Acoustic Amplification 101

A basic guide to using pickups, preamps, amps, and PAs with acoustic instruments.

Thanks to today’s advanced equipment, getting a great sound when amplifying acoustic instruments is easier than ever. But there are still several decisions you’ll have to make before you turn up the volume, such as choosing a pickup, deciding whether to use an amp or to plug directly into a PA, and whether to use a multifunction preamp or keep it simple. In this video, you’ll learn the basics of a typical acoustic amplification signal chain, with tips on how to make some of these choices. An acoustic guitar is used in this demo, but the basic concepts apply to amplifying mandolins, fiddles, and other acoustic instruments.

Starting with a discussion of two popular pickup choices for steel-string flattop guitars, you’ll hear a Fishman Rare Earth Humbucker installed in a Larrivée Parlor and an LR Baggs Anthem system in a Taylor 514c, and get an explanation of the different qualities of a magnetic soundhole pickup, undersaddle pickup, and a combination of undersaddle pickup and internal microphone. You’ll also learn how to connect to an amp or a PA, and the pros and cons of multifunction acoustic preamp/DI’s, using Fishman Platinum Pro EQ and a LR Baggs Venue preamp to demonstrate features such as ¼-inch and XLR outputs, built-in tuners with mute switches, EQ, and phase reversal functions. And a Fishman Loudbox Mini is used to demonstrate typical features found on acoustic amps.

Related Instrument Demos Posts

L.R. Baggs M1 Active and M80 Two great magnetic soundhole pickups. Read More

Fishman Resophonic Amplification Mike Witcher on amplifying a dobro-style resophonic guitar using Fishman’s Nashville series pickup and Aura imaging pedal. Read More

Wes Corbett’s Performance Gear Peghead Nation banjo instructor Wes Corbett discusses the pickup, amp, and pedals he uses when playing onstage with the Sam Bush Band. Read More

Four Fishman Preamps A look at Fishman’s ToneDEQ, Aura Spectrum DI, Platinum Pro EQ, and Platinum Stage EQ. Read More

Fishman Blackstack A great passive soundhole pickup. Read More

Fishman Rare Earth Pickups We take a look at Fishman’s flagship soundhole pickups. Read More

Fishman Neo-D Pickups A look at an affordable line of soundhole pickups. Read More

Fishman Loudbox Amps A look at the complete line of Loudbox acoustic amplifiers. Read More

V-300 Violin Pickup | Fishman IBMA Award Winning fiddler Becky Buller demonstrates her pickup and preamp of choice. Read More

1910s Gibson H-1 Joe K. Walsh demonstrates his vintage mandola, which he set up with an old DeArmond pickup for playing electric. Read More