Best Guitar Pickups & Pickup Covers of 2026

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Guitar pickups and pickup covers are essential components of any guitar. Pickups are responsible for converting the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal, which is then amplified through the guitar's amplifier. They come in a variety of types, such as single-coil, humbucker, and P90, each with its unique sound characteristics. Pickup covers, on the other hand, are used to protect the pickups from damage and to enhance the guitar's aesthetic appeal. They come in different materials, such as plastic, metal, and wood, and can be customized to match the guitar's color and style. Overall, guitar pickups and pickup covers are crucial elements of any guitar setup, and choosing the right ones can greatly impact the instrument's sound and appearance.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup Cover #TOP 1
AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Seymour Duncan SA-3SC Acoustic Pickup Cover #TOP 2
Seymour Duncan SA-3SC Acoustic Pickup
ftb score rating icon 9.7
K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup Cover #TOP 3
K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Guitar Pickups & Pickup Covers

#TOP 1

AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup

NEO-SP30
Quick-Connect
AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup Cover
AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup with Rare Earth Neodymium Magnet for Steel String Acoustic Guitars – Single Coil, Passive, Battery-Free, Clear & Balanced Acoustic Tone

The AMUMU SP30 Woody Magnetic Soundhole Pickup is a passive pickup designed for steel-string acoustic guitars. It is compatible with soundholes ranging from 3.88” to 3.94” in diameter. The pickup features a rare earth neodymium magnet and handwound copper coil, enclosed in a solid beechwood housing, which delivers better transmission of acoustic vibrations with super string balance and pure acoustic clarity. It comes with a studio-grade audio cable that ensures a lossless transmission. The installation is quick and easy, with no drilling required. However, it is not compatible with nylon guitar strings or 3/4-size guitars like Taylor Baby or Little Martin series.

What We Like
Easy and quick installation without drilling
Superb string balance and pure acoustic clarity
Customized rare earth neodymium magnet and handwound copper coil
#TOP 2

Seymour Duncan SA-3SC Acoustic Pickup

1150030
maple
Seymour Duncan SA-3SC Acoustic Pickup Cover
Seymour Duncan SA-3SC Woody SC Acoustic Soundhole Pickup - Magnetic Single Coil Pickup for Standard Steel String Acoustic Guitars - Maple

The Seymour Duncan Acoustic Pickup is designed to elevate your guitar playing experience. With its ability to capture bright and vibrant tones, you can enjoy clear sound whether you strum or play fingerstyle. The single coil design enhances treble brilliance, adding a beautiful chime to your music. Installation is a breeze; simply mount it in your soundhole without altering your guitar. Plus, the included 14-foot low capacitance cable allows you to connect to amps or PA systems, ensuring studio-quality sound wherever you play.

What We Like
Crisp sound quality
Easy installation
Versatile connectivity
Enhanced treble response
#TOP 3

K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup

PURE MINI
black
K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup Cover
K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup

The K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup features a three transducer pickup system designed for steel string guitars. It comes pre-wired and requires no soldering, making it easy to install. Additionally, it has a high output and does not require a battery, providing convenient and reliable performance. The pickup also includes a 1/4" endpin jack.

What We Like
Easy to install with pre-wiring and no soldering required
High output and no battery needed for reliable performance
Includes a 1/4" endpin jack
#TOP 4

Ogdni 5 Band Acoustic Guitar Preamp EQ

USHAO82
TEQ5
Ogdni 5 Band Acoustic Guitar Preamp EQ Cover
Ogdni 5 Band Acoustic Guitar Preamp EQ Equalizer Pickup Acoustic Guitar Amplifier Digital Chromatia Tuner Piezo Pickup for Acoustic Guitar Accessory

The Ogdni Acoustic Guitar EQ is designed to enhance your guitar's sound with its professional 5-band equalizer, allowing you to adjust bass, middle, treble, presence, brilliance, and volume to suit your playing style. It includes a built-in digital chromatic tuner with an easy-to-read LCD, helping you keep your guitar perfectly in tune. Powered by a 9V battery (not included) with a low battery indicator, it ensures you won't be caught off guard during performances. Installation is simple, as the package comes with everything you need, including a pickup line, mounting screws, a sticky plate, and cable ties, making it a convenient upgrade for your acoustic or classic guitar.

