Best Ukulele Pickup: Buying Guide

All ukulele Pickups are designed to amplify the sound of your ukulele. But not all of them can give you that perfect sound you’re looking for. You need to be careful when buying ukuleles, as some pickups may end up distorting the sound or introduce background noise. To make sure you’re choosing the right one, here are the best ukulele pickup models available today.

Pickups are named as such because they ‘pick up’ the sound from your uke and transmit it through an amp. People often think that these gadgets don’t actually transform the sounds, but that’s false – pickups just transfer the sound.

Ukulele pickups normally use piezo crystals to convert sound vibrations into electrical signals instead of magnetism like in a guitar. These also don’t need steel strings to make the pick-up happen, unlike in a guitar.

Top Ukulele Pickup Review

You can use most pickups on any string instruments, but if you’re looking for the best sound for your Ukulele, some brands have specially designed models. Here’s our top pick for you!

1. LR Baggs Five.O Ukulele Pickup – Best Overall Ukulele Pickup

The LR Baggs Five.O Ukulele Pickup is great for capturing the unique tone of your uke and transferring it accurately. This Pickup also packs in a soundhole accelerated volume control, custom element Pickup model, and a mini endpin preamp that runs on a 3V battery. All this tech is surprisingly slim and lightweight too.

Pros:

• Accurate frequency response

• A sound hole-mounted knob that allows you to adjust the volume

• If you’re looking for realistic Ukulele sound, this one’s been designed to give it to you

• A pickup placed underneath the saddle of your instrument with a mini endpin preamp included

• Sleek design and simple installation process – that’s what you get with this product

Cons:

• A bit expensive

• Not everyone might dig changes in the volume setting

2. The Feather Ukulele Pickup – Best Ukulele Microphone Pickup

If you’re looking for a quick and easy option, The Feather Ukulele Pickup might be the right choice for you. All you have to do is put it on the soundhole and it’s good to go–no complicated setup required! Though it looks like a microphone, this Pickup has an active preamp already built in so you don’t have to get one separately. It’s also compatible with majority of wireless systems.

3. KNA UK-2 Piezo Pickup – Best Slide-in Ukulele Pickup

If you’re looking for an easy-to-install Pickup, KNA UK-2 Pieze should be your go-to choice. All you gotta do is turn the strings a bit loose, slip it under the string loop and voila, you’ve got yourself a nice Pickup set on ukulele.

An awesome feature of this ukulele Pickup is its built-in volume knob. Plus, it captures the authentic sound of a ukulele almost perfectly!

Pros:

• Made in the USA

• No Batteries Required

• Quick and Easy Installation

• Twin Double-Sensor Passive Pickup

• You can set up these on acoustic guitars and guitaleles

Cons:

• May not fit all Kala Ukuleles

• Unless you get a preamp, it won’t be loud enough for performing

4. Kremona KNA AP-1

The product works exactly as advertised and people find it to be a great value for money when it comes to the sound quality. Moreover, Kremona’s customer support seems to be really helpful and reliable, so if you have any issues, they’ll be there for you.

But, watch out! It’s not the most durable when it comes to drops or other impacts, so it’s important to be extra gentle with it. Good news if you want to avoid drilling your instrument – you can always opt for this passive piezo pickup instead. It’s mounted on the top of the tonewood and comes with a wooden casing that should minimize unwanted background noise.

On top of all that, this one isn’t just for Ukulele or other string instruments, it works great with Cajon instruments too.

Pros:

• No drilling required

• Handcrafted in Europe

• Surface mount piezo pickup

• Cable that can be disconnected with ¼” and plugs

• Get the best sound out of your string instrument with this natural-sounding system

Cons:

• Prone to vibrations

• Not the best build quality

5. CLING ON Acoustic Pickup – Best Passive Ukulele Pickup

People are raving about this pickup’s durability – it handles rough terrain like a champ. Plus, their customer service is unbelievably quick! You won’t find better words to describe both the product and its service! The one thing they’re asking for is to put the volume control outside of the device rather than inside.

We really like this pickup. Even though it’s passive, it still has enough juice for practice sessions. The build quality and packaging are superb and you’ll appreciate the volume control that lets you adjust volume without going to your amplifier or mixer. Audio-wise, it’s just as good as the other features. You don’t have to do a lot of tweaking and it gives you a realistic sound that’s close to having your instrument micced up.

