Molly Ayala
When it comes to acoustic-electric guitars, the type of pickup can greatly impact the sound and performance. While traditional magnetic pickups are commonly used in electric guitars, they are less suitable for acoustic guitars. Acoustic-electric guitars, such as those offered by Martin, often feature piezo pickups, which are installed under the saddle or directly on the bridge. These piezo pickups don't rely on magnets but instead capture sound by transmitting vibrations from the physical movement of the guitar. This design makes them more challenging to configure with traditional magnetic pickups. Additionally, the presence of a preamp in acoustic-electric guitars influences the sound and requires a power source, usually in the form of a battery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pickup type | Magnetic, piezo |
| Pickup location | Soundhole, under the saddle, under the acoustic guitar's bridge |
| Strings | Nickel-plated steel, stainless steel, GHS White Bronze, pure nickel, Martin Retro Monels, DR Zebras |
| Preamp | Powered, requires a battery |
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What You'll Learn
Martin acoustic-electric guitars use magnetic pickups
Acoustic-electric guitars use a pickup and preamp system to capture and amplify sound. While some acoustic-electric guitars use piezo pickups, which are installed directly on the bridge and do not use magnets, Martin acoustic-electric guitars use magnetic pickups. These pickups are coupled with a preamp, which requires a battery, and allow the guitar to be plugged into an instrument cable for performance and recording.
Magnetic pickups are more commonly associated with electric guitars, and they can be challenging to configure with an acoustic guitar. This is because acoustic guitars have different components and require a battery-powered preamp to function. The preamp on an acoustic guitar is typically visible and accessible from the outside of the guitar's body, and it plays a significant role in amplifying and controlling the sound.
When choosing strings for a magnetic pickup system, players should consider the magnetic response of the strings. Nickel-plated steel strings are a popular choice for electric guitars with magnetic pickups, as they sound good acoustically and work well with the pickups. Other options include stainless steel, GHS White Bronze, and pure nickel.
It is worth noting that some guitarists prefer to avoid sound hole pickups, which are typically purchased separately and installed in the sound hole of an acoustic guitar. Martin acoustic-electric guitars, on the other hand, offer a preinstalled pickup located within the interior of the guitar's body, providing a more seamless and integrated sound capture and amplification system.
Overall, Martin acoustic-electric guitars with magnetic pickups offer a versatile option for players looking to plug in and play. The combination of the pickup and preamp system allows for easy amplification and control of the guitar's sound, making it a popular choice for both performance and recording applications.
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Nickel-plated steel strings work with magnetic pickups
Nickel-plated steel strings are a great option for magnetic pickups on acoustic-electric guitars. They are known to work very well with magnetic pickups, providing a good magnetic response. This combination can deliver a natural and consistent sound, enhancing the acoustic quality without any negative impact on volume or tone.
Nickel-plated steel strings are a popular choice for guitarists, as they offer a balance between playability and durability. The nickel plating provides a smoother feel under the fingers, and the steel core ensures a strong and vibrant sound. These strings are known to last longer than pure nickel strings, especially for those with a heavier playing style.
When compared to stainless steel strings, nickel-plated steel strings are generally gentler on the frets, causing less wear and tear over time. They are also reported to be more flexible, making them a preferred choice for players who frequently bend their strings. However, some players may prefer the brighter sound and increased hardness of stainless steel strings.
It's worth noting that while nickel-plated steel strings excel with magnetic pickups, they may not be the best choice for soundhole pickups. Some guitarists report that the nickel-plated winding does not detract from the sound, but it may not provide the same level of acoustic warmth and mellowness as other string types, such as silk and steel or bronze.
Ultimately, the choice between nickel-plated steel strings and other options, such as pure nickel or stainless steel, depends on the specific needs and preferences of the guitarist. Factors such as playing style, desired sound, and compatibility with different pickup types should be considered when making a decision.
