A pickup is a method of converting the sound an instrument makes in the air to an electric signal so that it can be amplified. If you perform to a crowd with a ukulele, you must consider how you will broadcast your instrument through an amplifier or a PA system. For acoustic instruments like a ukulele, these aren’t always built-in. Though some ukuleles come with a pickup installed, most do not, so you have to install them separately.
Budget Ukulele Pickups
Adaline Ukulele Pickup
Pros: This budget transducer is convenient when you’re on the go. With a simple installation process, this is the perfect option if you want your instrument to stay versatile.
Cons: Placement matters. Experts recommend placing your pickup between the sound hole and the bridge, right below the A string.
TraderPlus 2Pcs Piezo Contact Microphone Pickup
Pros: Lightweight, easy to install, and temporary, this two-pack of exterior contact microphones provides an easy way to hook a ukulele up to an amplifier.
Cons: As with all exterior contact microphones, placement is very important. These are budget models, so they sometimes break under stress. The self-adhesive might need to be upgraded, but you can easily secure your pickup with gaffer tape.
Mid-Range Ukulele Pickups
KNA UK-1 Detachable Pickup
Pros: It’s hard to find a detachable under saddle transducer. This little gem goes right under the strings, stays put, and comes off easily.
Cons: Some reviews note you can break this pickup with super vigorous playing. If you play metal on your uke, best to pass.
K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Pickup
Pros: This is a transducer-only system, but it doesn’t struggle with some drawbacks that foregoing batteries sometimes create. Beautiful sound pleases very discerning ears. You cannot beat the sound quality and simplicity of this unit.
Cons: This passive pickup needs permanent installation, which may require a trip to the shop. This pickup is primarily for acoustic guitars, so it isn’t ukulele specific, but it works well for ukes.
High-End Ukulele Pickups
LR Baggs Five.O Uke Pickup
Pros: LR Baggs builds a nice, high-quality pickup. A lithium battery augments this system to ensure your instrument has all the headroom it needs.
Cons: This UST will be a permanent fixture on your uke. It is an investment in future performances, but not everyone is ready to make this commitment.
Fishman Matrix Infinity Mic Blend Acoustic Pickup
Pros: Fishman is a reliable and solid name. It’s an under saddle pickup with variable settings so that it will fit your Gibson or your Martin. Precise volume and tone controls give you the extra customization passive pickups lack.
Cons: It’s an investment and a permanent alteration to your ukulele. Best to have an extra 9V battery on hand, as this unit eats them.
Our Pick
LR Baggs Five.O Uke Pickup
The reliable sound, ease of permanent installation, unobtrusive design, and customization options make LR Baggs Five.O UST the winner of our seed spitting contest for the day.
Ukulele with Pickup Pre-Installed
Some Ukuleles are made with pickups pre-installed so that you’re ready to play for the crowd on day 1. It’s much easier to install a device inside the body of an instrument before you’ve finished making it while you have easy access. It costs less to install the same device during manufacturing than aftermarket.
What Are Ukulele Pickups Made From?
Piezo pickups are the most popular material for acoustic instrument pickups. Converting a sound produced by a nylon string into an electrical signal is a technological challenge without a magnet and steel strings. Piezo is a unique material because it does not require a magnet to convert vibrations into an electric signal, making it a perfect choice for a ukulele pickup.
What Are the Types of Ukulele Pickups?
Under Saddle Transducer (UST)– As the name suggests, this one sits just under the saddle and captures the sound when the strings press down on it. USTs require screws to install and so are usually permanent.
Soundboard Transducer (SBT)– This little dot usually sticks to the interior and is accessed via a pickup jack, but a non-permanent SBT can also be attached to the exterior of the body to get loud temporarily. SBTs are prone to picking up other vibrations, so practice and careful placement are critical.
Microphone– Many veteran ukulele players prefer a good old-fashioned microphone. Though it’s tricky to do without feedback, a ukulele amplified after its full, rich sound hits the air sounds best.
Should I Get a Permanent Pickup Installed on My Ukulele?
It’s nice to add powers to your equipment, but it’s important to think through anything that changes your instrument forever. Pickups are relatively small additions to your instrument’s exterior. In terms of do-it-yourself jobs, it’s not difficult to install a permanent pickup on your ukulele. However, if you’re unsure, best to be safe and take your uke to the pros to install a permanent pickup.
Why Does My Ukulele Pickup Need a Battery?
A battery expands the amount of signal your pickup can feed to your amplifier, creating a more sophisticated sound. Some pickups include a battery, whereas others do not. Pickups without batteries are called “passive” pickups. More complicated and higher-end ukulele pickups are more likely to be “active” pickups and need batteries.