We’re really pleased that this will work with any string instrument, on top of all that.

Pros:

• Magnetic attach system

• Volume control rocker installed

• No need to make changes to the instruments

• Keeps sound natural but blocks out feedback

• This product is super sturdy and reliable as it’s made with robust ABS material and has silicone padding for extra protection

Cons:

• Could be a bit too big for Soprano Ukuleles

• It’d be nice if the volume button was on the other side

6. Luvay Ukulele Pickup – Best Ukulele Pickup for the Money

If you’re just starting out and don’t want to put a big dent in your wallet then the Luvay Ukulele Pickup is an awesome choice. It fits right onto the uke with no need for any pesky hole punching. Besides the volume control knob, another great thing is that this Pickup works with other instruments like a violin or acoustic guitar.

7. Adeline AD85 Piezo Pickup – Best Ukulele Piezo Pickup

People really appreciate the convenience of carrying this pickup to different instruments without any hassle and they’re surprised at the quality of sound they get for the price. If you’ve got a Soprano Ukulele, some people have shared that this pickup might be a bit too bulky for it.

Check out this piezo soundboard pickup – it comes with a handy volume control knob and a sturdy wooden case that features a ¼” TS female jack! The case offers protection against any environmental noise or vibrations from the instrument. The sound quality’s pretty good and you don’t need to worry about having to replace batteries since these use a passive pick up.

It comes with stick-on labels, so it’s easy to apply them to any material without ruining the soundboard. That makes it good for use on a classical guitar or violin too.

Pros:

• No drilling install setup

• Vulnerable to fluctuating environmental conditions

• A strong wooden box designed to reduce vibrations

• Apart from being used as a pickup, it can also work great for classical guitars or violins

• This soundboard has a passive piezo pickup and it’s got a volume control too, really convenient

Cons:

• The volume could be adjusted from the top by adding a knob

• Someone might find the wooden case design a bit off-putting

8. Fishman Matrix Infinity Ukulele Pickup System

If you’re after a clean sound, the Fishman Matrix Infinity Ukulele Pickup would be a great choice. It’s an under-saddle type of pickup with both tone and volume controls and preamp. The only downside is that it doesn’t come cheap, and installation can be tricky.

Pros:

• Premium natural sound

• Works without a battery

• Perfect pick for pros!

• If you’re looking for more preamp pieces, there’s plenty of extra stuff out there!

• This uke has a passive undersaddle crystal piezo pickup for added sound quality

Cons:

• Needs a saddle with absolutely no curve

• It’s best to hire a pro for installation

9. Kremona KNA UK-1 Piezo – Best Ukulele Soundboard Pickup

People really like the aesthetic of this pickup, saying it looks quite stylish. Even when it’s not in use, people tend to keep it on their Ukulele for the look. They just wished it was a bit less sensitive, cos’ it can even pick up arm movements if you’ve got long sleeves on.

This bridge-mounted passive piezo pickup comes with a female TS jack plus a bonus cable to convert it from to ¼” TS. The wooden casing of the sensor is solid and the setup won’t require any drilling or permanent attachment – it can be detachable when needed.

All you need to do is slide it on the tie block and pull the strings tight to fit it onto any Ukulele with a tie block. It’s remarkable how good these features sound when connected to an amp or preamp, with a totally natural tone.

Pros:

• Suitable for any Ukulele and adds a touch of beauty

• Get an authentic ukulele sound with this one

• This design is detachable and doesn’t require any drilling

• This comes with its own ¼” TS cable

• This pickup has a piezo bridge and a wooden sensor case, so it’s perfect for getting a mellow tone

Cons:

• Might be a bit pricey for newbies

• The sensors could be dialed down a bit in terms of sensitivity

10. Kna AP-1 Portable Piezo Pickup

This Pickup is the perfect way to give your acoustic instrument a boost. It looks good, is easy to use and gives great sound quality. It might not be on par with other high-end ukulele Pickups, but it’s still a solid buy. Additionally, it works with violins, guitars, ukuleles and more!

11. Fishman AG Undersaddle Ukulele Pickup

If you’re looking for a ukulele pickup, the Fishman model is something to consider. You don’t have to worry about getting a battery and it can be plugged straight into your amp. You do have to buy the preamp separately, but apparently it’s not necessary anyway. Just remember to get a professional install done.

