Best Banjo Pickups & Best Pickup Brands for Banjo
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The banjo is a great instrument, but it was created and enjoyed in times when amplifiers did not exist. So, if you want to make sure your instrument produces electrical signals that can, later on, be amplified, pretty much like an electric guitar, you will need some help in this case. This is where the banjo pickup comes into the scene.
What are the Best Banjo Pickups to Buy?
It is a small device that will be used together with the instrument, helping you amplify its sound. But, before purchasing a banjo pickup, you will need to know to tell the difference between them, as they are not all the same.
There are three different technologies when it comes to banjo pickups. There are the piezoelectric sensors, which will pick up the vibrations made by the banjo when you’re playing it, the magnetic pickup, which is similar to the pickups used for electric guitars, and there are small microphones placed above the drum of the instrument.
Each of these technologies is used in a different manner and may provide a different result. So, you will need to decide what you expect from a banjo pickup and how you intend using your instrument.
In some cases, you may require batteries to make the pickup work. Now, if you’re playing your banjo in the outdoors, for example, running out of power in your batteries will not allow you to perform well. For house concerts, for instance, a microphone will work quite well. This is why the way you will use your instrument should give you valuable information when choosing the ideal banjo pickup.
Also, some pickups may provide one type of sound while others another type of sound, depending on how they manage to pick the sounds of the banjo as you play. So, it is definitely worth doing some research before purchasing a banjo pickup.
In the lines that will follow, you will see a selection of banjo pickups that are meant to help you perform well in every situation. You just need to take a good look at each pickup and see what it has to offer.
12 Best Banjo Pickup Reviews and the Best Banjo Pickup Brands
1) “THE FEATHER” BANJO PICKUP by Myers Pickups
This is the kind of banjo pickup system that can be easily used and barely noticed on your instrument. It was made to be as light as possible and gives you a chance to enjoyed amplified sounds without the need to permanently modify your instrument. So, if you just need the pickup system on certain occasions, this is the ideal solution that will allow to mount and dismount the system.
But, in spite of being light and small, it is still very capable of capturing the sounds in a very loyal manner. The power source of the pickup system is already included and installed, so you don’t need to worry about it. Also, it is worth mentioning that it will work with most wireless systems. Thus, there are very slim chances that you won’t be able to use it right.
2) Schatten BJ-02 Player Series Banjo Pickup with Jack
In case you would like to enjoy a banjo pickup on your instrument, but don’t want to drill its surface in order to install one, this option may suit you very well. It is very easy to use and install and will fit on any kind of banjo, whether it has 5 or 6 strings.
It can be mounted with the help of a metal jack assembly that was made to be used externally. Everything you need to make the pickup work will be found in the system, so you don’t need anything else.
Also, it takes about 10 minutes to install the system on your instrument and enjoy the amazing sounds it can produce. It is recommended to install the pickup under the bass side bridge foot, where it can capture all the sounds made by the instrument.
3) Fishman Classic Series Banjo Pickup
Are you more into classic products than high-tech solutions? Then this product may be appealing in your case. You will be able to easily install the system on the back of your banjo, with the help of a potent neodymium magnet. This way, the pickup system will stay in its place throughout your entire performance and the head of the instrument will not be altered in any way. It works best with dual-coordinator rod banjos.
But, there is the possibility to adjust the pickup to work with single-rod instruments as well. It has what it takes to maintain the natural sound of your instrument, but when it comes to installation, it is recommended for it to be made by a professional. So, if you don’t have experience with installing pickups, you may want to get some help with this one.
4) SUNYIN Transducer Acoustic Guitar Pickup
Are you looking for a versatile and easy-to-use pickup for your banjo? You may want to check this product out, as it appears to be more than promising. You can adjust the volume redeemed by your instrument depending on your needs and acoustics of the place where you perform.
This way, you avoid delivering noisy performances. The installation is extremely simple and quick, with the help of an adhesive back. Just apply the pickup near the hole of the instrument and that’s about it.
Your banjo won’t get damaged or scratched, no matter how often you plan to use this system. It is small, easy to carry around, and will offer amazing acoustics each time. It will keep environmental noises away and will capture only the sounds produced by your instrument.
5) Luvay Acoustic Guitar Pickup, Piezo Contact Microphone Transducer
This particular pickup works with most string instruments, so if you have more than just a banjo in your collection, you can use one single solution to amplify the sounds of all. Thus, by choosing this particular product, all you need to do is mount and dismount the pickup system according to your preferences and make all your favorite instruments sound louder.
The installation process is very simple and it just requires some self-adhesive tape, so that the pickup’s sensor is mounted next to the hole of the instrument. You will receive 4 stickers that will fit the size of the pickup, so you can mount it and try it on as soon as it arrives. Then just plug in the jack to your preferred system and enjoy the clear and crisp sound your instrument can produce.
