Ever tried to amplify your nylon-string guitar and ended up with a sound that was… well, less than magical? You love the warm, mellow tone of your classical or flamenco guitar, but when you plug it in, it just doesn’t capture that same feeling. It’s a common frustration for many players. The world of acoustic guitar pickups can feel like a maze, and finding the right one for a nylon-string instrument adds another layer of complexity.
Choosing the wrong pickup can mean dealing with unwanted noise, a thin or tinny sound, or a system that’s difficult to install and use. You want your beautiful nylon-string sound to shine through, not be lost in translation. But with so many types of pickups available – from undersaddle piezos to soundhole microphones and internal preamps – how do you know which one is best for your guitar and your playing style? This guide is here to cut through the confusion.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the different types of nylon guitar pickups, what makes them tick, and what to look for to get the best possible amplified sound. We’ll break down the pros and cons of each, so you can finally make a confident choice and let your nylon guitar sing on any stage. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect way to bring your acoustic sound to life.
Our Top 5 Nylon Guitar Pickup Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Nylon Guitar Pickup Detailed Reviews
1. KNA NG-1 Piezo Pickup for Nylon String Guitar
Rating: 8.7/10
The KNA NG-1 Piezo Pickup is a fantastic addition for any player of nylon-string, classical, or flamenco guitars. It’s designed to capture your instrument’s natural sound without any fuss. This pickup is lightweight and attaches easily, so you don’t have to change your guitar. Plus, it doesn’t need batteries, meaning a pure, clear sound every time.
What We Like:
- It captures your guitar’s natural sound really well.
- It’s very lightweight and won’t weigh down your guitar.
- You can install it easily without any permanent changes.
- It works without batteries, which is super convenient.
- You can take it off or leave it on your guitar.
- It comes with all the cables you need to connect it.
- It’s made by hand in Europe with good quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The sound might be a little different than what some players expect from a purely acoustic guitar.
- It’s a passive pickup, so it relies on your amplifier or sound system to get a strong signal.
If you want to amplify your nylon-string guitar and keep its authentic voice, the KNA NG-1 is a solid choice. It’s simple to use and delivers a natural acoustic tone.
2. AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup with Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet for Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Single Coil
Rating: 8.9/10
Looking to amplify your acoustic guitar? The AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup is a fantastic option that brings your music to life. It’s designed to give you a clear and balanced sound without needing any batteries. This pickup uses a special magnet and a copper coil to capture your guitar’s natural voice.
What We Like:
- Clear & Balanced Sound: The special magnet and copper coil give a bright, clear sound with very little noise.
- Premium Wood Housing: The solid beech wood case helps your guitar sound natural and clear.
- Battery-Free Design: You just plug it in and play. No batteries are needed, which is super convenient.
- Easy Setup: It installs easily without drilling holes, protecting your guitar. The cable also detaches easily.
- Lossless Signal: The special cable keeps almost all of your guitar’s original sound.
What Could Be Improved:
- Compatibility: It only works with steel-string acoustic guitars that have soundholes between 3.82 inches and 4.33 inches. It won’t fit nylon-string guitars or smaller guitars like the Taylor Baby.
The AMUMU SP30 pickup is a great way to get a natural amplified sound. It’s easy to use and won’t damage your guitar.
3. KNA NG-2 Portable Piezo Nylon String Classical Flamenco Guitar Pickup – Natural Acoustic Tone
Rating: 9.4/10
If you play a nylon-string guitar, especially for classical or flamenco music, the KNA NG-2 pickup is a fantastic way to amplify your sound. It’s designed to capture the pure, natural tone of your instrument without changing how it feels or looks. This pickup is super light and easy to attach, so you don’t have to alter your guitar at all. Plus, you can control the volume right on the pickup itself.
What We Like:
- Natural Sound: It really makes your guitar sound like itself, clear and full.
- Lightweight and Gentle: The wooden sensor is light and won’t damage your guitar.
- Volume Control: You can easily change your volume right on the pickup.
- Easy to Install: It attaches quickly without needing tools or changing your guitar.