12. ammoon Piezo Pickup – Best Ukulele Active Pickup

People can’t believe how great this thing works for the cost! Apparently, some have even had this pickup system for over three years and it’s still going strong! However, they do stress the importance of measuring precisely before cutting any wood parts off your Ukulele. This active pickup system is one of the most budget-friendly ones out there and it’s specifically tailored to give you the best performance with Ukuleles.

This setup is equipped with a piezo-ceramic pickup that needs to be put in place at the bridge. Additionally, it has an onboard preamp with volume control and a 3-band EQ – low-shelf (100 Hz), middle (at 300 Hz) and treble (10 kHz). These can be adjusted up to 12dB for boosting or cutting effect. In addition to EQ and volume adjustments, the chromatic tuner also boasts a large and clear display. It’s precision ensures you don’t need to worry about an extra tuner.

Pros:

• 3 bands EQ control

• Piezo ceramic pickup

• Chromatic tuner with large LCD

• Get a preamp panel installed on your pickup for better sound quality

• The device has a knob to adjust the volume and a light to show the battery life

Cons:

• Didn’t get any instructions for setting up

• Probably too large for a Soprano Ukulele

13. Myers Pickups The Grip 3”

People are really loving the fact that you can attach the mic to any part of the Ukulele without a trace. Baritone players are especially impressed with its sound and say it captures deep bass notes perfectly. I gotta admit, they still grumble about putting the battery in.

We really dig this gooseneck mic – it’s so versatile! Attach it anywhere you want, like the soundhole or even closer to the fretboard for a more “percussive” uke sound. It’s similar to soundboard pickups, as it comes with a volume control and can be easily switched on/off. Plus, with its specs, it’s suitable for any acoustic instrument.

The best thing about these products is that the build quality is really impressive, just like you’d expect from something made in the USA.

Pros:

• Made in the USA

• Easy to set and remove

• Dedicated volume control

• Compatible for all acoustic stringed instruments

• Smallest gooseneck microphone preamp

Cons:

• Installing batteries could be simpler

• Instead of using a regular female jack, try going with a Mini-XLR one. It’s likely to be the better option

14. GOSONO Clip-On Pickup – Best Clip On Pickup for Ukulele

People knew they were getting a budget-friendly pickup, so their expectations weren’t too high. It was kind of in line with their amateur playstyle. Worth mentioning though, before using a clipping mic make sure you test it out first. You don’t want too much fingerpicking and buzz noise being recorded otherwise your output won’t be up to par.

This inexpensive plastic pickup is great for string instruments of all sizes such as ukulele, banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, lute and even violin. It’s a single part with an 8-foot cable that has a ¼ TS male connector already set up. Installing and taking it off is a breeze, so there’s no need to worry about hiring a pro or drilling anything. Just place it on the sound hole and you’re good to go – it’s designed to pick up your pure sound while minimizing any background noise.

Pros:

• Sound hole clip-on design

• Affordable plastic pickup system

• Simple to take off the device

• No need to fork out money for a pro to help install it

• Can be used with other small string instruments as well

Cons:

• Mediocre sound quality

• Low-cost materials used and cables that are too short

How Does a Ukulele Pickup Work

A quality Ukulele Pickup shouldn’t affect the sound of your instrument, just capture it and send it through to the preamp. When it gets amplified by the speaker you should be able to hear its true sound. Piezo crystals are often used to make electric guitars with nylon strings as they are way more effective than the regular magnetic pickup.

To make it simple: a Ukulele pickup turns the vibrations from your instrument into an electric signal so you can play your uke louder than possible without electricity.

When Would I use a Ukulele Pickup

Here are some occasions when a Ukulele Pickup would come in handy:

Big Venues

An acoustic ukulele won’t cut it if you want to play in big venues. You could use a mic but that’s gonna limit your mobility on stage. Adding a pickup to your ukulele can give you a lot more mobility, since you can plug it into an amplifier, mixer or DI box. Opt for a wireless transmitter instead of a cable and you can even go up close and personal with your audience.

Recording

Recording Ukuleles with mics isn’t exactly a cheap solution, but it’s worth considering. Even if you have some already, layering in an extra track from the pickups can enhance your overall sound. On the flipside, it’ll create way clearer and precise mix.

Using Effects

Ukulele Pickups give you the ability to use all the guitar stompboxes and effects, even though it may seem strange at first. But don’t worry – it could be a really enjoyable experience and could even result in something totally unique!

