Finding the right pickup for your banjo can be a game-changing decision for your sound and performance capabilities. Whether you’re looking to play larger venues, record your music, or simply amplify your banjo with clarity, choosing the right pickup is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting and using banjo pickups, ensuring you make an informed decision that matches your playing style and needs.
- 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
- 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
- (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.
- 5.2 x 4 x 1.3 inches
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 【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
- 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 .
- 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
- 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
- ♫【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.
- Two Built in Piezo Pickups
- Volume and Tone Control
- 12 Feet Instrument Cable Included
Understanding Banjo Pickup Types
Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s important to understand the different types of pickups available for banjos. Each type has its own strengths and characteristics that affect how your instrument will sound when amplified. The main categories of pickup systems have distinct features that cater to different playing situations and sound preferences.
Magnetic Pickups
Magnetic pickups work by sensing the vibration of metal strings through magnetic fields. These pickups are popular because they offer a consistent and reliable sound output. When you install a magnetic pickup on your banjo, you’ll notice it picks up the string vibrations clearly while minimizing feedback issues. This makes them particularly useful for live performances in louder environments.
Contact Pickups
Contact pickups, also known as piezo pickups, work differently from their magnetic counterparts. They sense actual physical vibrations from your banjo’s head or bridge. The piezo elements convert these vibrations into electrical signals that can be amplified. Many players prefer these for their ability to capture the natural acoustic sound of the banjo.
Key Takeaway: Understanding the difference between magnetic and piezo pickups is crucial – magnetic pickups sense string vibrations, while piezo pickups detect physical instrument vibrations.
Pickup Placement Options
The location of your pickup can significantly impact your amplified sound. Here’s a comparison of common placement options:
| Placement Location | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge | Clear tone, balanced sound | May require modification | All-around use |
| Head | Captures full resonance | Can be feedback prone | Traditional sound |
| Rim | Easy installation | May miss some overtones | Basic amplification |
| Multiple locations | Complete sound coverage | More expensive | Professional use |
Bridge-Mounted Systems
Bridge-mounted pickups are among the most popular choices for banjo players. When you install a bridge pickup, you’re capturing the vibrations at one of the most vital sound-producing points of your instrument. This placement often results in a clear, well-defined tone that maintains much of your banjo’s natural sound characteristics.
Head Contact Systems
Installing a pickup on your banjo’s head can capture the full resonance of your instrument. The head vibrations contain much of the banjo’s characteristic tone, and these systems excel at reproducing the traditional banjo sound. However, you’ll need to be careful with volume levels to avoid feedback issues.
Sound Quality Considerations
When choosing a pickup for your banjo, sound quality should be at the forefront of your decision-making process. The tonal characteristics you’re looking for will heavily influence which pickup system will work best for you.
Frequency Response
Different pickups capture different frequency ranges with varying degrees of accuracy. A good pickup system should reproduce your banjo’s natural tone across the entire frequency spectrum, from the bright high end to the warmer low frequencies.
Key Takeaway: Choose a pickup that captures the full frequency range of your banjo – this ensures your amplified sound stays true to your acoustic tone.
Installation and Modification
Before purchasing a pickup system, consider the installation process and any modifications that might be necessary. Some systems require permanent changes to your instrument, while others can be installed and removed easily.
Non-Invasive Options
If you’re hesitant about modifying your banjo, there are several temporary solutions available. These include systems that can be attached and removed without leaving any marks or requiring permanent changes to your instrument.
Professional Installation
For more complex pickup systems, professional installation might be necessary. The installation process can affect both the sound quality and the longevity of your pickup system, so it’s worth considering professional help if you’re not confident in your own technical abilities.
Budget and Value Considerations
When investing in a banjo pickup, it’s important to consider both your immediate budget and long-term value. The price range for pickup systems varies widely, from basic models to professional-grade options.
| Price Range | Features | Build Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level ($50-150) | Basic amplification | Good | Beginners |
| Mid-Range ($150-300) | Better sound quality | Very Good | Intermediate |
| Professional ($300+) | Premium features | Excellent | Professional |
Key Takeaway: Invest in the best pickup you can afford – better quality pickups typically offer superior sound and durability, saving money in the long run.
Common Problems and Solutions
Understanding potential issues with banjo pickups can help you make a better purchase decision and troubleshoot problems if they arise. The most common concerns include feedback, uneven sound reproduction, and installation difficulties.
FAQ About Banjo Pickups
What’s the best pickup for live performance?
Magnetic pickups typically work best for live performances due to their feedback resistance and consistent sound output.
Do I need to modify my banjo to install a pickup?
It depends on the pickup system you choose. Some require permanent modification, while others can be installed without any changes to your instrument.
How much should I expect to spend on a good pickup?
A quality pickup system typically costs between $150-300, though professional-grade systems can cost more.
Will a pickup change my banjo’s acoustic sound?
Most modern pickup systems have minimal impact on your banjo’s acoustic sound, especially if you choose a non-invasive installation option.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pickup for your banjo doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the different types available, considering your specific needs, and keeping your budget in mind, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your playing experience. Remember that the best pickup for you depends on your playing style, the venues where you perform, and your sound preferences. Take time to research different options, read reviews from other players, and if possible, test different systems before making your final decision. With the right pickup, you can maintain the authentic sound of your banjo while gaining the flexibility and volume control needed for various performance situations.