10 Best Soundhole Pickups 2025 in the United States

This Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup features a versatile design that supports both wireless and wired modes, making it suitable for a variety of performance settings. The wireless transmission can cover up to 100 feet, providing freedom of movement during play. With its dual pickup system, combining a magnetic pickup and a built-in microphone, it offers detailed sound quality and the ability to adjust the volume independently, which helps in capturing the nuances of your playing style, including techniques like board hitting, AM, PM, and slapping. The anti-interference capability enhances sound clarity, and the system includes a mini preamp with controls for volume, timbre, EQ, and phase adjustment, which can help reduce feedback issues.

This pickup is compatible with acoustic guitars with soundholes ranging from 80mm to 120mm, but not suitable for ukulele or classical guitars. The built-in rechargeable lithium battery provides up to 8 hours of use in wireless mode and more than 100 hours in wired mode, ensuring you can perform without worrying about battery life. The package also includes necessary accessories like a USB charging cable and a 3.5mm audio output cable.

Some users may find the installation process slightly challenging, and the price could be a bit high compared to simpler pickup systems. Moreover, since it is a relatively new product, long-term durability is yet to be fully assessed. It is a solid choice for acoustic guitar players looking for a comprehensive, high-quality pickup system.

The Fishman Neo-D Dark Brown Single Coil Soundhole Pickup is designed for acoustic guitar players who desire an easy-to-install, battery-free solution. Its passive single-coil design offers good sound quality with excellent string-to-string balance and acoustic clarity, thanks to high-quality neodymium magnets. This pickup is particularly compelling for those who prioritize natural acoustic sound, as it captures sparkling clarity and is specially voiced for bronze and phosphor bronze strings.

Ease of use is a major advantage, as it requires no permanent modifications to your guitar. The installation is straightforward, involving gentle cork-lined clamps that securely hold the pickup in place within the soundhole, making it a plug-and-play device right out of the box. The Neo-D is compatible with a wide range of acoustic guitars and does not require an external power source.

However, being a single-coil pickup, it may be more susceptible to unwanted electromagnetic interference, which could result in some feedback issues in high-volume settings. This makes it less suitable for live performances in electrically noisy environments. Additionally, while the pickup provides good sound quality, the lack of a preamp might mean the output level might be lower compared to active alternatives, requiring adjustment on your amplifier or mixing console. In terms of pricing, the Neo-D offers a cost-effective solution, making it an attractive choice for those on a budget or looking for a secondary pickup. Despite its affordability, it maintains a respectable performance level. Still, those seeking the highest feedback resistance might consider exploring other options.

The L.R. Baggs M80 Acoustic Guitar Magnetic Soundhole Pickup is a versatile choice for acoustic guitar players looking to enhance their instrument’s sound capabilities. One of its standout features is the full-range body sensitivity, which helps capture a wide range of tones from the guitar, making your sound more dynamic and rich. The pickup also offers both active and passive operation, giving you flexibility depending on your needs and setup.

Additionally, the adjustable pole pieces allow you to fine-tune the sound to your preference, which is a great feature for those who like to customize their tone. The multi-segment battery check function is useful for keeping track of the battery life, ensuring you’re not caught off guard during a performance. It is also feedback resistant, which is crucial for maintaining sound clarity, especially in live settings.

However, installation might be a bit tricky for beginners as it involves some setup within the guitar’s soundhole. The price is on the higher side compared to other similar pickups, which might be a consideration for those on a budget. It's also worth noting that it requires a specific battery type, which could be an inconvenience if you need a replacement quickly. In terms of compatibility, it’s designed for 6-string acoustic guitars, which should cover most standard acoustic guitars, but may not be suitable for other types.