Best Banjo Pickups

Looking for the best Banjo Pickups? Trying to find the coolest, highest-quality Banjo Pickups? Or maybe you’re new to Banjo Pickups and want to make sure you get started on the right foot with some amazing gear? Either way, you’re in the right place!

Bestseller No. 1
KNA Pickups, 5-String Portable Piezo Banjo Pickup (BP-1)
  • Delivers the natural sound of your banjo
  • No modification to your instrument
  • Wooden sensor casing is lightweight and unobtrusive
  • Detachable, or may remain installed when not in use
  • Conveniently accepts a standard 1/4'' jack
Bestseller No. 2
Fishman Classic Series Banjo Pickup
  • Features a quiet humbucking coil and a powerful neodymium magnet assembly
  • Specially designed preamp to strengthen and preserve the natural sound of the banjo
  • Fits dual-coordinator rod instruments and may be modified to fit single-rod banjos
  • Professional installation is recommended
  • Battery (9-volt) Life: 5,000+ hours
Bestseller No. 3
Myers Pickups The Feather Banjo Pickup with Flexible Micro-Gooseneck
  • (INSTRUMENT NOT INCLUDED)
  • Myers Pickups introduces their new lightweight powerhouse. So light that we named it The Feather. So compact that it can be positioned on a multitude of instruments without modification or permanent installation and still faithfully amplifies the natural tone and beauty of your instrument!
  • Fully equipped with an internally powered, active preamp to produce the richest sound your instrument can deliver! Power-source (included) is pre-installed and each pickup is meticulously tested before delivery. No phantom power needed! Compatible with most wireless systems!
  • Complete out of the box, plug in and play! All mounting hardware included. Instantly turn your instrument into an acoustic/electric instrument with volume! Compatible with almost any musical instrument! Made in the USA.
Bestseller No. 6
L.R. Baggs Banjo Pickup
  • 5/8" maple bridge with pickup Unitary design for maximum sensitivity and signal transfer Custom jack and mounting system Installs in minutes
  • LR Bags has molded their same miniature vibration sensor directly into a 5/8" banjo bridge
  • As an integral part of the bridge, the pickup captures inherent characteristics of the instrument fluently at the source without altering any acoustic properties
SaleBestseller No. 7
Gold Tone ABS-D Banjo-Resonator Guitar Mic (Dynamic) - Gooseneck Microphone with Adjustable Bracket - Includes Pre-amp
  • ABS can be moved from one instrument to another in seconds
  • Includes a stomp-box preamp
  • Combines a dynamic microphone (with the versatile cardioid pattern) and a compact gooseneck
  • The ABS system is quickest and easiest way to amplify your banjo or resonator guitar
Bestseller No. 8
EMG ACB-5 Active 5-String Banjo Pickup
  • A great choice for pro players who require an authentic recreation of the instrument's natural tone and low noise
  • Allows players the ability to hear the banjo amplified without giving up any of the tone they love
  • Uses a dual-coil Alnico magnet design
  • The pole pieces compensate for an even string balance for a variety of string gauges
  • The coils are spaced apart from one another creating acoustic “chambers” for a quality uncommon in magnetic pickups
Bestseller No. 9
traderplus 2Pcs Piezo Contact Microphone Pickup for Guitar Violin Banjo Mandolin Ukulele
  • A professional piezo contact microphone pickup - 1/4" jack with 10.6" cable.
  • Contact microphones pick up sound by being in direct contact with the sound source.
  • Able to eliminate external sounds interference and not be influenced by sound reflections from nearby objects.
  • Just plug it into your amp, bass amp or other recording equipment.
  • Comes with double sided tape and self adhesive velcro for multiple mounting options. You can amplify your guitar, mandolin, banjo, violin, ukulele, viola, cello.
Bestseller No. 10
Adeline piezo transducer pickup very convenient for Acoustic Classical Guitar Ukulele Violin Cello Mandolin Banjo etc,The sound clear,warm and crisp.With volume control, no guitar drilling
  • This acoustic pickup delivers superior sound and high reproduction.
  • This pickup is a good wood-made case that reduces distortion.
  • This pickup is a piezo pickup that is immune to any environmental interference.
  • Very suitable for vibrating string instruments, also a classical guitar pickup.
