AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Fishman Preamp / Pickup Complete Sets for Acoustic Guitars 2026
The top pick is Fishman Matrix Infinity VT Acoustic Pickup with Narrow Saddle ($179). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 8 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Top 8
Full detail for the 8 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Fishman Matrix Infinity VT Acoustic Pickup with Narrow Saddle
Matrix Infinity VT Narrow · Fishman
49 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Strings12-string
The Matrix Infinity VT Narrow is a solid choice for acoustic guitarists seeking amplified tone without sacrificing acoustic character. Its narrow design and copolymer sensor offer a natural sound, and the voicing switch provides some welcome tonal flexibility. This is particularly well-suited for gigging musicians who need a reliable and affordable amplified acoustic solution.
Pros
- Copolymer sensor delivers a surprisingly natural acoustic tone
- Narrow profile minimizes interference with string vibration and resonance
- Sealed preamp housing resists feedback and external noise effectively
Cons
- The copolymer sensor might lack the extreme output of some higher-end ceramic pickups
- 63.5mm string spacing limits compatibility with guitars having narrower string spreads
84AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$179 now$179€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fishman Matrix Infinity Acoustic Guitar Wide Under Saddle Pickup
Matrix Infinity VT Wide · Fishman
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Strings12-string
The Matrix Infinity VT Wide is a solid, reliable pickup system for players needing amplified acoustic tone across various guitar types. It’s a great choice for gigging musicians wanting a natural sound and feedback rejection without a massive investment – especially good for 12-strings and basses that often struggle with standard pickups.
Pros
- Copolymer sensor delivers a surprisingly natural acoustic tone
- Sealed preamp housing minimizes feedback and unwanted noise
- Voice switch provides useful tonal shaping options on the fly
Cons
- The copolymer sensor might lack the extreme sensitivity of piezo pickups
- The preamp's mounting on the endpin can add slight weight to the guitar
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$185 now$185€165 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings12-string
This Fishman Matrix Inf. Mic Blend Wide is a solid upgrade for acoustic players wanting a natural amplified tone. The mic blend really sweetens the deal, adding warmth and body that piezo pickups often miss. It's a great choice for singer-songwriters or anyone needing a reliable, stage-ready acoustic pickup system.
Pros
- Copolymer sensor delivers a natural, balanced acoustic tone with surprising clarity.
- Mic blend provides warmth and nuance lacking in purely piezo systems.
- Sealed housing minimizes feedback, crucial for stage performance.
Cons
- The wide string spacing might require adjustments for narrower nut guitars.
- Microphone's placement can be susceptible to proximity effect, altering the tone.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$280 now$280€249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings12-string
The Matrix Inf. Mic Blend Narrow is a solid upgrade for acoustic players seeking a natural amplified tone with added mic warmth. It’s particularly well-suited for fingerstyle players or those needing a clean, balanced sound for recording and smaller gigs. The compact design is a plus for smaller-bodied guitars.
Pros
- Copolymer sensor delivers a natural, balanced acoustic tone.
- Integrated microphone adds warmth and nuanced detail for blend options.
- Sealed housing minimizes feedback, a crucial benefit on stage.
Cons
- Narrow design might not fit guitars with exceptionally wide string spacing.
- Microphone bleed can be noticeable in very loud, high-gain environments.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$291 now$291€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Power Tap Earth is a clever solution for acoustic players who want a fuller, more dynamic sound. It’s a great option for singer-songwriters and performers who need to capture both the clarity of a traditional pickup and the percussive thump of a body sensor—especially when amplifying in less-than-ideal acoustic spaces.
Pros
- Rare Earth humbucker delivers warm, articulate magnetic tones.
- Tap sensor adds natural percussive elements and body resonance.
- Blend control offers flexible mono/stereo routing options.
Cons
- Installation can be challenging for those unfamiliar with acoustic guitar electronics.
- Soundboard sensor may pick up unwanted stage noise in certain environments.
45AudioFu
Index↓ 7.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$313 · Aug 17$291 now$291€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This pickup offers two distinct sounds so you can pick clear or cut through the mix. The extra boost on the second voice gives you more presence when needed. It works well in standard sound holes and runs for a long time on one battery. Best for players who want simple switching without extra knobs.
Pros
- Dual voice switching lets you choose clear or cutting sound
- Voice 2 boost adds up to eight decibels of gain
- Stereo jack lets you run both voices at once
Cons
- No EQ knobs to shape the tone beyond boost
- No built in tuner included in this set
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$336 now$336€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This pickup sits right in your sound hole and offers two sounds: a soft one for singing and a clear one for solos. The boost button helps the solo cut through the band without changing other settings. It works with most standard sound holes and runs on a simple battery.
