Choosing the Best Pickup for your beloved acoustic guitar can be a daunting task, especially when you’re aiming to amplify its natural beauty without compromising its inherent acoustic properties. For guitarists who cherish the rich tones of instruments like a Martin D-28 Authentic, the quest for the ideal amplification solution becomes even more critical. This article delves into selecting the right acoustic pickup, drawing inspiration from a fellow guitarist’s search for the perfect match for their prized D-28.
Like many musicians, this guitarist plays in a dynamic church band setting, facing the common challenge of being heard amidst a full ensemble. They appreciate the amplified tone of their D-18 equipped with an LR Baggs Anthem, but desire to bring their D-28 Authentic 1937 into the mix. However, the glued-in saddle of the Authentic D-28 limits pickup choices, prompting a focused search for the best pickup within these constraints.
Alt text: Close-up of an acoustic guitar soundhole, highlighting the area where pickups are often installed.
The guitarist’s situation provides valuable context for anyone seeking the best pickup for live performance with an acoustic guitar in a band. Their band includes drums, piano, electric guitars, bass, and vocals, creating a full and potentially loud stage mix. A floor wedge monitor positioned nearby further emphasizes the need for a pickup that can deliver volume without feedback. Playing primarily first-position chords with a capo and focusing on strumming rather than lead lines also influences pickup selection, as different pickups excel in capturing various playing styles.
Considering these factors, the guitarist narrowed their choices to two reputable options: the LR Baggs Lyric and the K&K Trinity Pro. Both are known for their ability to capture the nuanced sound of acoustic guitars, but they employ different technologies and have distinct characteristics.
The LR Baggs Lyric is an internal microphone pickup system, designed to capture the guitar’s sound from within the body. This approach aims to replicate the natural airiness and resonance of an acoustic guitar. The guitarist is already familiar with and appreciates the LR Baggs Anthem system in their D-18, which bodes well for considering the Lyric. However, a concern arises regarding the Lyric’s battery pack and its potential impact on the D-28’s acoustic tone. They also seek assurance about the Lyric’s sound quality, having not personally experienced it yet.
Alt text: The LR Baggs Lyric pickup system, showcasing its internal microphone design for acoustic guitars.
On the other hand, the K&K Trinity Pro combines a K&K Pure Mini pickup with an internal microphone. The K&K Pure Mini, known for its piezo transducer technology, directly senses vibrations from the guitar’s soundboard. While the guitarist hasn’t favored the Pure Mini in previous Martins, they acknowledge the appealing sound of the Trinity Pro in their J-45. The passive nature of the K&K system and its unobtrusive design are attractive features. However, the externally visible microphone of the Trinity Pro raises aesthetic concerns for the guitarist.
Alt text: The K&K Trinity Pro pickup system, featuring both piezo transducers and an internal microphone for enhanced acoustic tone.
Both the LR Baggs Lyric and K&K Trinity Pro represent strong contenders for the best pickup in this scenario. Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on prioritizing specific factors:
- Sound Preference: Do you lean towards the airier, mic’d sound of the Lyric or the direct, vibrational response of the K&K Trinity Pro?
- Aesthetics: Is the visible microphone of the K&K Trinity Pro a concern? Or is the potential tonal impact of the Lyric’s battery a greater worry?
- Stage Volume and Feedback: Both pickups are designed for stage use, but considering the loud band setting, feedback resistance is crucial. Research user reviews regarding feedback performance for each system in similar environments.
- Ease of Use and Integration: The guitarist already has a K&K DI setup, potentially simplifying integration with the Trinity Pro. The Lyric might require different DI considerations.
While the LR Baggs Lyric and K&K Trinity Pro are excellent options, exploring alternatives is always wise when searching for the best pickup. Other reputable brands and pickup types exist, such as Fishman, Seymour Duncan, and Schatten Design. Considering soundhole pickups or magnetic pickups might also be relevant, although internal microphone or piezo systems are generally favored for preserving a more natural acoustic tone.
In conclusion, the quest for the best pickup for an acoustic guitar, especially a high-quality instrument like a Martin D-28 Authentic, involves balancing tonal fidelity with practical considerations for live performance. The LR Baggs Lyric and K&K Trinity Pro both offer compelling solutions, each with its strengths and potential drawbacks. Further research, listening to sound samples, and potentially seeking advice from experienced guitar technicians or fellow musicians can help in making the most informed decision and finding the best pickup to amplify the unique voice of your acoustic guitar. What pickup would you recommend for this guitarist’s D-28 Authentic 1937, considering their church band setting and musical style?