- No Batteries Needed: It works without batteries, keeping the sound pure.
- Flexible Installation: You can take it off or leave it on as you like.
- Good Cables Included: It comes with everything you need to plug in.
- Made in Europe: It’s built with good materials and skill.
What Could Be Improved:
- Potential for Feedback: Like many pickups, it might pick up some noise in very loud situations.
- Jumper Cable Length: The 3-ft. jumper cable might be a bit short for some setups.
The KNA NG-2 pickup offers a simple, effective way to get your nylon-string guitar heard. It’s a great choice for musicians who want to keep their guitar’s natural sound while performing.
4. AMUMU SP60 Acoustic Guitar Pickup Humbucker Magnetic Passive Soundhole Pickup for Acoustic guitar Black
Rating: 8.9/10
The AMUMU SP60 Acoustic Guitar Pickup Humbucker is a soundhole pickup designed to easily add electric sound to your acoustic guitar. It’s black and fits most acoustic guitars. This pickup helps you get a better sound when you plug your guitar into an amplifier.
What We Like:
- It gives your guitar a warm and clear sound.
- It has a dual-coil design that cuts out annoying buzzing noises.
- You can adjust the pole pieces to make sure each string sounds balanced.
- It has a volume knob right on the pickup for easy adjustments.
- Installation is simple and it fits most soundholes.
- It doesn’t need a battery, which is convenient.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works with steel-string acoustic guitars, not nylon-string ones.
- You need an amplifier with a built-in preamp to get good volume.
This pickup is a good way to get your acoustic guitar amplified. It’s easy to install and offers great sound quality for its price.
5. KNA UP-2 Universal Stick-On Piezo Pickup – Natural Acoustic Tone for Guitar
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for a simple way to amplify your acoustic instruments? The KNA UP-2 Universal Stick-On Piezo Pickup is here to help. It captures your instrument’s natural sound without any permanent changes. This pickup is designed for ease of use and great sound quality.
What We Like:
- It sticks right onto your instrument, so you don’t need to drill holes.
- The sound is very natural and true to your instrument.
- You can easily adjust the volume with the control on the pickup.
- It doesn’t need a battery, which keeps the sound pure.
- It works with many different instruments like guitars, ukuleles, and even drums.
- The cable is long enough to give you plenty of room to move.
- It’s made with good materials and built in Europe.
What Could Be Improved:
- The adhesive might not be strong enough for very rough surfaces or constant removal.
- While it’s universal, some very specific or unusual instruments might not get the best results.
The KNA UP-2 is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to easily amplify their acoustic sound. It offers a natural tone and simple installation, making it a top choice for musicians.
Choosing the Right Nylon Guitar Pickup: A Buyer’s Guide
So, you want to amplify your nylon-string guitar? That’s awesome! Nylon guitar pickups let you plug in your beautiful classical or flamenco guitar and share its unique sound with the world. It’s not always straightforward, though. This guide will help you find the perfect pickup for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
1. Pickup Type
- Undersaddle Piezo: These are the most common. They sit under the saddle and capture vibrations from the bridge. They’re easy to install and offer a bright, clear sound.
- Soundhole Pickups: These clip onto or fit into your guitar’s soundhole. They capture the air and resonance of your guitar. They often give a more natural, acoustic tone.
- Internal Microphones: These are tiny mics placed inside your guitar. They can provide a very natural sound but are more prone to feedback.
- Contact Pickups (Soundboard Transducers): These stick to the guitar’s body. They pick up vibrations from the wood, giving a warm, woody tone.
2. Preamp and Controls
Many pickups come with a built-in preamp. This boosts your signal and lets you shape your tone. Look for controls like volume, bass, treble, and sometimes mid-range. Some also have a phase switch to help reduce feedback.
3. Output Jack
Most pickups have a standard 1/4-inch output jack. Some might have XLR outputs for professional setups. Make sure it’s compatible with your amplifier or sound system.
4. Ease of Installation
Some pickups are DIY-friendly, while others might need professional installation. If you’re not comfortable with minor guitar work, consider a pickup that’s easy to install or one that comes with clear instructions.
