Are you sick of straining to hear your mandolin over the rest of your band? Are you ready to bring your playing to the next level with a top-notch pickup? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve scoured the internet to bring you the cream of the crop when it comes to mandolin pickups. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these pickups have something to offer every player. From warm, natural tones to crystal-clear clarity, these pickups have it all. So without further ado, let’s dive in and see which one is the perfect match for you!
Before we get into it, lets go over some technical things you should keep in mind when researching which type of pickup you need.
What is the difference between piezo and magnetic pickups?
Mandolins and other stringed instruments, such as electric guitars, use pickups to capture the vibrations of the strings and convert them into an electrical signal that can be amplified through an amplifier. There are two main types of pickups: piezo pickups and magnetic pickups.
Piezo pickups use piezoelectric crystals to capture the vibrations of the strings. These crystals generate a voltage when they are subjected to mechanical stress, such as the vibrations of the strings. Piezo pickups are often mounted under the saddle of the bridge on a mandolin and pick up the vibrations as the strings pass over the saddle. They are known for producing a natural, acoustic-like sound, but can also produce a brighter, more percussive sound when used with an amplifier.
Magnetic pickups, on the other hand, use magnets to pick up the vibrations of the strings. These pickups are typically made up of a coil of wire wrapped around a magnet and are mounted under the strings near the neck of the mandolin. When the strings vibrate, they disturb the magnetic field of the magnet, which causes a current to flow in the coil of wire. This current is then sent to the amplifier, where it is amplified and shaped into the sound that we hear. Magnetic pickups are known for their versatility and can produce a wide range of tones, from warm, smooth sounds to bright, punchy tones. They are also capable of producing a range of distortion and overdrive effects when used with an amplifier.
In summary, piezo pickups use piezoelectric crystals to capture the vibrations of the strings and produce a natural, acoustic-like sound, while magnetic pickups use magnets to pick up the vibrations and offer a wide range of tones and effects. Both types of pickups are commonly used in mandolins and other stringed instruments to amplify the sound.
What is the difference between active and passive pickups?
Active pickups and passive pickups are the two main types of pickups used on stringed instruments like mandolins. The main difference between the two is the way they amplify the sound of the instrument.
Passive pickups use a simple coil of wire and a magnet to convert the vibration of the strings into an electrical signal. These pickups do not require any external power source and are generally considered to have a warm and natural sound.
On the other hand, active pickups use an external power source (usually a battery) to amplify the signal from the pickup. They often have a built-in preamp to boost the signal, which can result in a more powerful and defined sound. Active pickups are also known for their ability to reduce noise and hum, which can be beneficial in certain situations.
Now that you know all that, lets discuss mandolin pickups – affiliate links ahead!
Great Mandolin Pickups
K&K Mandolin Twin Internal Pickup
If you’re a mandolin player on the hunt for the perfect pickup, you may have come across the K&K Mandolin Twin Internal Pickup. The K&K Mandolin Twin Internal Pickup is a discreet, minimally invasive pickup option for mandolins. It features two small disc transducers that are mounted inside the mandolin using double-sided adhesive tape, and a 1/4″ endpin jack. This pickup system is highly regarded for its natural tone quality and feedback resistance, and is used by professional players and high-end mandolin builders such as Clark Mandolins.
The Mandolin Twin Internal is designed to reproduce the original mandolin tone as accurately as possible, making it an excellent choice for musicians looking to amplify their mandolin without altering its natural sound. It has a mono output and is a passive system, meaning that it does not require a battery or power source. However, it is recommended to use a preamp to strengthen the signal.
Professional installation of the Mandolin Twin Internal is highly recommended to ensure proper installation and optimal performance. It is important to have an experienced luthier or mandolin tech handle the installation process to minimize the risk of damage to the instrument. Overall, the K&K Mandolin Twin Internal Pickup is a reliable and high-quality option for musicians looking to electrify their mandolin.
L.R. Baggs Radius Mandolin Pickup
The Radius-M mandolin pickup from LR Baggs is a hi-tech contact sensor designed to capture the authentic sound of a mandolin. It utilizes a highly flexible film sensor that responds like a mic diaphragm, held in equilibrium and damped by opposing neodymium magnets to accurately capture the instrument’s subtle nuances. This design allows the pickup to emulate the sound of a microphone without the instability often associated with using a mic on an instrument.
