Best
Budget
Option
-
Overall: Know for its discreet, low-profile design
-
Best Feature: Effortless installation via a cork-lined clamp
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best
Overall Violin Pickup
-
Overall: Known for a highly selective miniature sensor that is epoxy-embedded in the bridge.
-
Best Feature: Ideal for both recording and live use
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Professional Pickup
for Professionals
Professional
Violin Pickup A Piezo Ceramic Pickup!
-
Overall: Designed to be Lightweight To Minimise Muting
-
Best Feature: Easy and Effortless Installation
-
TedScore™: 8.7/10
You’re looking for the best violin pickup out there, right? Or else, you wouldn’t be reading this now if you’re not!
I understand the feeling of being overwhelmed by the hundreds of choices for violin pickups; does it have to be a piezo pickup, some bridge-mounted pickups, or removable pickups?
The moment you thought you found the one suited for you, you encountered another option that was also right for you.
And the cycle continues until you’ve lost track of the time trying to figure out which one to buy.
I’ve been there and have done that!
As a violinist, I love the L.R. Baggs Violin Bridge Pickup because it doesn’t have a sky-high price, but still, it perfectly delivers what I want in a violin pickup (easy to use and high-quality!).
But don’t worry! I have other great violin pickup recommendations for you.
In this article, I have listed my top stringed instrument pickups tested and proven to be one of the best violin pickups.
Understanding
Violin Pickups
Before we review my recommendations, let’s briefly talk about how violin pickups work.
Think of a violin pickup as a mini translator. Its job is to turn those lush string vibrations from your violin strings into an electrical signal your amp understands.
Now, there are a few varieties of pickups, each with its own special flavor.
Piezo pickups
First up, we’ve got piezo pickups. Piezo-ceramic materials are the secret sauce here, responding diligently to the pressure of your string’s movements.
Piezoelectricity is that cool scientific principle at play, letting your violin notes convert into something the electronic world can amplify.
Then, we have contact microphones, often nestled snugly on the violin’s body, picking up the sound right from the source.
Magnetic Pickups
Heading over to another category, magnetic pickups are the rockstars typically seen on electric guitars.
But guess what? They’re not as common in violins because they need metallic strings to work their magic (Something good to know, right?).
Soooo, when choosing your pickup for violin, it’s like selecting the perfect bow. You’ve got to consider your playing style and the sound you’re dreaming of.
Just imagine what type of pickup will best capture the true essence of your musical voice. I recommend playing around with a few types to discover which resonates with you the most. Happy electrifying!
Selection Criteria
So, how do I select which violin pickup is right for my playing style?
I always keep two crucial factors at the forefront: sound quality and ease of use. These make or break my playing experience and ensure I sound my best during a performance.
Sound Quality
I look for a pickup that preserves my violin’s natural acoustic sound. It’s key for me that the produced sound is as close as possible to an unamplified acoustic violin.
Microphones can sometimes alter the tone, so options that offer clarity and consistency top my list.
I favor pickups that provide a balanced sound across all strings without favoring any frequency over another.
Ease of Use
I appreciate a pickup that’s easy, like a breeze, to install. If I can set it up quickly, without reaching for tools or a manual, it’s a winner in my book!
A great pickup should also seamlessly integrate with my violin without needing permanent modifications.
It should be adjustable so that I can find the sweet spot for the best sound quality with minimal effort.
Top Picks by Category
After laying down everything you need to know about violin pickups, here’s a breakdown of my top picks.
May you find the perfect match for your violin and budget!
Best Overall
LR Baggs Violin Pickup
I’ve found the LR Baggs Violin Pickup to be an excellent choice for most violinists.
It delivers a rich, authentic sound that doesn’t compromise the instrument’s natural tone quality. Priced moderately, it’s a high-quality pickup that balances cost and performance brilliantly.
L.R. Baggs Violin Bridge Pick-Up with External Jack Mount
FEATURES: Known for a highly selective miniature sensor that is epoxy-embedded in the bridge.
OTHER INFO: Ideal for both recording and live use
- The sensor is designed to reject extraneous string and body noise
- High feedback resistance
- Comes with an external jack mount
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Budget Option
KNA VV-3 Portable Piezo Violin/Viola Pickup
The KNA VV-3 Portable Piezo Violin/Viola Pickup is my go-to recommendation for those on a tight budget.
It’s incredibly affordable and easy to install, which makes it appealing for students or casual players. While affordable, it still offers a reliable performance that’s pretty tough to beat at this price point.
KNA VV-3 Portable Piezo Violin/Viola Pickup - Ebony
FEATURES: Know for its discreet, low-profile design
OTHER INFO: Effortless installation via a cork-lined clamp
- Excellent in capturing the nuanced variances of the violin and viola
- The passive design works flawlessly with PAs, amplifiers, and recording consoles
- Has natural-sounding reproduction with zero modification to your instrument
- None
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best for Professionals
Fishman V-200 Professional Violin Pickups
Now, if you’re a professional looking for a top-notch choice, the Fishman V-200 is where it’s at.
It’s designed for violinists who demand the best in terms of clarity and sound reproduction. Yes, it comes with a heftier price tag, but it’s worth every penny for a pro’s needs.