Benefits of Investing in a Quality Ukulele Pickup

There are some really great benefits of having a good Ukulele Pickup. These include increased sound clarity, better control over the strings, and more volume when playing.

The Sound

It’s all about sound quality. High-end Ukulele pickup systems help maintain the original and legit sound of the instrument, like you have a professional microphone close by. Generally speaking, these systems tend to offer swift, natural sounding responses and also give you more headroom. Also, most of the time they let you tweak both volume and tone settings for better control.

Better Background Isolation

Some cheaper pickups can struggle to keep background noise in check – they can even detect your sleeve movement if you move your hand too close. They also don’t always do a great job of picking up all the strings with an even volume.

Build Quality

Once you invest in an higher-grade Ukulele pickup, you’ll instantly recognize how much better it is in terms of build and quality. They’ve designed the system to be resistant to knocks and bangs, so there won’t be any plastic parts and wooden components have been removed too. It’s gonna be super tough and robust.

How to Record a Ukulele Without a Pickup

Don’t have a pickup? No worries, you can still record your Ukulele using a mic instead.

If you’re looking to get good sound for your Ukulele, a condenser mic is the way to go. This instrument isn’t capable of producing low-end frequencies, so you don’t need to worry about treating them like with other instruments.

You should have two mics setup – a small condenser near the neck joint and another larger one close to the sound hole, but not pointing straight at it. Mixing these together should give you an ideal recording. The small-sized mic should be positioned closer than a bigger one.

Don’t place your ukulele right up against the mic though – you’ll get better sound if you record a bit of the space’s natural ambience too. When recording a uke, it might be different than performing live. If the song calls for more percussive sounds, you can grab a pick. But if you need something softer and mellower, cotton picks can do the trick better than standard fingerpicking.

What to Look For in the Best Ukulele Pickup

If you’re on the hunt for a ukulele Pickup, there are a few decisions to make. First off, what type of Pickup do you want? You can go for either a passive or active one. Plus, remember to factor in the installation process. Let’s take a closer look at these factors when it comes to buying one.

Types of Ukulele Pickups

When it comes to ukuleles, there are quite a few different pickups out there. Some serve to make the sound better, while others just help preserve its natural tones.

Soundboard Transducer (SBT)

Soundboard transducers make a great addition to ukuleles with permanent saddle bridges. They’re basically piezo pickups that fit neatly underneath the soundboard. One downside of this gadget is it can pick up feedback and ambient noise, like when your ukulele’s string rub against you. Expensive soundboard pickups don’t suffer from this issue but you might have a problem with cheaper or lower-end SBT Pickups.

Under Saddle Transducer (UST)

The Saddle Pickup is placed at the base of the saddle slot, which makes sense given its name. It requires a small hole for the wiring to pass through and connect to an endpin jack. UST ukulele Pickups are the go-to choice for sound transmission as they provide a direct connection that allows string vibrations pass without any disruptions. Plus, they’re super easy to use and give consistent results.

Microphone

This type of ukulele pickup is a bit tricky to use, but if you position it correctly it gives you the best amplified sound. Lots of ukulele performers also choose to use a microphone when playing. If you’re planning to mic acoustic instruments, usually the best option is a large condenser mic placed in the center of the stage without any monitors. You could also use a tiny microphone, but it won’t be as effective as a bigger one.

Active vs. Passive

If you’re looking to get a ukulele Pickup, you have to decide between active and passive models. Active pickups come with an in-built amp, which requires a 9V battery to power it. On the other hand, passive pickups don’t require any additional amplification and plug directly into the jackpin. So which one should you go for?

Active Pickup is more reliable but usually heavier and requires professional installation for the battery. Passive Pickup is lighter and gives a bigger sound, however it needs an external amplifier.

Installation

We’ll take a look at how to install the most complicated Ukulele pickup – undersaddle active pickup. There are plenty of pickups out there, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

1. Start by taking out the strings from your Ukulele. Then, use a bit to file down the bridge slot to make up for the pickup’s height. Don’t forget to use some tape around the bridge slot area so that you don’t damage the finish.

2. Then, create a template of the preamp bottom on some cardboard and temporarily attach it to the area you wanna put the preamp in. Trace the outline you want on your tape, and then use a drill or even better a jigsaw to cut it out. Later, you can file it until it matches the size of the preamp bottom. To be safe, test-fit the preamp so you don’t accidentally overfile.

