Best Cheap Acoustic Guitar Pickup - Woody SA3SC & AXL Acoustic Guitar Pickups Review
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- Опубликовано: 28 июл 2024
- In today's video we review two of the best acoustic guitar pickups, the Seymour Duncan SA3SC Woody SC acoustic guitar pickup and the AXL Transducer. Both products have one thing in common: they are cheap, or I should rather say inexpensive I guess, and they are or remarkable quality considering the price-tag. Also, I thoroughly tested these two acoustic pickups and I'm still surprised by how much bang I got for the buck.
Let's start with the Woody SC. I am ashamed and embarrassed, but it's a funny story. I was actually looking for an acoustic pickup for my Yamaha C40 Classical guitar. I did some research but I was totally uneducated and while the product description clearly stated that the Woody is made exclusively for guitars with steel strings, I somehow overlooked this important piece of information. Based on a number of different and independent acoustic guitar pickup reviews, I went ahead and ordered my Woody SC. However, my plan didn't really work out, for two reasons: first of all, the Woody didn't work on my Yamaha guitar, because this model obviously has nylon strings. Secondly, the product didn't even fit the soundhole. So, at this point I didn't even know that the Woody won't work with nylon strings and therefore I was only focused on the issue regarding the size -- so I cut off a little piece in the back of the accessory to make it fit on the Yamaha. Only after that, I realized that this particular pickup for acoustic guitar won't work at all on my classical instrument. Well, after that rather sobering episode I tried the Woody on my Takamine EG100, which is a Western Guitar. Thankfully, despite my manual modifications the Woody still fit perfectly on the Takamine and I was really positively surprised by the sound quality. Actually, this model is an acoustic guitar with pickup built-in, so theoretically, I wouldn't need an external one. However, the fact of the matter is, the Woody sounds better than the integrated pickup, which is quite remarkable. The lessons learned here: be aware of the different acoustic guitar pickup types. Some work on all types of guitars, others don't. Of course, in hindsight I realize what an idiot I was, but okay, you learn from your mistakes (well, hopefully). The Woody comes with a 14 foot long cable and is available for just under $40.
Now, let's talk a little bit about candidate number 2, the AXL Transducer. This could possibly be the best acoustic pickup out there. Why? Because of the ridiculously low price. For a sale price of $14, this little thing is absolutely phenomenal. By the way, did you notice I referred to the AXL as an "acoustic pickup", not "acoustic guitar pickup". There is a reason for that, because you can actually put the AXL Transducer on pretty much anything that produces a sound. Now, I will say this: if you are planning on gigging Carnegie Hall, you might want to look into more of a sophisticated acoustic guitar pickup system. However, for something that is so cheap, it's really a no brainer. The AXL is installed within a few seconds and as far as my purposes are concerned, I am more than satisfied with the quality. I know that people are complaining about the suction cup not sticking -- I absolutely have no issues with that at all. Just moisten it a little bit and then give it a firm push. If anything, I'm sometimes a little afraid that this transducer acoustic guitar microphone pickup works a little bit too well as far as the suction cup is concerned -- at times I feel it's glued to the guitar.
Okay in sum: either one of the devices is the best acoustic guitar pickup in its on category. So if you are looking for low-price but decent quality pickups for acoustic guitars, I strongly encourage you to but these two devices on your list.
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All: I apologize for my negligence. In order to share a meaningful review of these products with you, I should have indeed used an acoustic guitar amp. Please allow me to offer an explanation and clarifying statement: Prior to this, I never used/tested and acoustic pickup before. Therefore, as many of you implied in their comments, I was 'clueless;. All I wanted was to find a way to amplify my acoustic guitar without buying and additional amp. In hindsight, I realize that I should have prefaced my review accordingly. I failed to do that, but it wasn't because I was trying to mislead people. While I acknowledge my mistake and apologize for it, I hope that some viewers still find some value in this video. Thanks. Ulrich
Ulrich Peise Thank you for your review..however I have a question, I recently bought a transducer pickup, not the one in the video but it's similar..I plugged it into an amp (for electric guitar) and when I played the first note, all I heard is a lot of feedback...I changed amp, the same thing..what am I wrong? Because I want to buy an amp know, for acoustic guitar..I was thinking the Fender Mustang I..but I don't know if it is better to buy a normal pickup first and not a transducer..thank you
+Ulrich Peise No need to apologize. However, if you want to note this so viewers are aware that you weren't using an acoustic amplifier, you could just put a text notation in the video. Thanks again for this review. It was very helpful.