What We Like
5-band equalizer controls
Built-in digital tuner
Low battery indicator
Easy installation kit
Battery-powered operation
#TOP 5

AMUMU SP30WN Walnut Soundhole Pickup

SP30WN
AMUMU SP30WN Walnut Soundhole Pickup Cover
AMUMU SP30WN Walnut Woody Soundhole Pickup with Neodymium Magnet for Acoustic Guitars – Single Coil, Passive, Battery-Free, Clear & Balanced Acoustic Tone

The AMUMU Soundhole Pickup offers a clear and balanced sound, enhancing your acoustic guitar's natural tone. With a custom neodymium magnet and oxygen-free copper coil, you can enjoy low noise and bright audio, perfect for performances or recordings. This pickup is designed for steel-string acoustic guitars with specific soundhole sizes, ensuring compatibility. Its walnut housing improves vibration transmission, providing a rich, authentic acoustic sound. Additionally, you can easily install it without any drilling, and the battery-free design allows for simple plug-and-play use, making it convenient for musicians on the go.

What We Like
Clear and balanced audio
Easy installation
Battery-free operation
Compatible with various guitars
#TOP 6

GOGHOST Clip-On Steel-String Guitar Pickup

779283094647
KQ-3
GOGHOST Clip-On Steel-String Guitar Pickup Cover
GOGHOST Clip-On Guitar Pickup for Steel-String (Not for Classical) Acoustic Guitar Pickups for 38-42 in Electric Pick Up Transducer Amplifier, Cable Length 10ft

The GOGHOST Clip-On Pickup offers a compact design that won’t get in your way, while its long 10-foot cable gives you the freedom to connect to your amp or speaker without rearranging your setup. You don’t need any batteries or permanent changes to your guitar, so you can turn your acoustic into an amplified instrument instantly and hassle-free. Installation is quick and simple—just clip it into your guitar’s soundhole and connect it, and you’re ready to play. The soft padded clip also protects your guitar’s finish, making this pickup a convenient and safe choice for steel-string acoustic players.

What We Like
Compact design
Long 10-foot cable
No batteries needed
Quick, easy installation
Soft padded clip
#TOP 7

Amumu Bountiful Acoustic Guitar Piezo Pickup

BOUNTIFUL
BOUNTIFUL
Amumu Bountiful Acoustic Guitar Piezo Pickup Cover
AMUMU BOUNTIFUL Acoustic Guitar Pickup Contact Microphone Piezo Transducer

The Amumu Bountiful Pickup is a passive, high-impedance piezo contact microphone designed for steel string acoustic guitars. Before installing it with superglue, you can easily test the sound to ensure it works properly, saving you from installation mistakes. This pickup doesn’t need a battery, so you won’t have to worry about power or replacements. It features three hand-wired transducers that connect through a 1/4” end-pin jack, making setup simple with no soldering required. The pickup captures the natural, warm, and clear tone of your guitar by sensing vibrations directly from the soundboard, and it ignores unwanted air vibrations for pure sound quality.

What We Like
Battery-free operation
Easy pre-installation sound test
No soldering needed
Natural, uncolored sound
Insensitive to air vibrations
#TOP 8

Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup by SUNYIN

SY-X2
Black
Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup by SUNYIN Cover
Wireless Acoustic Guitar Pickup Rechargable Magnetic And Microphone Soundhole Pickup For Acoustic Guitar Build-In Volume Control(Black)

The SUNYIN Wireless Guitar Pickup offers a 100-foot wireless transmission distance, allowing you to perform freely without being tethered. It features a dual pickup system that combines a magnetic pickup with a built-in microphone, enhancing the clarity and detail of your guitar's sound. You’ll appreciate the independent volume controls, which let you adjust your guitar and microphone levels separately for optimal sound. Additionally, its long-lasting rechargeable battery ensures up to 8 hours of wireless use, so you can focus on your performance without worrying about power issues.

What We Like
Long wireless range
Independent volume controls
Rechargeable battery
Versatile pickup system
#TOP 9

KNA NG-2 Nylon String Guitar Pickup

KNA
NG-2
Natural
KNA NG-2 Nylon String Guitar Pickup Cover
KNA NG-2 Portable Piezo Nylon String Classical Flamenco Guitar Pickup – Natural Acoustic Tone, Lightweight, Detachable, Onboard Volume Control, Passive No Battery Required, Easy Installation

The KNA NG-2 Guitar Pickup offers a clear and rich sound that stays true to your nylon-string guitar’s natural tone, making it perfect for both stage and studio use. Its lightweight sensor, crafted with wood, not only boosts sensitivity but also looks great on your instrument. You can easily control the volume directly on the pickup, giving you quick adjustments without hassle. Installation is simple and secure, so you won’t need to alter your guitar, preserving its original condition. This makes the KNA NG-2 a convenient and user-friendly choice for any classical or flamenco guitarist.