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Pre-installed acoustic pickups differ from traditional guitar pickups
Acoustic-electric guitars and pre-installed acoustic pickups are two different components. In this system, the sound is picked up by the pickup and amplified by the powered preamp. The preamp on an acoustic guitar usually has visible controls and is accessible from the outside of the guitar's body. While the preamp handles the biggest share of the workload, both components are needed for the system to work.
Piezo pickups, for example, differ from traditional guitar pickups in that they do not use magnets. Instead, they are installed directly on the bridge and transmit vibrations directly from the physical movement of the guitar. They are a good option if you want a pickup that can be swapped around a variety of guitars.
Magnetic pickups, on the other hand, won't work with nylon-string guitars, and resonators have a different saddle geometry that eliminates most standard steel-string pickups. Guitars with wider-than-usual string spacing or offset soundholes may also limit your options.
When choosing an after-market pickup, you will need to decide between an "active" or "passive" system. An active pickup system has a preamp inside the guitar, along with a battery to power the preamp. The preamp may be included invisibly in the endpin jack, or it may be mounted on the side of the guitar, along with volume and tone controls.
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Piezo pickups don't use magnets
While magnetic pickups are the heart and soul of the electric guitar's voice, piezo pickups are distinct from their magnetic counterparts. Unlike magnetic pickups, which rely on electromagnetic induction, piezo pickups do not use magnets and work on the principle of piezoelectricity.
Piezo pickups are typically made from materials like quartz or ceramic, which generate a voltage when pressure is applied. In this case, the pressure is the vibration of the guitar strings or the movement of the guitar body. They are often preferred for their ability to produce a clean, accurate representation of the guitar's acoustic qualities. They are also ideal for recording and live performances where clarity and fidelity are paramount, as they are immune to electromagnetic interference.
Piezo pickups are often brighter and less warm than magnetic pickups, allowing for a high degree of string articulation and clarity in your tone. They capture the guitar's physical resonance, making them ideal for fingerstyle players or those seeking an unadulterated, pure guitar sound. This is why they are widely used in acoustic guitars to amplify their natural sound without significantly altering the tone.
In electric guitars, piezo pickups are sometimes used alongside magnetic pickups to blend the acoustic-like tones of piezo with the electronic growl of a magnetic pickup, creating a unique and innovative hybrid sound.
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Preamp controls volume and output
Acoustic guitars, like those made by Martin, can be amplified using a preamp, which is a device that prepares a weak electrical signal for further processing. Preamps are used to control the volume and output of the guitar's sound. They can be included invisibly in the endpin jack or mounted on the side of the guitar, along with volume and tone controls.
A preamp may be built into the guitar or added externally. Built-in preamps are often mounted on the upper side of the guitar and have a control panel that allows the player to adjust the sound. These preamps usually work in conjunction with a pickup, which is a device that converts the acoustic sound of the guitar into an electrical signal. The pickup can be "invisible," installed under the saddle of the guitar, or it may be side-mounted, sometimes including a tuner.
The preamp buffers the raw signal from the pickup and conditions it to sound its best. This is especially useful if you plug into different amplification systems, as the preamp can provide a consistent interface and help prevent problems. Active systems, which include electronics and a battery in the guitar, offer fingertip control over the sound and are more common than passive systems. However, passive systems are simpler and preferred by many players, even though their tone can vary depending on the input impedance of the device plugged into them.
Multi-source systems combine two or more pickup types, such as piezo undersaddle transducers and microphones, to provide a richer, fuller sound that captures the best of both worlds. These systems use either an onboard or external preamp to blend and control the different pickup types.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Martin acoustic-electric guitars use pre-installed piezo pickups, which are installed directly on the bridge and transmit vibrations from the physical movement of the guitar.
A pickup captures the sound, while a preamp amplifies the sound. Both components are needed for an acoustic-electric guitar to function.
Piezo pickups do not require a battery unless they are run through a preamp, which is usually the case.
Nickel-plated steel strings work well with magnetic pickups.
It is harder to configure an acoustic guitar with a traditional magnetic pickup. A piezo pickup is a good option for an acoustic guitar.