Thanks Bob, much appreciated.
+Ulrich Peise thanks for the review, I like you want a way to amplify my acoustic guitars without buying another amp. So, either of these seems like they would work and our local music store has the woody. Thanks again.
Ulrich Peise I will never forgive you. You must now perform seppuku! 😜
Ulrich, you make some excellent reviews. Thank you for taking the time. Don't let these haters bring you down.
Thanks for the video dude, really helped me understand how that Seymour Duncan pickup worked, I was under the impression it went inside the guitar...lol. I think I will try feeding the cable through the existing hole on my electro acoustic for the output jack, just so it looks a little neater.
Adam Barrott Glad you found it helpful, Adam. Thanks for the comment.
I just bought an acoustic and I'm currently deciding which pickup to purchase and this helped a lot. Thanks man!
Wow, you made my day. Thank you very much for the feedback.
Great Review! Thanks .
Even i have a C-40 .
And i need a pickup on it now, cause i want to use it when performing some shows as it produces great Classical Sounds. And instead of buying an expensive classical guitar i would love to get my C-40 amplified
Thanks for the demo and review. I've never gotten a good sound from these cheap piezo's looking for something like the Woody, so this is a helpfull review.
Glad you found it helpful, thanks for the comment!
what's is a good pick-up?
Very well made video, thank you!
Dave, next for the input. I think it's important to also here some critical statements around the Woody - like you said, the majority of reviews are very positive. For me personally, the device serves its purpose. However, it's all relative. I can see how for someone who has a higher standard the Woody might just not be adequate. Let me know if/when you had a chance to try out the different strings - hopefully, the result will be more consistent with your expectations. Thanks again.
Well Ulrich I guess that will show you for trying to help people!
I found your review helpful.
Mr Colin Wee Hi Colin, thanks for the comment.
Hi there, well, good question. Did you by any chance also see my review that I specifically made on the Woody SC? If you did, then you know that I actually clipped off a few milimeters on the backside of my Woody to make it fit for a smaller sized soundhole. So, it it possible. But I don't feel comfortable "recommending" it. Simply because there is obviously always a risk that you srew something up. Unfortunaltely, I don't know too many other devices....sorry.
First thank you for your review. I listened 2 days ago, found the AXL new on Ebay for $12.34, got it today, Sunday delivery [free shipping] and my Guild 12 string is even more alive. Me & my cats [my audience these days] are amazed at the sound. I never expected this to be perfect, but it is. I am replacing a VERY old Frap. Thanks again!!! [oh yeah, the amp is an old Roland 60w Jazz chorus - 1 - 12" ...[ [some 'verb & chorus? oh yeah...]
+Chicago Flash Thanks man, glad you found the review helpful
I use a Cherub with clip instead of the vaccum thing... I can't tell how god or bad is, it does produces feedback but the interesting part is that it changes the frecuencies it sends to the amp depending of the pressure of the clip, the angle you attach it and the acoustic or resonanse of the specific part you put the mic. if you turn a little the clip (like clockwise) or move it a bit of, for example the tip of the headstock, while playing it produces an effect like flanger because it picks different frecuencies running trough the wood. I know this video and comments are a lil oldy, but. just in case someone wanted to try it.
(Acoustic Electric Resonator Guitar) pickup question I'm wanting to switch mine out, witch pickup produces the cleanest sound. thanks
I have just order one of these and at the same time I ordered a stereo output jack for acoustic guitars will make a hole to fit the femal jack and cut the wire of the mic plug it in the femal jack and fixed everything as the guitare was coming eletrified . I hope it will work, don't know why it wouldn't.
