Some people may find it difficult to decide which ukulele pickup is ideal for them. Transducers are available in a variety of styles, including under-saddle transducer, soundboard transducer, and microphone.
These pickups are supplied by various companies, making comparisons difficult. However, each comes with its own set of benefits
We’d like to introduce you to the top 8 finest ukulele pickups because we don’t want you to waste any of your time. Furthermore, we’ll provide you with some buying advice so that you can learn more.
Table of Contents
- Different types of Ukulele Pickups for 2023
- 1. L.R. Baggs Venue DI Acoustic Guitar Preamp And DI
- 2. Acoustic Guitar Pickup With Flexible Micro-Gooseneck By Myers Pickups
- 3. IK Multimedia IRig Acoustic Stage Digital Microphone System
- 4. Kremona KNA UK-1 Piezo Pickup
- 5. KNA AP-1 Portable Piezo Pickup
- 6. Adeline Piezo Transducer Pickup
- 7. SUNYIN Acoustic Guitar Pickup
- 8. Fishman AG Undersaddle Ukulele Pickup
- Summing Up!
Different types of Ukulele Pickups for 2023
Here are the different types of ukulele pickups which you could chose from.
Piezo Pickups
Piezo Pickups are pickups that use a ribbon-like transducer to pick up the vibrations your ukulele generates as you play.
The vibrations are transformed into a signal by piezo crystals inside the pickup, which are then transmitted through the preamp and amplifier to produce amplified music from your ukulele.
Soundboard Transducers
Simply stated, soundboard transducers are technically piezo pickups that are meant to be placed on the underside of the soundboard.
They’re great for ukuleles with fixed bridge saddles because they’re the only pickup option for this sort of ukulele. They pick up a lot of feedback and other noises.
Microphone Pickups
Microphone pickups, like the name implies, are small microphones that go directly into the ukulele and connect to the amplifier.
Microphonic pickups are low-cost and easy to use, but they have a significant disadvantage: They’re prone to feedback, which can ruin your performance. Of course, you must make your own decisions.
Humbucker Pickups
Humbucker pickups are well-known among guitarists. This sort of pickup only picks up the ukulele’s strings’ vibrations, so a lot of the warmth and richness from tonewood is lost in translation. Nonetheless, for some styles of playing, this may be an excellent option; it’s a popular choice among jazz players.
1. L.R. Baggs Venue DI Acoustic Guitar Preamp And DI
This may be the finest ukulele pickup you’ve ever seen. I was amazed by how it expanded the EQ section and a built-in tuner. It’s powered by a 3V watch battery, which is tiny, lightweight, and frequently positioned in the soundhole.
The L.R Baggs pickup makes use of a low- mass Element transducer, the latest advancement in ukulele pickup design.
This pickup is also very sensitive to the slightest string vibration, resulting in a fuller, more natural sound.
The pickup is installed by slipping it between the strings and the bridge, making sure that the contact points are lined up with the strings. There’s no need to touch any of the wood.
The endpin jack has a special spring-loaded internal mechanism, so when you turn the volume knob down its not in your way.
It also uses a rubber gasket to provide a good tight fit against different thickness ukulele bodies.
The volume control knob may be placed in the soundhole. The pickup provides clear and undistorted sound.
If you’re searching for a high-quality ukulele pickup that also comes with all of the accessories, this is the one for you. However, when compared to other pickups, it is rather pricey.
2. Acoustic Guitar Pickup With Flexible Micro-Gooseneck By Myers Pickups
The ability of this micro-gooseneck to be mounted virtually anywhere on your ukulele makes me happy. It does, however, leave no marks or fingerprints on the surface. This micro-gooseneck’s design is beautiful and flexible. It may be positioned next to the soundhole or near the neck,.
The combination includes an internally powered, active preamp that will provide you with the most intricate sound ever.
A battery was also installed by the manufacturer and is included in the package. Each pickup was thoroughly tested before going on sale, which impressed me.
3 mounting choices are included in the pickup to aid with setup.
It produces excellent sound, and the low end is properly added. Despite its high price compared to other pickups, with all of the gadgets included and the sound it creates, I believe it is well worth the cost.
