For acoustic guitarists seeking to amplify or record their instrument’s natural sound, choosing the right pickup is paramount. Many players prioritize the unamplified tone, which is understandable, but for those venturing into amplified or recorded performances, compromising on sound quality is unnecessary. My journey to find the Pickup Best suited for acoustic amplification and recording led me through various options, ultimately converging on a solution that delivers exceptional results.
Initially, exploring amplified acoustic sound involved experimenting with different acoustic amplifiers. My experience began with a Fender Acoustasonic, an amp that, surprisingly, didn’t resonate with my preference for Fender’s classic tube amp tones. Moving on to Fishman Loudbox amplifiers, I found them to be an improvement, yet they still exhibited a certain “bitey” character that wasn’t entirely desirable. Furthermore, I tested front-of-amp acoustic pedals with DI outputs, including the Fishman Aura system and the Tech21 Acoustic Fly Rig. The Fishman Aura, designed to model different guitar sizes and woods, proved conceptually interesting but sonically underwhelming in practice. The Tech 21, while decent and portable, also didn’t fully satisfy my needs in terms of DI output quality. These experiences underscored the challenge of achieving truly natural amplified acoustic sound.
Seeking a more authentic representation of my guitar’s inherent tone when amplified, I discovered the AER Compact 60 amplifier. Acquired during a store closure, my model happened to be the Tommy Emmanuel signature version, subtly enhanced with useful effects. Primarily utilizing its excellent reverb, I found the AER Compact 60, when paired with the right pickup, to amplify the guitar’s voice faithfully, simply making it louder – precisely the desired outcome. Its DI output also offers a convenient preamp-level signal for recording or PA systems. Learning amplifier placement tips from Tommy Emmanuel himself further refined my amplified sound. While AER might have a more limited dealer network, for those prioritizing exceptional acoustic amplification, it’s a brand worth seeking out. This amplifier synergizes perfectly with the K&K Pure Mini pickup.
For recording acoustic guitar, my setup revolves around the K&K Pure Mini pickup connected directly to the Hi-Z input of my Apollo interface. This direct input method yields a pristine, uncolored signal, providing a perfect foundation for further tonal shaping using plugins. By selecting appropriate preamp emulations and studio reverbs, and even employing track doubling techniques, the recorded sound achieves a quality that rivals, if not surpasses, traditional microphone setups like using an NT5 pair. The clarity and fidelity captured by the K&K Pure Mini for recording are remarkable. While I currently own guitars with other pickup systems that still necessitate miking for recording, my aim is to transition all my instruments to K&K Pure Mini pickups to streamline the recording process and consistently achieve superior direct-recorded acoustic tones.
In conclusion, while some acoustic players may remain exclusively unplugged, those who amplify or record should not compromise on sonic fidelity. Investing in a high-quality pickup system is crucial. Based on extensive experience, the K&K Pure Mini stands out as the best pickup choice for capturing and reproducing the true essence of an acoustic guitar, whether for amplification or direct recording. If you value authentic acoustic tone in amplified and recorded contexts, equipping your guitar with a K&K Pure Mini is a decision you’ll be exceptionally pleased with.