Thank you very much for making this video. I've been thinking of getting an acoustic guitar amplifier but choosing pickups is really confusing. To start, I want a pickup that I can quickly change from my 6-string to my 12-string. I don't want to do serious modifications to my guitars but I may install some kind of more professional pickups in the future. But, for now, these two pickups look like a good way to start. Also, I was looking for a good suction cup mic to use with my Zoom H6 for other purposes so I'm going to order one right now even if I don't use it for my guitars. Thanks again!
just use a PA system
So this AXL thingy does not require a preamp? You just plug it in directly into the amp?
BTW, tx for the review..
Thank you so much for sharing this - so helpful. Please can you tell me, when removing the transducer is there any damage to the lacquer on your guitar? I guess there's not or you wouldn't be recommending it, yes?
#Christine Rosemond. Thanks for your comment. Glad you found it helpful. No, there is absolutely not damage to the surface of the body.
Thanks mate some good info.
Glad you found it helpful, Chris. Thanks.
u just got a new subscriber brother nice video
HiThanks for sharing the AXL classical guitarpickup I was looking for one for my classicalShe sounds good. Price is better then right.Keep strumming.Stan Flodin
Thanks Stan, much appreciated.
totally wasn't expecting my guitar on this
Great job!!!!
Can i use that woddy sc pickup with my Lefty guitar?
how much it cost a woody xl duncan in the physical store? im from brazil and i only know the prices from the website, some one tell ne please.
I have a yamaha F310 guitar would the woody help out to amplify voice
does it pick up the sound from drumming on the guitar? ;D please help
I am loving the AXL transducer ... Nice
M planning to buy seymour duncan sc sa-3sc pickup , My guitar has a diameter of 4.5 inches. would it fit in my guitar hole ? .... please help me out with this :(
I play my Epiphone J160 John Lennon acoustic electric thru a small Fender Electric guitar amp and it sounds great to me, why are people talking about using an "acoustic" guitar amp. what's the difference ? thanks !
Hi, I have an acoustic guitar and you want to put a pickup of these, but the sound hole of my guitar is only 3.346in. You think that works or rather not buy? Thanks for your answer y good video!
Thanks for your video...I have the woody, however my dilemma is removing it from my guitar...I wanted to switch it from one of my guitars to another but seem to be having quite the time removing it...so I may invest in a second one for my second guitar...
Jo, wow, that is strange! But I can actually see how that could happen - still, are you sure there is no way to carefully remove it, maybe with the help of some oil (Murphy's.)? On the other hand, I'm sure you tried everything at this point...
The suction cup coming off would probly be because you have to use it on a smooth gloss finish top. If not gloss I could see it falling off.
Great video sir. This influenced my decision to buy the Seymour Duncan. Could you please tell me what songs you were playing during the testing?
It was a sting and the police song but don't know which one
Nana A. Boateng it should be 'Message in a bottle - The Police'
Sezgin Kırılmaz I believe you are right. Made me think of "sending out an sos"...... repeat.
HI Ulrich,
I wanted to know if the Woody SA3SC can picks up sounds if i drum on my guitar sound box , basically if i play some percussive beats on the sound box while strumming the guitar , does the Woody pick up those sounds as well?
Thanks,
No it wont because it is basically a single cpil pickup and itll on pick up thr strings and anything coming out of a speaker that you put right up next to it. you'd be better off with the suction cup as its basically just a mic.
very cool stuff :D
Can I install the Woody SA3SC pickup on my classical guitar and then plug it in to a multieffect guitar pedal?
if your classical guitar has metal strings, sure. And you can plug it into your effect pedals.
Nice review, is that a song in the end
It's a bit of "Message in a bottle", the solo acoustic version.
THANK YOU!
You're very welcome!
I had a woody pickup many years ago. Nice to see they still sound like dogshit.
