I have been listening to electro acoustic tones from guitars I have sold (thousands over 31 years) and have created a short list of the best electro acoustic pickups money can buy.

All of my recommenations are non intrusive - you will barely notice they are even there - but they are ready and waiting for you to transform you acoustic tone into a room filling electro (which btw sounds INCREDIBLE even at acoustic volume - the difference is extraordinary).

The honest answer is that there isn't a single "best" pickup. There is only the best pickup for your needs.

Some players simply need a pickup that sounds good every night. Others want the most natural acoustic tone possible. Some need feedback resistance, while others want every nuance of their guitar reproduced.

The Element VTC Plus is the pickup I think of as the "working musician's friend."

At its heart is an under-saddle pickup that senses the movement of the saddle rather than the pressure placed upon it. This gives it a smoother, more natural response than many traditional piezo systems.

The controls are discreetly mounted inside the soundhole and provide volume and tone adjustment without cluttering the guitar.

The Element still has that familiar piezo character:

• Clear
• Punchy
• Focused
• Excellent note separation

It doesn't quite capture the air and complexity of a microphone-based system, but it performs brilliantly in live situations.

• Gigging musicians
• Open Mic Nights
• Singer-songwriters
• Anyone wanting reliability and simplicity

Because it simply works and sounds amazing!

It offers excellent feedback resistance, dependable performance and a professional sound at a sensible price.

If your absolute priority is reproducing every ounce of your guitar's natural acoustic character, one of the microphone-blend systems below will take you further.

The Anthem SL is where things start becoming very interesting.

Instead of relying solely on an under-saddle pickup, LR Baggs combine a pickup with a miniature microphone mounted beneath the bridge plate.

The microphone contributes much of the guitar's body, warmth and character while the pickup provides stability and feedback resistance.

Compared with the Element:

• More air
• More woodiness
• More body resonance
• More realism

Many players describe it as sounding significantly more like their guitar actually sounds in the room and I would absolutely agree.

• Fingerstyle players
• Solo performers
• Recording musicians
• Players seeking a more acoustic sound

Because it gives you a substantial jump in realism without becoming overly complex.

For many players this represents the sweet spot between practicality and authenticity (and not forgetting - budget).

Personally?.....  If you have gone as far as this model, the full control available in the Anthem system (shown below) is, in my opinion, worth every penny.   In for a pound as they say? :)

For many years the Anthem has been regarded as one of the finest live acoustic pickup systems available.

Like the Anthem SL, it combines a microphone with an under-saddle pickup, but gives significantly greater control over how those signals are blended.

This allows players to tailor the balance between natural acoustic tone and stage practicality.

The Anthem delivers:

• Exceptional realism
• Rich harmonic detail
• Strong bass response
• Excellent articulation

It's one of the few systems that consistently causes players to smile the first time they hear themselves through a good PA.   I can't stress just how wonderful this system is.

• Professional performers
• Touring musicians
• Serious singer-songwriters
• Players using high-quality PA systems
• Someone who has purchased an instrument that sounds exceptional acoustically and doesnt want to lose any ounce of the beauty when plugged in.

Because it gets remarkably close to the sound of a professionally miked acoustic guitar while remaining practical for live performance.

For years this has been my default recommendation for players wanting the very best traditional pickup solution.

Players seeking the ultimate modern acoustic amplification system may want to look at the Hi-Fi Duet.

The Hi-Fi Duet is a latest innovation and considered THE ultimate oportunity for pure acoustic tone enthusiasts.

Rather than using a traditional under-saddle pickup, the Hi-Fi employs bridge plate sensors that capture the movement of the entire top of the guitar.

This creates a much more open, natural and less "piezo-like" sound.

The Duet version then combines these sensors with a high-quality internal microphone - and this is the one I would recommend.

There is no use of the saddle pressure so piezo tonality is removed entirely.

Instead you hear:

• More body
• More warmth
• More dynamics
• More realism
• Greater sensitivity to touch

Fingerstyle passages feel alive, while strumming retains excellent clarity and depth.

• High-end acoustic guitars
• Fingerstyle players
• Recording musicians
• Players who want the most natural amplified tone possible

Because it  sounds astonishingly close to the guitar itself.

If you've ever plugged in an acoustic and immediately felt disappointed that it no longer sounds like the guitar you fell in love with, the Hi-Fi Duet is designed to solve exactly that problem.

If maximum feedback resistance is your number one priority, a more pickup (piezo under saddle) dominant system such as the Element / Anthem may still be preferable.

I feel for pure stage use and "acoustic perfection" is not absolutely necessary - A pure piezo system (no blend at all and the cheapest option) can be best.  This eliminates the worry of feedback from microphones which can and do present issues when performing - especially with super high quality resonant instruments I recommend!! :)

At lower levels however - and rooms with plenty of space, the HI-FI would be a joy to your ears.

Remember - LR Baggs are without question, outrageously wonderful pickups and they are found in my top personally recommended brands like Godin & Furch too.

Whether you go for the most affordabe, or invest more - the quality of the sound produced is second to none.

Each of my 4 personal recommendations are available on every acoustic guitar product page and all you have to do is select which system you want to include with your purchase. 

It it literally a tick box - It couldnt be simpler.

When you add to cart - as long as you have ticked the pickup you want - they will both appear in the checkout and we will do the rest!

Instalation is 100% FREE and comes as part of the "Custom Pro" Setup & Service package which in itself is £225 of added value.   

You just pay the price of the pickup option which you will find we supply very competitively too :)