  • The pickup has a volume control for easy performance and does not require a battery.
Bestseller No. 11
Luvay Acoustic Guitar Pickup, Piezo Contact Microphone Transducer for Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Mandolin, Banjo, Cello, Kalimba, Harp etc...
  • Volume adjustable, with a control knob
  • Fit for most of instrument, such as guitar, ukulele, violin, etc.
  • Easy to install, can be sticked near sound hole with self-adhensive, which can be reused
  • Mini design, comes with 10 ft amplifier cable(standard 1/4" connector) and 4 x stickers
  • Good/clear/crisp sound quality, away from squeal feedback
Bestseller No. 12
Randon Acoustic Guitar Pickup Piezo Contact Pickup for Guitar Ukulele Violin, Mandolin, Banjo, Kalimba, Harp
  • Good Sound- The Acoustic Guitar Pickup comes with double sided tape and self adhesive Velcro,it is able to eliminate interfering external sounds and not be influenced by sound reflections from nearby objects, bring you the clear sound quality.
  • Stick Patch Design - With the stick patch transducer works by contacting with the sound source directly. it is very easy to install and you can stick it onto the instrument to minimize the damage to instrument body.
  • Nice Audio Jack - Randon Piezo Contact Pickup, 9.65” cable length, Jack female socket, suitable for universal cable with 6.35cm jack male plug.The audio jack can replace the end pin and install the strap.
  • Wide Application - The guitar pickup fits for many kinds of acoustic instruments, such as Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Mandolin, Banjo, Kalimba, Harp etc.
  • Promise - 365 days expiration, 7 days unconditional return promise. If you have any questions or demanding advice on musical instruments, please feel free to contact us.
Bestseller No. 14
Schatten BJ-02-STD Banjo Pickup with Rosewood Jack
  • The BJ-02 series sensor is designed to work on any banjo. Five string, tenor, six string, open backs; all sound excellent with this pickup.Installation of the pickup system takes about ten minutes and everything that you need to complete the installation is included with the system.
  • This particular placement of the sensor allows the pickup to "hear" just what the banjo is doing. The center foot of the bridge is driving the element directly for maximum output and clarity and it is due to this same placement of the element that also gives the BJ-02's their superior anti-feedback characteristics. It is very difficult for feedback to drive the pickup in reverse due to the overall stiffness of the bridge area.
  • On a 'normal' banjo with a three footed bridge, the pickup is to be installed on the underside of the head directly under the centre foot of the bridge. On tenor banjos or banjos having a two footed bridge, the suggested placement for the pickup is on the underside of the head directly under the bass side bridge foot.
  • The BJ-02 comes with a simple metal jack assembly that clamps to the tensioning hooks - the same as our BJ-02 Std and BJ-02 Pro models. The BJ-02 is the only model of banjo pickup with a jack assembly that will fit all standard banjos, as well as the Deering Goodtime banjos. Please read the information in the 'Technical' tab on this page about tensioning hook spacing and Deering Goodtime banjos.
Bestseller No. 15
2 Pack - Contact Microphone Piezo Pickup Violin Microphone Pickup for Cello Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Guitar Microphone Pickup with 6PCS Guitar Picks
  • 【2pcs Piezo contact microphone pickup & 6pcs Guitar Picks】 Professional piezoelectric contact microphone cartridge -1/4 inch (approximately 0.6 cm) jack and 10.6 inch (approximately 26.9 cm) cable
  • 【Contact-type 】Contact microphone captures sound by directly contacting the sound source
  • 【Eliminate interference】 It can eliminate external sound interference without being affected by sound reflections from nearby objects.
  • 【Easy to use】Simply plug it into your amplifier, bass amplifier, or other recording device
  • 【Wide range of use】Equipped with double-sided tape and self-adhesive Velcro, providing multiple installation options. You can magnify guitar, mandolin, banjo, violin, ukulele, violin, cello
Bestseller No. 16
Imelod Contact Microphone Piezo Pickup Violin Microphone Pickup Cello Banjo Ukulele Mandolin Guitar Microphone Pickup
