Best Cello Pickups & Best Pickup Brands for Cello
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Cello is an exquisite string instrument. It is extensively used in symphony orchestras, rock bands and as a solo instrument as well. For enhancing its sound and delivering a phenomenal sound, use of a good cello pickup is often recommended.
If you have ever played the cello, you might have an idea about how beautifully it can enhance the sound. If you are a new player and don’t know about it, we can help you understand what it is and how it works to add value to your cello performance.
What are the Best Cello Pickups to Buy?
What is Cello Pickup?
It is a small device that is usually attached in the bridge area of the cello. The pickup is designed to transform the physical vibrations into digital ones that enhance the instruments sound when it is plugged into the amplifier. Many other stringed instruments along with cello can use the pickups for delivering improved performance.
Thus, if you want to enjoy a loud, clear and amplified cello sound, it is better to use a pickup.
They come in multiple styles and types. If you are planning to buy one, you must know about the different types so that you can choose the most suitable one. Some are easy to install while some with advanced structure can be difficult to attach. Similarly, some give you a reasonably loud sound while some function to clarify and amplify the sound to enhance the impact of your performance.
There are two broad categories of pickups. These include:
1. Permanent Pickups
As the name indicates, these are the ones that are made to be there on the instrument. If you want to enjoy a trouble-free amplification every time you perform, the permanent ones are excellent to be used.
2. Removable Pickups
As the name indicates, these are the ones that are made to be there on the instrument. If you want to enjoy a trouble-free amplification every time you perform, the permanent ones are excellent to be used.
Types of Removable Pickups
- Bridge-mounted Pickups
- Under the bridge Pickups
- Easy to fit Pickups
- Contact Microphones
- Click on Microphones
The purpose of these little devices is to amplify the sound simply. If you wish to get one, you should do some research first, but it will take plenty of your time. Because of the large number of companies producing different types of cello pickups, it can be really challenging for you to make the right buying decision. Therefore, we have prepared a list of top-rated and most recommended picks for you.
Take a quick look at their functional features and choose the one that best meets your requirements.
7 Best Cello Pickup Reviews and the Best Cello Pickup Brands
1) Realist Pickup for Acoustic Cello
Have a look at this high-class pickup made explicitly for the acoustic cello. It is among the best seller because of easy installation, remarkable output quality and excellent structural design. You won’t have to use any preamp or other active powered gear with the pickup.
The pickup is convenient to use, all you need to do is just plugging in. It generates an impactful response and a rich sound which is acoustically appropriate for both the arco and pizzicato.
The pickup is designed to collect the sound vibrations from the top plate and bridge, and it delivers a balanced sound with enhanced clarity. Although this pickup is a bit costly than most of the others, the functional quality is worth your investment. Simply put, the acoustic cello players should buy the Realist Pickup to enjoy stunning sonic quality.
2) Fishman C-100 Classic Series Cello Pickup
Fishman is among the most trusted company, and it has always been among the most recommended names for the musicians who want to enjoy a realistic sound at an economical price. The company has been manufacturing and supplying outstanding quality pickups and effects for over 35 years.
The C-100 is one of the most selling models because of its intricate technology and robust structure. It has Fishman’s authentic mount system that allows a comfortable installation. No alteration is required for the installation of C-100. You just need to attach it to the bridge’s wing slot.
Moreover, the pickup features a tailpiece jack of ¼ inches. It comes complete with a cable. For those who want to enjoy a loud, warm and natural sound with commendable tonal quality at a competitive price, this one is worth a try.
3) “The Band” – Cello Pickup by Headway
The professional acoustic cello players who are in search of a world-class pick-up to produce a natural sound with a powerful impact and fantastic response, this pickup by Headway is a great choice. It features a wonderful blend of stable structure, simple construction and fantastic design.
The company is a top supplier of pickups. The handmade system, flawless composition and impeccable workmanship make the brand reliable. It is an expensive model but the quality and seamless functionality justify the price, and you get to enjoy a loud sound in a very natural way. It offers instant fitting. You can easily install this removable pickup with zero modification to the cello’s structure. Besides, you don’t need any batteries to use the pickup.
Get this model and enjoy a clear tone with warm sound and reduced noise. Last but not least, the pickup comes with a one year guarantee. Hence, you can buy this one without any reluctance.