Lol, I appreciate your brutal honesty....
Lol. Yeah I don't like the sound of the woody as well.
i was thinking about buying this then saw your comment. damn! you must be heaven sent!
Did you use an acoustic amp tho? My experience is that is sounds great.
hey the pick ups not bad... pretty cool video
Ok, here is my problem. I purchased a nylon string guitar. I wanted an electriclal, but because i am left handed, i didn't have the money for the cheapest one. So i decides to buy a pickup. I was about to buy the SA3SC (i already had replaced the nylon strings with steel) but at the last moment i measured my guitar hole and it was 3.4 feet. I'm afraid to do some manual editing on the pickup, so i didn't buy it. I also don't want a pickup like the AXL. Can you suggest me a pickup like the woody SA3SC, but it can also fit in my 3.4 feet guitar hole?
Its a 3.4 inch sound hole, not a 3.4 feet sound hole
look into the bill lawrence sound hole pickup. it might be a tight fit. it is held in place by a piece of spring steel. they sound very good. I hope you find this helpful.
i dont think steel strings would do your classical any good
I think it's going to be a matter of time before you destroy your guitar. Nylon string guitars are not built to withstand the string tension of steel strings. I foresee some bad things happenning.
will it work with a bass through a bass amp?
Ryan, sorry man, no idea. I don't have a bass otherwise I'd try it out and let you know..
Does the second pickup (woody) work for 12strings guitars?
+Niccolò Canal As far as I know it does, a friend of mine uses it with a 12 string and it sounds great!
+Tim Borisenko thank you so much
very nice!
S.O.S. Thanks for the video I've decided to go with the Seymour Duncan
Btw is the first pickup naturally that reverby?
how do you have that super expensive beast of an amp and no microphone??
LOL, well, fair point there. The video is a bit old by now and I have since upgraded to SEVERAL microphones.
suction cup pickups dont stick on all finishes only hi gloss shiny finishes. I have a Myers Gooseneck pickup with a suction cup.
What is the song you played
One of the first songs was message in a bottle by the police
Very hard to understand what is going on here. Did you turn off the microphone when you played? I'd like to hear the sound raw with no effects for sure. Also like to hear both pickups on the same steel string guitar. I disagree with others that the woody is not doing a good job. I have used one, it picks up well, it is somewhat "electronic" sounding as expected for a magnetic pickup so won't capture the pure acoustic sound of your guitar. The problem here is he has the microphone on, mixing it with the electronic sound from the speaker, so we can't get real comparison. Also, the electronic signal is coming out of his amp, echoing around the room -- totally not what you would hear if feeding into your mixer in a recording session. I appreciate the attempt to demo these products, but the setup here is just not valid.
I just got the Woody for direct recording and am pretty disappointed with it; it has that plastic placking sound characteristic of cheap acoustic pickups, which surprised me because reviews were so positive. Creative EQing and processing helps somewhat but it's not great.
I'm not giving up, though; my guitar is strung with flatwound jazz strings instead of the more traditional phosphor bronzes. It could just be that whilst sounding great miked up, the Woody can't deal with them.
Can you send me the tabs for the guitar licks you did on the Yamaha guitar I would like to learn that!
+Jacynth Vinoya Hi there, I don't have tabs, but I did a tutorial of this alternate take on "Message in a Bottle" recently. Here it is:
ruclips.net/video/4pFCN9aGFzQ/видео.html
Thank you!
What are the songs at 09:02 and 09:17?
A bit of 'Message in a bottle', more akin to the acoustic guitar solo version. Here is link to an article featuring two videos. A video of my doing a full playthrough and another one of me doing a tutorial on this version.
guitaringenuity.com/how-play-message-in-a-bottle-on-guitar-alternate-acousticelectric-version/
ohh, thanks
No problem!
darude - sandstorm
Hi,
is it possible to directly plug the sound-hole pick up to the recording interface? (in my case i use a zoom H4n)
Cheers,
Thanks
Got that useless Seymour Duncan pickup wouldn't fit my small classical guitar but would my 12 sting so I cut it a bit to fit. The pickup is so weak as to be basically useless unless amplified 12,000 decibels.