  • Widely application - Be suitable for acoustic guitar, violin, Mandolin, kalimba, Idiopan drum, cello,banjo and ukulele etc.No need drill hole, Works by contacting with the sound source directly, and just plug it into your amp, bass amp or other recording equipment.
  • Premium Design And Build - Made of high-grade ABS,braid nylon and double shield oxygen-free copper cable, Unique spaceship shape,Pocket size and easy to use,Sturdy And durable.
  • Sturdy and shield Cable - 10 inch length braid nylon jacket has better tensile strength and abrasion resistance, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded oxygen-free copper double shield provide noise rejection minimizes signal interference. Jack female socket, suitable for universal cable with 6.35mm(standard 1/4") jack male plug.
  • High restored sound and undistorted - using high quality pickup material, braid nylong and double shield cable ensure sound stable transmission,reduce signal interference and loss. the output sound is more loud, clear and accurate.
  • What we get - Comes with 1pc microfiber neat mini bag, 6 pcs double sided tape, 1pc self adhesive velcro for multiple mounting options.the additional mini bag with well protection for product itself, it also can use as cleaning cloth, storage bag for small gifts, candies, watches, jewelry...etc .
SaleBestseller No. 17
Alnicov Piezo Contact Microphone Pickup for Guitar Violin Banjo Mandolin Ukulele
  • A professional Piezo Contact Microphone pickup - 1/4in jack with 33in cable
  • Contact microphones pick up sound by being in direct contact with the sound source,Able to eliminate external sounds interference and not be influenced
  • by sound reflections from nearby objects Just plug it into your amp, bass amp or other recording equipment
  • Comes with self adhesive blet for multiple mounting options
  • You can amplify your guitar, mandolin, banjo, violin, ukulele, viola, cello
Bestseller No. 18
Schatten BJ-02M Banjo Pickup w/Microphone and Mini-Pre 2 Dual Channel Preamp
  • BJ-02 Stick-on Banjo Pickup Sensor
  • Internal Mount Condenser Microphone
  • Includes Mini-Pre 2 Dual Channel Preamp
  • Fits All Banjos: 5-String, 6-String, Tenor
  • Easy to Install; Two Year Warranty
SaleBestseller No. 19
MUZTOP Guitar Pickup with Volume Control, Piezo Pickup Contact Microphone Transducer Pickup for Acoustic Guitar, Violin, Mandolin, ukulele, Banjo, Cello, Kalimba, Harp and More
  • ♫【Our Pickup's Features】: Mini design, with Volume Control Knob for adjusting the sound and avoiding squeal feedback. Little piezo pickup has self-adhesive sticker on back, and comes with 4 extra sticky pads to replace. Removable Pickup Cord is very convenient for use and storage: 10 feet in length(3M), one end of pickup cable is 2.5mm male mini-jack for plug into the pickup, another is 6.35mm male plug for connect to your sound box/AMP.
  • ♫【Install on Sweet Spot】: No drilling holes or no need to modify your musical instrument, no batteries needed. Just connect pickup and amplifier by pickup wire, then move the pickup on the surface of the musical instrument to find the best tones and location when strum(Mind the volume control while doing this), then peel off the pickup backing paper and stick on the right spot of instrument surface.
  • ♫【Versatile Pickup】: Sounds crisp, clean and bright, without distortion. Works great on ukulele, sitar, harp, acoustic guitars, classical guitar, dulcimer, fiddle, mandolin, cello, and most acoustic stringed musical instruments. The little stick-on pickup helps to encourage you to practice more and enjoy music for home, rehearsal, band, concerts, live performances, stage, hymn sings and folk jams, etc.
  • ♫【Perfect Gifts】: The portable acoustic pickup is a good present for guitar players, beginner, musicians, occasional performer, guitarist friends, guitar teacher, and music students. As birthday gifts, back to school gifts, party gifts, anniversary gifts, Christmas gifts, thanksgiving days gifts and so on.
  • ♫【Warm Prompt】: Before stick the pickup piezo pads onto the soundboard tightly, please move it to various places on instrument to find where the spot is for the best response. (Location reference: near the bridge or sound hole, etc). When the lightweightt pickup is placed on the sweet position of musical instrument, you can get more clean and smooth sound quality.
Bestseller No. 20
Shadow Electronics SH-930 String Banjo Bridge with Piezo Pickup
  • Two Built in Piezo Pickups
  • Volume and Tone Control
  • 12 Feet Instrument Cable Included