What We Like
Natural sound quality
Lightweight wood sensor
Onboard volume control
Easy, secure installation
Battery-free design
#TOP 10

KNA UP-2 Piezo Pickup

KNA
KNA UP-2
Natural
UP-2
KNA UP-2 Piezo Pickup Cover
KNA UP-2 Universal Stick-On Piezo Pickup – Natural Acoustic Tone for Guitar, Uke, Drums, Percussion, Volume Control, No-Battery, No-Mod Installation, Compatible with Nearly All Acoustic Instruments

The KNA UP-2 Pickup is a surface-mount piezo pickup designed for acoustic instruments, allowing you to amplify your sound naturally without altering your instrument. Its lightweight, wood-encased sensor housing ensures durability while maintaining an elegant look. You can easily control your volume on stage thanks to the built-in mini potentiometer, giving you the freedom to adjust your sound as needed. Additionally, it comes with a detachable 8-foot cable, making setup and teardown a breeze. The non-abrasive adhesive putty included ensures easy installation without damaging your instrument.

What We Like
Natural sound amplification
Easy volume control
Lightweight and durable design
Simple installation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do guitar pickup covers affect sound?

Yes, guitar pickup covers can have a minor impact on your tone. They can reduce extra noise and dampen some high-end frequencies. For some people, this can be considered beneficial, but overall, the effect on sound is trivial and not a major concern.

2. Should I cover my pickups?

The main purpose of pickup covers is protection. They help prevent damage to the coils of the magnet. Damaging the coil can be expensive to repair, so it's recommended to cover your pickups to ensure their longevity and avoid potential repair costs.

3. What is the benefit of pickup covers?

One of the benefits of pickup covers is protection from environmental damage. They also provide some electromagnetic interference (EMI) rejection for single-coil pickups. Whether you're playing in the garage or on stage, pickup covers can help protect your pickups from harm.

4. Can I put covers on my humbuckers?

Yes, you can put covers on your humbuckers. Make sure you have the right size cover that fits snugly over the pickup and allows the pole pieces to fit through the holes. It's important to ensure a good fit before proceeding.

5. Do humbuckers sound better without covers?

Uncovered humbuckers tend to sound brighter and more open compared to covered humbuckers. The presence of plastic or wood covers can have a minor effect on tonal properties. However, the difference in sound is relatively subtle and may not be a significant factor for everyone.

6. Should I take the covers off my humbuckers?

Removing the covers from humbuckers can make your guitar sound brighter and more lively. However, it's important to note that doing so may void your warranty if you have one, so consider this before making any modifications.

7. Do pickups get weaker over time?

Guitar pickups generally last around five years before the sound quality starts to deteriorate. Single coil pickups age slower than humbucker pickups. Active pickups, which have a higher output, tend to deteriorate faster. Older pickups may sound weaker, quieter, and flatter compared to when they were new.

8. Should pickups be close to strings?

The distance between the pickups and the strings affects the signal strength sent to the amplifier. The closer the pickup is to the strings, the stronger the signal. However, bringing the pickup closer also brings the magnetic field closer, which can have an impact on the tone and overall sound.

9. What is the difference between covered and not covered pickups?

The main difference between covered and uncovered pickups is the tonal properties. Uncovered pickups tend to sound brighter and more open, while covered pickups can have a slightly different tonal character due to the presence of plastic or wood covers. However, the impact on sound is relatively minor, and other factors such as the magnet, coil, and physical properties also play a role in the overall tone.

Editor's Notes

During our guitar pickups & pickup cover research, we found 24 guitar pickups & pickup cover products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 16,443 customer reviews through our big data system to write the guitar pickups & pickup covers list. We found that most customers choose guitar pickups & pickup covers with an average price of $27.29.

The guitar pickups & pickup covers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of guitar pickups & pickup covers, including Amumu, Seymour Duncan, K&K Sound, Ogdni, GOGHOST. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 53 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.