3. You can slice the wood into four sections and use them to reinforce the preamp screws. Give it a good sanding and secure it with glue underneath the body surface.

4. Take a drill and make a hole on the back of your Ukulele. It should be placed slightly lower than the center so you won’t have to worry about your instrument cable coming in between your hand and the strings when you strum.

5. Connect the female jack with solder and a screwdriver and then, drill a tiny hole on the bridge’s top for fitting in the piezo pickup. Check to make sure the hole is large enough before attempting to feed your pickup through it. Once it’s in place on the bridge section, secure it with tape to make sure it’s secured.

6. Once you’re done with the adjustments, take off the tape from your body.

Conclusion

A Ukulele pickup is a great tool for both low-end and high-end Ukuleles. Not only will it provide extra volume for larger venues, but it’ll also help you sound better when performing live. If you’re looking to make it big in sports, taking the next step of becoming a pro is a must.

Keep in mind that when you’re looking for the right ukulele Pickup, you should consider the installation process, type, and if you prefer active or passive. And if budget is a factor or if you’re just starting out, there’s always budget-friendly options like Luvay Acoustic Pickup.

FAQ for Best Ukulele Pickup

What are the best ukulele pickups?

If you’re looking for the top-of-the-line ukulele pickup, then the LR Baggs Five.O is your best bet. However, there are some other great models out there that can give you great sound too.

What is a passive pickup on a ukulele?

Most ukulele pickups are passive, which means they need a preamp for the amp stage. Plus, there are some versions that don’t require any drilling.

What is an active pickup on a ukulele?

Active Pickup is just a normal Ukulele pickup combined with its own preamp system, but it needs to be installed in a certain way. This may require you to get some help from an expert in order for it to work properly on your instrument.

What is an undersaddle pickup ukulele?

This model has a piezo pickup integrated into the bridge. It’s able to work with both Passive and Active preamps, and only requires a small hole at the top of the saddle to fit the pickup close to it.

What is a soundboard ukulele pickup?

Soundboard Pickup is a fairly unobtrusive way to add a sensor pickup to your instrument. Basically, it relies on adhesive tape to attach the pick up directly onto the tonewood. Right now, you can’t get any soundboard pickups that are currently in use.

What is a gooseneck microphone for ukulele?

Rather than a magnet, you can attach a gooseneck mic to record the sound coming from the soundhole. Active Pickup systems like these models don’t require any drilling which is great. Microphones need a preamplifier installed so they usually come with onboard volume control – that’s really handy!

What pickup should install on ukulele?

If you’re looking for the best option, it’s gotta be passive models. Active pickups are usually cheaper but with poor quality of pickups. This should give you a clue on why they’re so cheap!

Passive pickups usually need extra stuff, but it’ll let you mix and match better equipment and get a much better sound in the end. That doesn’t mean Active pickups don’t deliver good sound too. If you’re just getting started with the Ukulele then wired pickups are a great option. But more experienced players often opt for passive pickups to take their sound to the next level.

If you don’t feel confident in drilling your instrument, no problem! There are various soundboard and clip on pickups made especially for this sort of thing.

What’s the difference between a preamp and an amplifier?

Preamp is an essential step in the process to make your signal audible. It’ll give your sound a boost, allowing it to be amplified more easily. Thankfully, a lot of guitar amps and mixers come with preamps already built-in. So, if you don’t want to connect it to your computer, you don’t need to get a separate preamp.

Where should install electric pickup on ukulele?

You can put the device on the soundboard, underneath your saddle facing in, right on your sound hole or by the bridge saddle near the tie block. It all depends on the model of the product you’ve got.

Do need a preamp with a ukulele pickup?

It all depends on whether you have active or passive pickups. Passive ones require an amp or preamp, while the active models already come with everything you need to plug in and go. Certain passive models can be loud enough to play in a house setting, depending on the model.

How do connect ukulele to an amplifier?

All you need is a basic instrument cable – ¼” TS. Connect one end to the Ukulele and the other to your amp, switch it on and set the volume and tone as desired. That’s it!

Should I buy an electric ukulele?

If you’re new to the Ukulele or don’t feel comfortable with installing modifications, electric Ukuleles are a great way to go. They provide an entry-level acoustic sound without the hassle of DIY installation.

Keep in mind that the ukes we suggested have a much better sound quality than most electric ukuleles out there.