This guide is designed to help normal folks like you and me easily spot the good stuff from the not-so-good stuff. We’ll show you exactly what to look for so you can spend your hard-earned money on Banjo Pickups that are truly worth it.

What exactly are a Banjo Pickups?

The Banjo Pickups are specialized products used by enthusiasts of the hobby or activity. They come in various shapes, sizes and levels of quality.
Pretty neat, right? But not all Banjo Pickups are created equal. The cheap ones might look okay at first glance, but they’re made with low-quality materials and poor construction. That means they’ll start falling apart and wearing out before you know it. What a waste of money!

The Difference Between Cheap and Quality Banjo Pickups

The really good Banjo Pickups are made very differently. They use high-quality parts and are put together with a lot of skill and care. These premium products are:

  • Built to last for many, many years of regular use
  • Made from long-lasting, heavy-duty materials
  • Designed with special features that make them work better
  • Worthy of passing down to your kids or grandkids one day
  • So while quality Banjo Pickups might cost more upfront, you actually save money in the long run because you don’t have to keep replacing cheap junk. Not to mention you get way more enjoyment out of using a well-made product that works like a dream.

    How to Identify a Truly Well-Made Banjo Pickups

    How can you tell if the Banjo Pickups are really well-made though? Here are some key things to watch for:

    Materials

    The best Banjo Pickups use top-notch materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, stainless steel, genuine leather and so on.

    Anything less is a sign that it’s a cheaply-made product that will fall apart fast.

    Features & Design

    Well-crafted Banjo Pickups have smart designs with useful features like enhanced ergonomics, increased durability, innovative functionality and more.

    This is what separates the real high-performance products from basic bargain-bin models.

    Construction Quality

    Solid, well-built Banjo Pickups should show close attention to detail, such as reinforced stress points, precision engineering, and flawless finishes.

    You can just tell when something was slapped together quickly versus made with skill and care.

    Brand Reputation

    Stick to buying from brands with a proven history of making quality Banjo Pickups that last. Always check reviews and ask other Banjo Pickups users about what brands they recommend and trust.

    No Fakes!

    There are lots of counterfeit and knockoff Banjo Pickups out there that look legit at first glance. Always buy from official brand stores or authorized sellers to ensure you’re getting the real 100% authentic.

    Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Banjo Pickups

    Intended Use

    Think about how you plan to use the Banjo Pickups. If it’s for casual, infrequent use, you may be able to go with a less expensive option. But for regular, heavy-duty use, you’ll want to invest in the highest quality gear.

    Skill Level
    Are you a beginner or seasoned pro at this hobby? Advanced users may need more specialized with enhanced features, while beginners can start with more basic equipment.

    Item Lifespan
    How long do you intend to use this item? If it’s just a short-term thing, a cheaper option could suffice. But if you want decades of use, go for the premium Banjo Pickups built to last generations.

    Additional Costs
    Don’t just look at the upfront price tag. Factor in any extra costs for accessories, repairs, maintenance, replacements parts, etc. over the life of the Banjo Pickups.

    Narrowing Down Your Banjo Pickups Options

    With so many Banjo Pickups products on the market, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one. Here are some tips to help narrow your options:

  • Research the top brands and product lines for your specific needs
  • Compare professional reviews to get detailed analyses
  • Join online forums and ask the community for recommendations
  • Make a shortlist of 3-5 models that meet your criteria
  • Scrutinize each one closely using the quality criteria outlined above
  • Having a focused list of strong contenders makes the final decision so much easier.

    Picking the Perfect Banjo Pickups for Your Needs

    So how do you ultimately choose the right product for your needs? Here are some easy tips:

    Make a List of Must-Haves

    Write down the exact features and specs you need before shopping around. That way you won’t get distracted by fancy bells and whistles you don’t actually want or need.

    Set a Reasonable Budget

    Don’t go rock bottom on price no matter how tempting it is – that’s how you end up with junk. But also be realistic about what you can afford to spend. Quality ain’t cheap!

    Do Your Homework

    Read reviews from regular consumers and enthusiasts. Watch video demos. Learn everything you can about different product models before buying so you can make an informed choice.

    Check the Brand’s Background

    How long have they been around? Where do they manufacture? What do other Banjo Pickups users say about their products? This context clues you into their level of quality and credibility.

    Calculate the Long-Term Cost

    While the upfront sticker price will be higher, that premium Banjo Pickups could actually cost you less over its super-long lifetime of use compared to replacing multiple cheaper products.

    Trust Your Gut

    At the end of the day, you know quality when you see and feel it. If something seems off about a particular item, there’s probably a good reason. Go with the option that feels 100% right to you.

