Instruments JourneyTek CL Passive 4-Piezo

Creative Solutions Experimental Setups Unique Applications
Key Feature:
• Experimental sound possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Creative application possibilities
  • • Alternative instrument amplification
✗ CONS
  • • Limited support and documentation
  • • Specialized knowledge required

Journey Instruments JourneyTek CL Passive 4-PiezoPickup for classical guitarConstruction: Undersaddle PiezoInstallation...

4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
EMG B Bouzouki Pickup Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

EMG B Bouzouki Pickup Black

Creative Solutions Custom Projects Alternative Instruments
Key Feature:
• Alternative instrument amplification
✓ PROS
  • • Creative application possibilities
  • • Custom project enablement
✗ CONS
  • • Limited selection and availability
  • • Uncertain compatibility

EMG B Bouzouki Pickup BlackPickup for BouzoukiActiveNo noiseThe B-Pickup complies with the EMG FT (Front Tele) pickup...

4.6/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
9/10
K&K Pure Bass 4-String Pickup - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

K&K Pure Bass 4-String Pickup

Specialty Instruments Experimental Setups Creative Solutions
Key Feature:
• Custom project enablement
✓ PROS
  • • Specialized pickup solutions available
  • • Alternative instrument amplification
✗ CONS
  • • May require custom installation
  • • Specialized knowledge required

K&K Pure Bass 4-String Pickup, Pickup, For 4-string acoustic bass, Warm natural sound, 6.3 mm jack

4.8/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10

How to Choose the Best Other Pickups

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 other pickups 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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