Installation of the Radius-M is quick and easy, with non-destructive mounting putty and clear adhesive pads included. The pickup can be mounted to the outside or inside of the mandolin, with an external jack mount and self-stick wire clips included for internal installation. This makes it a versatile and convenient choice for musicians looking to amplify their mandolin without sacrificing sound quality.
Overall, the Radius-M mandolin pickup is an excellent choice for musicians looking to achieve a professional sound on stage. Its innovative design and easy installation make it a reliable and effective option for amplifying the natural sound of a mandolin.
Fishman M-300 Nashville Series Archtop Mandolin Pickup
The Fishman M-300 Nashville Series Archtop Mandolin Pickup is a high-quality pickup designed specifically for archtop-style mandolins. It features a piezo-ceramic pickup element embedded in the base of the bridge, as well as an adjustable ebony replacement bridge saddle. The M-300 includes a Carpenter-style 1/4″ output jack that mounts on the side of the instrument.
In contrast to the M-200 pickup, which has a piezo in the saddle and produces more string sound and less body resonance, the M-300 provides a warmer, richer sound with more body resonance, resulting in a more natural, acoustic tone. It is recommended to use an impedance-matching preamp with the M-300 to fully realize its potential. Professional installation is recommended. The M-300 allows you to continue using your existing saddle or experiment with different saddles for various playing styles.
The Feather by Myers Pickups
The Myers Pickups Feather Series is a unique and powerful pickup system that can be easily positioned on a variety of instruments without requiring any permanent installation or modification. The Feather mandolin microphone is a lightweight and compact device that attaches to the tailpiece or soundhole of your mandolin, allowing it to capture every note played with accuracy. The microphone is designed to be unobtrusive and allows you to move freely while playing.
The Feather Series comes equipped with an active preamp that enhances the sound of your instrument. The preamp is internally powered by a lithium battery, which is included and pre-installed for your convenience. The preamp enclosure measures 1.97″ x 1.38″ x .79″ and can be easily clipped to a belt, pocket, or mandolin strap for easy access.
One of the standout features of the Feather Series is the option to add multiple mandolin microphones to a single preamp box. This allows you to place a microphone in each soundhole of your mandolin, ensuring that every string and chord is accurately captured. This can be especially useful for players who want to capture a fuller and more detailed sound.
Before delivery, each Feather Series pickup is carefully tested to ensure that it meets the high standards of Myers Pickups. The Feather mandolin pickup is a popular choice among mandolin players who want a high-quality, easy-to-use pickup that captures the full range of their instrument’s sound.
TIMESETL, 5 Piece Piezo Contact Microphone Pickups for Mandolin and More
The TIMESETL Piezo Contact Microphone Pickups are a cheap and easy way to amplify the sound of your mandolin when you’re in a bind, but they may not be the best choice for a permanent amplification solution. These pickups feature professional piezo contact microphone components that help to capture clear and accurate sound from your instrument. They are easy to install with a standard 1/4-inch female jack and a 10-inch cable that can be plugged into an amplifier, bass amp, or other recording equipment. The pickups also come with fastening tape for easy attachment to your mandolin.
One advantage of the TIMESETL Piezo Contact Microphone Pickups is that they do not require a battery to operate. They use high-quality piezoelectric elements to convert the pickup vibration signal into an electrical signal output. This means that you can use these pickups even if you don’t have a battery available. Additionally, these pickups work by directly contacting the sound source, which can help to reduce interference from external sounds and eliminate the influence of sound reflections from nearby objects.
The TIMESETL Piezo Contact Microphone Pickups are suitable for use with a variety of acoustic instruments, including guitars, violins, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, and pianos. Keep in mind that the position of the pickup is not fixed, so you can choose the most suitable position for your instrument. However, be aware that the 3M glue used for attaching the pickup may not be very stable after it has been removed, so be careful when installing and removing these pickups. The package includes five piezo contact microphone pickups.
To wrap things up: Mandolin pickups are used to amplify the sound of the mandolin. There are two main types: piezo pickups and magnetic pickups. Piezo pickups use crystals to pick up the vibrations of the strings and produce a natural, acoustic sound. Magnetic pickups use magnets to pick up the vibrations and can produce a wide range of tones and effects. There are many different pickup designs available for mandolins, so it’s up to the player to choose the best one for their needs. Hopefully you can find that one in this article!
MandoZen 