    Tips for Inspecting Banjo Pickups In-Person

    While you can learn a lot from research, there’s no substitute for seeing and handling Banjo Pickups yourself before purchasing. Here’s what to look for:

  • Examine fit and finish – sloppy craftsmanship is a red flag
  • Test accessories and moving parts to ensure smooth operation
  • Inspect materials closely for any flaws or lower-quality substitutions
  • Pick it up and get a feel for the weight and balance
  • Ask the seller any remaining questions you have
  • Reputable brands will have robust warranties and return policies too, so be sure to understand those terms.

    Extended Warranties – Worth It or Not?

    You’ll often be offered an extended warranty when buying higher-end Banjo Pickups. Is it worth paying extra for added coverage?

    It depends on a few factors:

  • The upfront warranty/protection included by the manufacturer
  • Your expected frequency and intensity of use
  • How well you’ll maintain and care for the item
  • The cost of the extended warranty vs. potential repair costs
  • If you’ll be using the Banjo Pickups frequently for years in tough conditions, and the warranty is reasonably priced, it could provide valuable protection. But for casual, careful use, you may be able to skip it.

    Getting the Best Deal on Quality Banjo Pickups Gear

    Even once you’ve identified the perfect Banjo Pickups, there are still ways to pay less than full retail price:

  • Watch for sales, discounts and coupons offered by the brand/retailer
  • Ask if they price match lower prices found elsewhere
  • Look for gently used or open-box items in like-new condition for a discount
  • See if there are any bundles that include accessories you need at a package deal price
  • Hunt for discounted gift cards to the retailer that you can purchase and use like cash
  • Check if you qualify for any student, military, first responder or other discounts
  • Stacking a few of those money-saving tactics can lead to seriously low prices on top-shelf Banjo Pickups gear!

    Building Your Banjo Pickups Collection Over Time

    For some hobbies, outfitting yourself with all the equipment you need can be an expensive proposition, even after finding good deals. One strategy is to build your collection gradually over time.

    Start with the most essential, versatile items first. Then add specialized pieces as your skills progress and your budget allows. Having the proper core items is better than a bunch of niche accessories and toys.

    You can also plan to upgrade key items every few years as your enthusiasm and commitment levels increase. That heirloom-quality product you can’t afford today could be well within reach in a couple years’ time.

    Banjo Pickups Communities and Resources

    Don’t go in alone on your quest for the best products in your hobby! There are tons of communities, clubs and online resources full of fellow enthusiasts.

    Tap into their collective knowledge and experience to get advice, see item reviews, scout for deals and discounts, learn maintenance tips, and generally level up your hobby.

    In-person meetings are great for hands-on lessons, trying out new products, and bonding over your shared passion. Online forums and social media groups allow you to connect with people that share the same interests.

    Key Takeaways for Buying the Best Banjo Pickups

    There’s a huge difference between true high-quality Banjo Pickups built to last and those flimsy bargain-basement cheapos. If you want to get your money’s worth and enjoy your hobby for years to come, you gotta do your research and buy smart. This guide gives you all the insider tips to make that happen.

    Once you have that sweet new Banjo Pickups home, the fun is just getting started! Proper cleaning and maintenance will keep it in tip-top shape for the long haul. Join some communities online or in-person to learn all the tricks. You’ll get to bond with fellow enthusiasts too.

    The bottom line? Buying quality Banjo Pickups might require a bigger upfront investment. But you’re getting an item crafted with care and built to bring you decades of satisfaction. It’s absolutely worth it if you’re serious about your hobby. So quit messing around with trash and treat yourself to the good stuff already!

    Sandra Madison
    Sandra Madison

    Hey there! I'm Sandra, a full-blown product junkie with a serious obsession for digging up the best new gadgets, gear and goods to make your life easier and more fun.

    For over a decade now, I've been putting thousands of products through their paces with rigorous real-world testing and analysis. It's tough love, but my goal is to cut through the marketing spin and give you the totally honest scoop - whether it's worth buying or just a bunch of hype.

    What you'll get from my reviews is a nerdy deep dive into all the important details and specs. But I'll always break it down in a conversational, easy-to-understand way. No boring tech blabber here!

    I have a serious case of product FOMO, but I'm an equal opportunity reviewer who gets just as pumped checking out something simple yet innovative as I do drooling over the latest tech marvel. If it's legitimately awesome and useful, you can count on me to sniff it out.

    When I'm not deconstructing products or scrutinizing performance data, I'm usually diving into one of my random hobbies and obsessions - like reading crazy patents (seriously), dreaming up coding projects, or perfecting a new recipe in the kitchen. What can I say, I'm a passionate nerd!