Pros
- Magnetic pickup mounts directly inside the sound hole
- Two distinct voices for vocals or solos
- Boost control adds eight decibels to the solo voice
Cons
- No EQ knobs let you adjust tone independently
- No built-in tuner for pitch checking
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$336 now$336€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This pickup blends a strong magnetic humbucker with a mic for a warm, transparent tone. A new tap sensor adds percussive depth that regular pickups can't match. It works best if you have a big sound hole and don't mind two internal mounting points.
Pros
- Rare Earth magnet blend for strong magnetic sound
- Integrated microphone adds ambient warmth
- New top sensor creates percussive tap elements
Cons
- Requires sound hole at least 92 mm diameter
- Tap sensor needs optional separate output socket
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$448 now$448€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Preamp / Pickup Complete Sets for Acoustic Guitars by the numbers
Measured across all 32 models we track, not a sample.
Median $291 — half of all preamp / pickup complete sets for acoustic guitars here cost less.
How to choose the best preamp / pickup complete sets for acoustic guitars
Tone Voicing
Fishman's signature is a warmth and naturalness that avoids that brittle, ice-picky top end you sometimes get. They aim for a balanced response - a nice low-end thump without sacrificing clarity in the mids, which is crucial for cutting through a band mix. Their 'Natural' voicing is usually a safe bet, but the 'Performance' options can add some extra punch.
Feedback Rejection
This is huge for stage work. Fishman's designs, particularly those with feedback rejection circuitry, are generally solid, but the quality of your guitar's construction and your stage volume play a big role too. A poorly braced guitar will feedback regardless of how good the pickup is.
Ease of Use
Fishman's controls are usually intuitive - volume, bass, mid, treble. Some models offer more advanced features like phase switches or notch filters for feedback, but the simplicity is a big draw for many players. You want to be able to tweak your tone quickly between songs, not wrestle with a complex menu.
Build Quality & Durability
Fishman gear generally feels well-built. The preamps are typically housed in sturdy plastic or metal enclosures, and the pickups themselves are designed to withstand the rigors of gigging. Cheaper models might use thinner wire or less robust connectors - those are the points to watch out for.
Pickup Type & Placement
Fishman offers everything from undersaddle transducers (like the Sonic Pro) to microphones (like the Rare Earth). Undersaddle pickups are convenient and discrete, but can sometimes sound a little 'quacky' depending on the guitar. Microphones capture more of the guitar's natural resonance, but are more prone to feedback.
Buying guide
So, you're looking to amplify your acoustic? Fishman's been the go-to for a lot of us for decades, and for good reason. They nailed the sound of a plugged-in acoustic early on, and while the competition's gotten better, Fishman still holds a certain sway - a reliability and a specific tonal character that's hard to replicate. Let's break down the best Fishman preamp/pickup systems to get you dialed in, whether you're gigging a smoky blues club or laying down tracks in your home studio.
Don't fall for the hype. A more expensive Fishman isn't always better. Consider your playing style and guitar type.
A dreadnought needs a different system than a parlor guitar. Spend a bit more for a preamp with a phase switch - it's invaluable for dealing with feedback. And remember, even the best pickup system can't compensate for a poorly built guitar - address any bracing issues first.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 8 preamp / pickup complete sets for acoustic guitars from the Thomann catalogue (of 32 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a Sonic Pro and a Rare Earth?
The Sonic Pro is an undersaddle transducer - smaller, more discreet, and usually more affordable. The Rare Earth is a microphone - bigger, captures more natural tone, but more prone to feedback and requires more careful placement.
Will a Fishman pickup damage my guitar's top?
A properly installed Fishman pickup shouldn't damage your top. However, undersaddle transducers can put some pressure on the bridge, so be sure it's mounted correctly and not overly tight. Microphones are passive and pose less of a risk.
Can I install a Fishman pickup myself?
It depends. Undersaddle pickups are relatively straightforward. Microphones can be trickier, requiring careful drilling and wiring. If you're not comfortable, take it to a qualified tech.
My Fishman pickup is buzzing - what's causing it?
Grounding issues are the usual culprit. Try using a different guitar cable, plugging into a different amp, or engaging the ground lift switch on your preamp (if it has one). A faulty preamp can also cause buzzing.
Does Fishman offer systems for classical guitars?
Yes, they do. The Fishman Radius Solo is specifically designed for classical guitars, with a smaller profile and a more delicate pickup voicing to preserve the instrument's natural tone.