4) “THE FEATHER” CELLO PICKUP with FLEXIBLE MICRO-GOOSE NECK by Myers Pickups
Check out the super lightweight pickup presented by Myers Pickup. Similar to other models by this famous manufacturer, the pickup under consideration is stunning concerning functional efficiency and value for money. The model is named The Feather because of its lightweight. The compact design makes the pickup suitable for using on multiple instruments without any alterations.
It is a temporary pickup which is easy to mount on the instrument and functions to enhance the natural tone and generate a loud sound. The pickup comes with all the hardware needed. Just open your package and start using it.
Besides, the pickup has a pre-installed preamp and produces a rich and powerful sound. The USA-made model is created with particular attention to detail, and every article is duly tested to ensure that you get a fully functional and top-quality pickup.
5) Shadow Electronics SH-955 Nano flex Pickup with Preamp for Cello
Shadow Electronics is a recognized name that specializes in accessories and pickups for a variety of musical instruments. The company was founded in 1971, and its extensive experience, expertise and dedication are well reflected in SH-955.
You can effortlessly install the pickup on the instrument without causing any damage. It is a highly sensitive Nano flex model of a pickup with added buttons for controlling the volume and tone. Besides, the input socket measures ¼ inches. The pickup is carefully designed to reproduce the instrument’s natural vibrations and deliver an amplified sound.
The SH-955 is made for the professionals, and it is structured by using advanced Nano flex technology. In addition to catching the strings’ vibrations, the pickup also takes the cello body’s vibrations to reproduce the sound authentically.
Besides, complete shielding of the whole system ensures that no sound is lost. Thus, for those pros who are looking for a hum-free and noise-free pickup to deliver a perfect performance, this one is a favorable choice.
6) Parity Princess Professional Cello Pickup, USA MADE
Northern Lutherie is a small company that has gained credibility because of its high-quality pickups at very affordable rates. Their pickups are known for delivering a natural tone along with reducing noise. If you want to buy a moderately priced model with excellent craftsmanship, you can rely on
Here is a moderately-priced model of cello pickup which is made in the USA under strict quality control check. The structural composition is designed to maintain a natural and balanced tone along with enhanced output.
The major specifications include two sensors of 12mm and a full metal jack of ¼ inches. It is effortless to install on the instrument and delivers a pleasant musical experience. If you are a beginner or an intermediate player, you will find this one a suitable model.
Lastly, the pickup comes with a warranty and hence you can give it a try.
7) KNA VC-1 Portable Piezo Pickup for Cello
The KNA pickups are known for generating a loud and natural sound without any instrument alteration. Over time, they have maintained a good reputation for providing acoustic players with natural sound amplification. Here comes a moderately priced piezo pickup for those who want a portable, budget-friendly and good quality option. It is one of the most suggested KNA models.
The installation is very easy and trouble-free, and no modification or alteration to the instrument’s structure would be needed. The pickup is manufactured in Europe and exhibits wonderful workmanship. A sensor in the wooden enclosure is installed in the bridge’s eye slot of the cello that is securely held in place due to friction. It delivers a bright and loud sound.
A Velcro band is used to attach a ¼ socket jack with tailpiece. Moreover, the shim disks added have a neat finish. So if you are looking for a credible option to have a joyous musical experience, you may want to go for it.
Choosing the Best Cello Pickups
It is often said that price indicates quality. Mainly when you look at different models of cello pickups, the ones that are costlier than the others are usually better regarding structural quality and functional efficiency. The more expensive pickup generally delivers a better, louder and improved quality sound as compared to the cheap one.
Besides, you get to enjoy a better tone with high-class pickups. So you must keep in mind that what you invest in a pickup reflects in your performance. Remember that your wrong choice can badly damage the tonal quality and hence you should never compromise on quality when it comes to choosing a cello pickup.
Along with quality, here is another critical thing to remember. As mentioned earlier, you can either buy an easily removable one or a permanent one. If you occasionally need to enhance the sound quality, you should look for a temporary pickup. On the other hand, for those who want a lasting amplification solution, permanent pickups are better.
Many of you might be thinking that why should we buy a pickup. Well, if you are playing in an amplified setting, how would you make people hear your instrument’s sound? Using a pickup is the only way through which you can amplify the natural sound of your cello and let the audience enjoy.
For making sure you choose the best model possible, we have shortlisted the most suitable ones. All these are not heavily priced, some economical options are also added for those who are in search of an affordable pickup.