Important Materials
The materials used in a pickup affect its sound and durability.
- Piezoelectric Crystals: These are the heart of undersaddle pickups. Higher-quality crystals tend to produce a more nuanced sound.
- Magnets (for magnetic pickups, less common for nylon): While rare for nylon guitars, magnets are used in magnetic pickups.
- Wood/Plastic Housing: The material of the pickup’s housing can subtly influence the tone, especially for soundhole or contact pickups.
- Wiring and Electronics: Good quality wiring and electronic components ensure a clean signal and prevent unwanted noise.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- High-Quality Components: Better materials mean a better sound and longer life.
- Good Shielding: Shielding prevents unwanted electrical noise (hum) from interfering with your signal.
- Solid Construction: A well-built pickup will last longer and perform reliably.
- Thoughtful Design: Pickups designed with feedback rejection and natural tone in mind will sound better.
Reducing Quality
- Cheap Materials: Can lead to a thin, harsh sound or quick failure.
- Poor Shielding: Results in noticeable hum and buzz.
- Flimsy Construction: Makes the pickup prone to damage.
- Feedback Issues: Some designs are more prone to howling or whistling sounds when amplified.
User Experience and Use Cases
Nylon guitar pickups are used by a wide range of musicians.
- Live Performance: Amplifying your nylon guitar for gigs is the most common use. Whether you play flamenco, bossa nova, or folk, a good pickup lets your guitar be heard.
- Recording: You can plug directly into your recording interface for a clean signal. Many engineers prefer this to miking.
- Practice: Connect to a small practice amp to play along with music without disturbing others.
- Experimentation: Some players use multiple pickups or blend them for unique sonic textures.
Your experience will depend on the pickup type and your guitar. Undersaddle pickups are great for cutting through a mix. Soundhole pickups often sound more natural for intimate settings. Experimenting with different types will help you find what works best for your playing style and musical genre.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will a nylon guitar pickup change the unplugged sound of my guitar?
A: Most pickups, especially undersaddle piezos, have a very small impact on your guitar’s unplugged sound. Some players might notice a slight difference in volume or tone, but it’s usually minimal.
Q: Do I need a preamp with a pickup?
A: While some pickups work without a preamp, most benefit from one. A preamp boosts the signal and allows you to adjust your tone, making your amplified sound much better. Many pickups come with a built-in preamp.
Q: Can I install a pickup myself?
A: Many pickups are designed for easy DIY installation. However, some, like internal microphones, might require more technical skill. Always check the installation instructions before buying.
Q: What’s the difference between a piezo pickup and a magnetic pickup for nylon guitars?
A: Piezo pickups use crystals to sense vibrations and are standard for nylon strings. Magnetic pickups, common for steel-string guitars, don’t work well with nylon strings because nylon strings don’t produce a magnetic field.
Q: How do I avoid feedback with my amplified nylon guitar?
A: Using a pickup with a phase switch or a built-in feedback notch filter can help. Also, try adjusting your position relative to the amplifier and lowering the volume slightly.
Q: Which pickup type sounds the most natural?
A: Internal microphones and some soundhole pickups often provide the most natural sound. They capture the acoustic resonance of the guitar better than undersaddle piezos.
Q: Can I use a pickup designed for steel-string guitars on my nylon guitar?
A: Generally, no. Magnetic pickups made for steel strings will not work with nylon strings. Piezo pickups, however, are suitable for both, but some are specifically voiced for nylon strings.
Q: What’s a soundboard transducer?
A: A soundboard transducer is a type of contact pickup that sticks to the body of your guitar. It picks up vibrations from the wood, giving a warm, natural tone.
Q: How much do nylon guitar pickups typically cost?
A: Prices vary widely. You can find basic undersaddle pickups for around $20-$50, while high-end systems with advanced preamps and multiple pickup sources can cost $200 or more.
Q: Can I have multiple pickups on one guitar?
A: Yes! Many players use a combination of pickups, like an undersaddle piezo blended with an internal microphone or soundhole pickup. This offers more tonal control and a richer sound.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!