3. IK Multimedia IRig Acoustic Stage Digital Microphone System
It’s not quite a pickup, as the name implies. It’s a device designed specifically for touring musicians. A small microphone attached in the soundhole is used instead.
This is an active pickup that produces louder and clearer sound. Instead of using it, it uses a tiny microphone that sticks into the soundhole. It works well with other acoustic instruments.
The sound is rich, warm, bright and versatile thanks to the three settings: natural, warm, bright and with a lot of flexibility. Surprisingly, you may also connect the existing pickup to hear results.
The microphone and preamp box are constructed of plastic, so they are light and not as big as metal ones. It also comes with a cover.
4. Kremona KNA UK-1 Piezo Pickup
Many people will be surprised by the innovative and elegant design of this Kremona’s pickup. It’s tiny, lightweight, and goes great with the ukulele. The soprano ukulele is particularly tiny as an additional device, so it suits this feature best.
It is simple to put together. However, you must put the ukelele on a table or make sure to have a flat surface for the next step.
The installation process is simple, as you simply attach the pickup to the back of your ukulele using adhesive tape and put it in place. In addition, it requires no drilling, soldering, or special wiring – just two screws.
It is a good quality ceramic pickup that produces a bright and natural sound comparable to that of any higher-end pickups.
The unique tie bar placement has made a significant impact on this. However, keep in mind that it can not be used with ukuleles without tie bars.
5. KNA AP-1 Portable Piezo Pickup
This is the nicest “low-cost” ukulele pickup we’ve seen in a while, and it sounds good! This portable piezo pickup can be simply attached to your ukulele using the dot and adhesive putty that comes with it.
Simply plug it in and begin strumming. If you like, you may leave the pickup affixed to your ukulele but remove the cable after the fun has ended; however, keep in mind that this might change the look of your ukulele’s finish.
6. Adeline Piezo Transducer Pickup
Adeline Piezo’s pickup is elegant. I’m confident that the functionality will delight you as well. This, in my opinion, is the finest ukulele pickup available for this price range. The volume knob is attached to the pickup.
A TS female jack is included in the robust vintage wooden case. It’s a piezo pickup that’s resistant to any external interference, according to the seller.
It delivers a clear, sharp sound with good replication. It has volume control, making it ideal for live performances.
Many people desire this because it includes many instruments such as Violin, Cello.
7. SUNYIN Acoustic Guitar Pickup
This is one of the most popular ukulele pickups on Amazon since it is reasonably priced. It’s ideal for individuals who are new to plugging in a ukulele.
The pickup comes with a soundboard and additional sticky putty, so you won’t have to worry about any residue or marks being left behind.
There’s also a volume knob. The sound, however, is generally quite faint. It does offer some control over the sound, though.
It’s simple to put together and simply requires self-adhesive backing that no marks will be left on your ukulele.
8. Fishman AG Undersaddle Ukulele Pickup
Are you looking for a passive ukulele pickup? If that’s the case, the Fishman AG is one of the greatest we’ve found. An endpin is included for total installation, but there is no onboard preamp – which isn’t absolutely necessary, but it’s a good idea unless you’re using a tiny amp like the Roland Micro Cube with an audio link jack.
In that case, there’s a volume control knob. The Fishman AG is made with a lightweight and durable preamp. It is full-sized and uses a piezo transducer to replicate your ukulele sound as accurately as possible.
This pickup will work well with any acoustic instrument, so keep this in mind if you’re looking for a pickup for another acoustic instrument down the line.
It does have a battery, so you’ll need to remember to change it every once in a while.
The Fishman AG is one of the best passive pickups on the market. If you’re looking for an undersaddle pickup, this is your best bet!
Summing Up!
There you have it! 8 of the best pickups available to buy online. If you’re having trouble choosing which one is right for you, we recommend starting with the Fishman AG – it’s a great passive undersaddle pickup that won’t break your budget and works well with any acoustic instrument.
Kremona Kna Ukulele Preamp is also a great option if you’re looking for an onboard preamp. We hope this article has helped you in your search for the perfect ukulele pickup!
Now that you have a good idea of what’s available on the market, it’s time to make a decision. Which one of these pickups is right for you?
The L.R Baggs Ukulele Preamp are also great options if you’re looking for an onboard preamp. We hope this article has helped you in your search for the perfect ukulele pickup!