Fishman V-200 Professional Violin Pickups
FEATURES: Designed to be Lightweight To Minimise Muting
OTHER INFO: Easy and Effortless Installation
- Carpenter style, 1.4" Jack Mounts On the Side Of the Violin
- Easy installation with no alteration needed
- An impedance-matching preamp is recommended but not required!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Popular Brands and Models
Aside from the recommended violin pickups above, I’ve come across a few standout brands that speak to the soul of my violin.
Let’s look at what makes each one special and why they’ve become one of my favorites (among other musicians, too!).
Fishman
Fishman V-200 Classic Series Violin Pickup
This is a champ for delivering a warm and natural tone. It conveniently clips onto the bridge without any alteration to the instrument; plus, the V-200 doesn’t require a preamp.
The Fishman brand has built a stellar reputation for quality in the music world.
Fishman V-200 Classic Series Violin Pickup
FEATURES: Lightweight design that minimizes alteration to the instrument's balance
OTHER INFO: Easy installation with no alteration necessary to the violin
- Non-invasive installation preserves the integrity and aesthetics of the instrument
- The clip-on feature for easy removal - is convenient for violinists who switch between acoustic and amplified performances
- No batteries required
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Headway
Headway The Band Violin Pickup System
Headway also offers ‘The Band,’ a removable pickup part that wraps around the violin’s body, providing a balanced tone without the complicated installation.
It’s a breeze to use and beautifully highlights my violin’s character.
Headway The Band2 Violin Pickups
FEATURES: Stress-free passive pickup designed specifically for the violin
OTHER INFO: Uses easy-to-use hook-and-loop fastener for fast attachment
- Can pair with acoustic amplifiers with stellar results
- Has outstanding gain before feedback when compared to microphones
- Does not require batteries because of its passive pickup design
- The external nature of the pickup might not be visually appealing to all violinists
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Schertler
Schertler STAT-V-Set
This little gem reproduces detailed sound by clamping snugly onto the violin’s bridge. It’s a no-brainer for violinists wanting a dependable, transparent, amplified sound.
Schertler STAT-V-Set
FEATURES: Capable of wide dynamic range and high linearity
OTHER INFO: An electrostatic bridge-mounted transducer providing natural sounds
- Includes a preamp with volume control and 1/4 inch output
- Made by experts in Switzerland - a Swiss quality
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
LR Baggs Pickup
LR Baggs Violin Pickups
LR Baggs violin pickup is esteemed among violinists for its high fidelity and ease of use. It’s a solid choice for my fellow musicians looking to amplify their sound with minimal coloration.
L.R. Baggs Violin Bridge Pick Up Non-Terminated
FEATURES: The Superior Despiau "Two Tree" maple bridge
OTHER INFO: Designed to have a transducer rejects any impulse directed to the plane of the bridge
- It has a high feedback resistance
- Balanced Frequency Response
- It comes with a non-terminated cable
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
KNA Pickups Showcase
KNA VV-Wi Portable Piezo Violin/Viola Pickup - Wireless or Wired
In the KNA corner, we have the VV-Wi, a standout for its wooden encased piezo that delivers a rich, acoustic tone. I love that it’s detachable and doesn’t mess with my violin’s acoustics when unplugged.
KNA VV-Wi Portable Piezo Violin/Viola Pickup
FEATURES: Rich passive piezo electronics design
OTHER INFO: Created to have a powerful UHF transmitter with low-latency and anti-interference build for wireless play
- It has a Lightweight detachable design
- Capable of Onboard volume control
- Cork-padded adjustable clamp legs and soft suede cushioning
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Myers
Myers Pickups 'The Feather' Violin Pickup
Another worth mentioning is Myers Pickups‘ ‘The Feather.’ A pickup so light and unobtrusive, it feels like it’s barely there. It captures the soul of my violin’s voice with a downright inspiring ease.
Myers Pickups 'The Feather' Violin Pickup
FEATURES: Equipped with internally powered active preamp
OTHER INFO: No need for permanent installation or modifications on your violin
- Includes a preinstalled Lithium battery power source
- Has Myers Micro Windshield
- It comes with a microphone cable for connecting the microphone to the preamplifier
- No Cons at all
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Shadow
Shadow SH945 NFX-V Violin Pickup
I’ve tried using the Shadow SH945 NFX-V Violin Pickup for my live performances, and it’s been a game-changer with its clear, natural sound and easy installation.
The integrated volume and tone controls allow for quick adjustments on stage, which is incredibly convenient.
Plus, the fact that it doesn’t require any modifications to my violin is a huge plus for preserving the instrument’s integrity.
Shadow SH945 NFX-V Violin Pickup
FEATURES: Nanoflex pickup sensor technology for natural acoustic tone
OTHER INFO: Preamp with volume and tone control mounted on the chin rest
- Onboard volume and tone controls
- Easy to install and remove
- Ensures high-quality sound reproduction
- Placement of the preamp controls may affect the comfort of the violinist
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Amplification and Accessories
With years of experience, I know that the wonders of amplification and the right accessories can make all the difference for my violin.
