An instrument pickup is a transducer fitted to an acoustic instrument such as a violin, ukulele, banjo or mandolin so it can be plugged into an amp, PA or audio interface.
About Instrument Pickups
An instrument pickup turns an acoustic instrument into one you can plug in, without taping a microphone to it. Most pickups in this range use a piezo transducer, which senses vibration directly through the instrument's body and converts it into a signal for an amplifier, PA system or audio interface. Piezo designs are prized for their clarity and durability, and they work on instruments where a magnetic pickup cannot.
The range covers violin pickups and ukulele pickups alongside options for banjo, mandolin and other folk instruments. Browse our violins, ukuleles and mandolins to pair an instrument with its pickup, or if you play a steel or nylon string acoustic, head to our dedicated acoustic guitar pickups range. You will find stands, tuners and more in the full instrument accessories collection.
Instrument Pickup FAQs
How does a piezo instrument pickup work?
A piezo pickup contains a small crystal transducer that converts physical vibration into an electrical signal. Because it senses the instrument's body vibration rather than string movement, it works on almost any acoustic instrument, including nylon string and bowed instruments.
What is the best pickup for a violin?
A piezo pickup is the standard choice for violin. Mounted on the bridge or clipped to the body, it captures the violin's natural tone and feeds an amplifier or PA system, usually without permanent changes to the instrument. Magnetic pickups do not suit bowed instruments, so nearly all violin pickups, including removable styles, are piezo based.
Do I need a preamp with an instrument pickup?
Passive piezo pickups plug straight in, but their output is relatively low and can sound thin into some inputs. A small preamp or an amp with a high impedance instrument input will give you a fuller tone and more usable volume.