I do like this review, but I must say that we do not hear either of these pickups until after almost four full minutes of talking. That's a long wait... But thanks for the through and interesting review.
Gregg, it's ridiculous and I am embarrassed. I meant well, but yeah, too much jammering....sorry.
Speed metal with an acoustic guitar! 😀
"I'm just gonna lick that suction cup."
Soft core porn
Thank you for the Mesage In A Bottle arrangement 3:47
+Jay Peek My pleasure
🌴Just a castaway
Island lost at sea-oh...
Waste of time with all the sound effects. I want to hear the natural sound of the guitar without all the sound modifying crap....
See below..
Sampling sounds like "Message in a Bottle"
1Smoking Lizard Yes, there are a couple of acoustic guitar versions out there - so my 'version' is a mixed bag of what I've seen here on youtube..
Unique accent, where are you from?
...a question asked by many, the answer to this day remains a mystery. ;-). Nah, born and lived in Germany for 33 years, then straight to New Jersey (have since moved a few States South on the East Coast). People call it "his fake Brooklyn accent". It keeps changing....
cheap is gooooood!
But its a standard in the sound hole size, otherwise it,ll be a nightmare, thats a stupid advice
It sounds terrible, thanks for the heads up.
These 2 Pickups are usless ,but no acoustic pickup in the world would sound good thru a MARSHALL electric guitar amp,.some reviewers havent got a Fecking clue,.
Awesome Ted, thanks!
Don’t post a video of yourself standin in front of a green screen
yuelin Li I for one enjoyed the pretty green background.
...and why not?
What an ugly sound with that pickups better to try this ones ruclips.net/video/w9C7x53oDFE/видео.html
Spend 200 bucks and get a Baggs lyric and another 500 on a decent amp.
Mmmm they both sound terrible 🤦🏻♂️
Are you serious? They sound like crap, dude! Unless you like that 2 dollar sound....one needs first, a good guitar, second, a good acoustic amp, and third, well, there are quite a few ways to amplify an acoustic, a good condenser mic, or something from Fishman, L.R. Baggs, or B-band and others according to your taste. Lol, the joys of the internet!
Thanks Randall.
It sounds like you're doing covert marketing
you are reading off a card, after all
next time do a review of your shitty camera mic
Absolutely, but only after I received prior approval from you. I realize that I have to change and I will have to work very hard to not ever again fail in anything that could upset you. I really mean it and I do ask you for forgiveness if you can find it in your heart. I'm deeply ashamed of my conduct, let me know if I should take the video down, Zoota. Anything I can do to reverse my catastrophic mistake, just let me know. With utmost respect and desire to grow as a human being and RUclips video reviewer: thank you for the constructive feedback. Lastly, it's not a camera mic, it was recorded with a condenser microphone - which, of course and according to you, is "shitty".
Ulrich Peise Danke fürs Review!
Was der Kollege oben anspricht, auf sehr höfliche Art und Weise, sollte sich nicht auf das benutzte Mikrofon beziehen.
Vermutlich kritisiert er, dass der Pickup nicht direkt in ein Interface gesteckt wurde. Ein E-Gitarren Verstärker ist nicht neutral genug, um den Sound einer Akustikgitarre darzustellen. Gevoicte Vor-und Endstufen, sowie mittenbetonte Lautsprecher des Amps. Akustikgitarren sollte man prinzipiell über Full-Range Speaker spielen (Akustik-Amps) oder eben direkt in den Computer.
Sorry, sollte ich nun überheben klingen.
LG
Thomas, danke fuer den sachlichen und hiflreichen Kommentar. Klingt keinesfalls ueberheblich. Gelobe Besserung...;-)
hehe danke :)
hoffe auf weitere gute reviews.
bin subscribed! :
When doing a pickup review, You need to mic the amp and not your voice and acoustic guitar. Totally defeats the purpose.