Acoustic guitar pickup

Acquiring a microphone for an acoustic guitar is a great way to record the sound of your instrument. Indeed, with this accessory, the sound of your guitar will be optimally amplified. Whether you are alone at home or within a studio group, you will be able to fully exploit the potential of your instrument.

How does a guitar microphone work?

An acoustic guitar microphone is a sensor. It converts the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal. It is this process that then faithfully reproduces the tones and allows, according to your needs, to record your guitar sessions.

However, the operation may differ depending on the type of microphone used. Thus, the operation of dynamic microphones relies on the presence of a movable coil placed in a magnetic field. A condenser microphone, on the other hand, uses a vibrating capsule that creates a voltage vibration. Each design mode has its advantages and disadvantages.

How to place a microphone on an acoustic guitar?

To answer this question, it is first necessary to consider the choice of microphone model. Indeed, depending on its type, the installation method can vary greatly.

Soundhole microphone

A soundhole microphone is very simply fixed into the soundhole. Depending on the microphone model, its attachment may require drilling the acoustic guitar. They are as effective as they are economical.

Piezo microphone

More complex to install, these microphone models generally need to be positioned under the bridge saddle. To succeed in your installation, you must remove the strings and the saddle, but also drill a hole. For these reasons, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional if you do not have the necessary skills.

External pickup microphone

Finally, we have the external microphone. Although it does not offer the same performance as an embedded model, it is very practical. You just have to attach it to the guitar bridge to get a very decent result.

What type of microphone to choose for an acoustic guitar?

To choose the best microphone for your guitar, it is essential to list your needs and compare existing technical solutions. Whether you want to occasionally amplify the sound or deploy a complete setup with microphone and amplifier to play on stage, the choice will be very different.

Condenser and dynamic microphone types

You can opt for a condenser microphone, also called a static microphone, if you are looking to obtain a clear and precise sound. They are capable of optimally capturing both high-frequency signals and low frequencies. However, they are fragile and quite expensive.

On the other hand, the dynamic microphone is more affordable and robust. The tones will be less precise and the sound will be rounder and warmer. They are preferred on stage because the capsule is less fragile.

Note that most acoustic guitar microphones are actually condenser microphones.

Type of directionality

To choose the ideal microphone for your guitar, you must consider the question of directionality:

• Cardioid directional microphone: The microphone captures sound that is in front of it. Side and rear sounds are attenuated. The sound is precise, but this microphone lacks versatility.

• Supercardioid directional microphone: The directionality of the sound is even more focused in front. The sound gains in precision because ambient noises are reduced. Placement must be very precise.

• Omnidirectional directional microphone: The microphone captures sound equally from all directions. Interesting for capturing ambient sound, but the sound is less precise.

Frequency response

This characteristic indicates the microphone's ability to reproduce the frequencies it captures. In most cases, acoustic guitar microphones have a frequency response ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Thus, the wider the range, the more capable the microphone is of reproducing various frequencies. However, the choice of frequency response depends primarily on your needs.

Which brand to choose?

In order to guarantee quality sound recording, it is important to consider the brand question. Regardless of your playing level, we recommend prioritizing brands known for the design of their microphones.

Among the most reputable brands of acoustic guitar microphones, we can mention EMG, Fishman, LR Baggs, Seymour Duncan, or Shadow. You have the opportunity to find on our site a diverse range of these products used by the best guitarists.