Check out these accessories that’ll take your playing to the next level!
Preamps
My electric violin absolutely sings when I hook it up to a quality preamp.
I consider it a must-have because it fine-tunes the signal before it reaches the amplifier, giving me control over my sound’s tone and volume.
The active preamp is a game-changer for acoustic-electric violins, ensuring the instrument’s natural nuances aren’t lost despite the electrified boost.
I’ve noticed that preamps come in many shapes and sizes, from pedal-style that fits neatly into my pedalboard to clip-ons that attach directly to my violin.
The key is finding one that complements my instrument’s unique voice!
Schatten Design Mini Pre Acoustic Preamp
FEATURES: A single-channel preamp tailored for acoustic instruments
OTHER INFO: Designed to have high input impedance to accommodate a variety of pickups
- The compact, small size makes it very portable and unobtrusive on stage
- Having a phase switch can be very effective in controlling feedback in live settings
- Limited EQ controls may not satisfy musicians who desire detailed tone-shaping
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Amplifiers
An amplifier, of course, is that magical box that brings my violin’s melody to the ears of my audience with clarity and oomph.
For solo practice at home, I use a compact practice amp. It’s loud, and I love how easy it is to move around.
When it’s showtime, however, I rely on a more powerful stage amp or PA system to fill the room with my music.
I always look for amplifiers with a flat response curve—they faithfully reproduce the sound of my acoustic-electric violin without adding unwanted coloration.
Yamaha THR10 II Wireless 2x3" 20-watt Modeling Combo Amp
FEATURES: High-end-sounding modulation effects, echoes, and reverbs for polishing your performance
OTHER INFO: Yamaha's Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM) technology delivers outstanding realistic sound and feel
- Runs on a supplied AC adapter or rechargeable battery (up to 6 hours!)
- It comes with Bluetooth support for streaming audio and preset editing via Yamaha’s THR Remote app
- Built-in USB connection provides two channels of recording to your computer and two channels of playback from your computer
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Installation and Maintenance
I’m here to ensure you get the most out of your violin by guiding you through the nitty-gritty of installing and maintaining a pickup.
Installing Your Pickup
I’ve always found that a great pickup installation starts with deciding between a permanent fixture or a removable option.
Removable violin pickups are fantastic if you like the flexibility to swap between amplified and natural sound without much fuss.
Permanent violin pickups require more commitment and sometimes a bit of modification to your violin, which some luthiers can do easily.
To ensure I don’t alter the sound of my instrument, I trust a professional luthier to handle any drilling or changes to the body of my violin. This is crucial if I want to maintain its integrity and sound quality.
Maintaining Your Pickup
Once my pickup is in place, keeping it in top shape is pretty straightforward. I make it a point to regularly check the connection points and the cable for any signs of wear and tear.
This small act can prevent a big heartache during a performance.
I also gently clean the pickup with a dry cloth to avoid any buildup of rosin dust.
Just like I care for my violin, I make sure my pickup remains pristine – it’s all part of the exquisite sound experience.
Best Violin Pickup:
Summary!
So, there you have it, my top contenders for violin pickup options!
L.R. Baggs Violin Bridge Pickup stands out with its high-quality, professional sound. It’s easy to install (even though it’s a bridge replacement pickup), making me a sigh of relief!
Fishman V-200 Classic Series Pickup is a true friend to the gigging musician. Its ability to resist feedback is quite impressive.
KNA VV-3 Portable Piezo Violin/Viola Pickup, folks; this little buddy offers a natural sound without breaking the bank. It appeals to me with its simple and discreet mounting.
Top Quality: L.R. Baggs Violin Bridge Pickup
Feedback Resistant: Fishman V-200 Pickup
Budget-Friendly: KNA VV-3 Portable Piezo Violin/Viola Pickup
Remember, every violin and violinist is unique, and the best pickup is the one that meets your personal needs.
Happy pickin’ — and I mean pickups, not strings!
Hold on! Maybe you’re interested in this…
You should know that the best friend and closest companion of a violin electric pickup is an amplifier. Read the next article to find out more about amplifiers for electric violins!
i don’t get why we gotta use these pickups anyway, like isn’t the whole point of playing violin to get that natural sound? adding all these electronic stuff just feels wrong to me, idk. my friend got one of those magnetic pickups and it just sounded so unnatural. maybe it’s just me but i think we’re losing what makes the violin special in the first place.
lr baggs always has solid stuff, good to see them get the top spot here, they deserve it
I found the Fishman V-200 Professional Violin Pickup review quite enlightening. Having used this model for years, I can attest to its quality and durability. It’s always reassuring to see professionals and enthusiasts agree on a product’s excellence. Great roundup, Mark Gibbs!
It’s fairly straightforward, Eliza. The instructions are clear, and there are many helpful tutorials available online.
is it easy to install for someone not techy?
hey, so i was thinking about getting that KNA VV-3 Portable Piezo Pickup cause it seems like a good deal and i don’t wanna spend too much money right off the bat, ya know? but i’m kinda worried it won’t work well with my viola even though it says violin/viola. anyone tried it with a viola? does it catch the deeper tones alright? thanks for the help!