6) K&K Banjo Twin Pickup
Are you not a fan of carrying batteries in your banjo’s gig case? Then you should know that this particular banjo pickup does not need any to function. It is based on a passive system, which means that you are saved from purchasing and owning batteries at all times.
For an exceptional sound, the system uses a stereo jack, with internal and external mounting options. But, even so, you should not worry about getting it installed right. This is a very straightforward operation that will only take a few minutes to complete.
Equipped with self-adhesive fasteners, you won’t have to drill holes into your instruments to fit the pickup system. Just stick it on in the right places and you are good to go.
7) Gold Tone SMP+ Sliding Magnetic Pickup for Banjo
This particular banjo pickup is a very discreet presence and it can be installed in a very convenient manner, without altering the head of your instrument in any way. So, there’s no need to cut holes in the rim or solder the system in order to enjoy its features.
The product can be adjusted in such a manner that it will not even touch the head of the instrument. You will receive everything you need for its installation in the package, so you don’t need any additional elements to start using the pickup. Just position it correctly, take a few minutes to set everything in place, including the wires, and you are good to go.
8) EMG ACB-5 Active 5-String Banjo Pickup
If you already know your way around the banjo, it is worth mentioning that this is the kind of product is made to suit the needs of pros. So, if you want a reliable product, this one will definitely have what it takes to deliver exceptional results.
It will redeem the instrument’s natural tone, for an enjoyable and pleasant playing experience each time. While this is a magnetic pickup system, you will find a quality that is usually not met among this type of products.
An acoustic chamber is created by setting the coils apart. This is what makes the system work so well and provide unaltered sounds for your instrument. Thus, your performance will be noise-free and exceptional each time you will use this banjo pickup system.
9) Schatten BJ-02M Banjo Pickup w/Microphone and Mini-Pre 2 Dual Channel Preamp
The manufacturing company promises a new generation banjo pickup that is supposed to deliver a sound quality that was not possible with previous pickup models.
Apparently, they found the ideal recipe with the help of a condenser mic, made to be mounted on the inside, and the famous Schatten banjo pickup sensor, model BJ-02. The system will not alter the way your instrument sounds, as it will only amplify its sounds while preserving its specific sounds.
The installation is simple and non-invasive, so it is up to you when to use the pickup or not. You will find everything you need in the package, which also means the proper mounting system, so you just need to put the pickup in position and enjoy.
10) L.R. Baggs Banjo Pickup
This banjo pickup is marketed as being very sensitive, due to the maple bridge it arrives with. This special bright is made to sense even the smallest vibrations of the instrument, for an outstanding performance each time you use the pickup. The system is extremely easy to install and is made to fit any kind of instrument.
The jack of this banjo pickup is entirely customized and the mounting system is simple yet very effective and reliable. Once you install the pickup on your banjo, you can be sure that it will stay there until you’re done with your performance. You will be surprised to see that this system will not alter the acoustic properties of your instrument, for an enjoyable experience each time.
11) RESONATOR BANJO PICKUP with FLEXIBLE MICRO-GOOSE NECK by Myers Pickups
In case you are looking for a versatile pickup system, this particular product can deliver the features and qualities you desire. It features a gooseneck you can adjust according to the size and shape of your instrument so that only the sounds produced by the instrument are captured by the pickup.
The product will come with everything it needs in the box. Just take it down, install it, plug the jack, and enjoy an improved performance right away. Even the battery required to operate the system is included in the package.
Other features can be the volume knob covered in soft rubber and powered active preamp. The product is made in the USA, so you can be sure that you will receive a high-quality item. It is definitely taking it into consideration if you are playing several instruments, not just a banjo.
12) Imelod Contact Microphone Piezo Pickup
Would you like to use a pickup that is capable of capturing the sounds made by the instrument alone? According to the statements of the manufacturer, this pickup system is capable of filtering the sounds coming from the background, so it will only redeem the sounds produced by the instrument. This means that your performance will be pristine and you will enjoy the music made by your banjo without any alterations.
When a pickup system utilizes a microphone, if the quality of the system is poor, there are chances for the mic to redeem background noises as well. This will not happen in the case of this pickup. You can install it with the help of self-adhesive velcro and double-sided tape.
Also, the size of the pickup is very small, so it will easily fit in any pocket, allowing you to have it around at all times.
Choosing the Best Pickups for Banjo
There are quite a few options when it comes to finding the ideal pickup for your banjo. Some are designed to be simple and light, while others are a bit more complex and may require the assistance of professionals, especially when it comes to their installation. This is why you need to know what you are looking for and how often will you need the sounds of your instrument amplified.
In case you are still a beginner and will only need to use this kind of system in an occasional manner, a small and easy-to-install product will definitely help out. But, in case you already acquired some experience in playing the banjo and you have often performances in public places, a more reliable pickup system will be required in this case. So, have these aspects in mind when choosing your banjo pickup. This way you won’t overspend and will enjoy a product suitable for your needs.