13 Best Violin Pickup Reviews in 2022 and Buying Guide

The violin is generally an acoustic instrument. Most of the time it is played while doing shows with small audiences. For musicians that do bigger shows, though, amplification will most probably be needed. That is where a violin pickup comes in. A violin pickup will amplify a violin’s sound or make a violin sound like an electric violin without decreasing the sound quality. 

A violin pickup is almost needed if you are playing in the company of other persons in a band using musical instruments that are amplified and make louder sounds such as guitars. Although you can use a microphone to perform, it can result in decreased sound quality and can be difficult as well if you want the ability to move around the stage or any other performance place. 
Finding the best violin pickup is tough, particularly when you do not know what to look for. As there are numerous violin pickups on the market, I will discuss the 13 top violin pickups that are available on the market in this article. Here are the 13 best violins pickup that I personally tested and reviewed in this article.

Violin Pickups	Price
1. Multicolor Fishman V-200 Classic Series Professional Violin Pickup	$159.95
2. Headway The Band Violin Pickup System	$189.99
3. The Feather Micro-Gooseneck by Myers  Violin Pickup	$214
4. KNA VV-3 Detachable Passive Piezo Pickup	$89
5. TraderPlus Contact Microphone Pickup	$14.69
6. Cherub WCP-60V  F hole Violin Pickup	$15.70
7. Andoer Clip-on Pickup for Violin	$11.49
8. DZS Elec Cable Free Violin Pickup	$12.99
9. Fishman V-100 Violin Viola Classic Series Pickup	$129.95
10. LR Baggs Violin Pickup with External Jack Mount	$149
11. Mandolin Violin Pickup	$199
12. Violin Pickup Carpenter Jack with Micro-Gooseneck by Myers Pickup	$199
13. Imelod Multi instrumental Pickup	$9.99

Types Of Violin Pickup

The most vital step before purchasing a violin pickup is to know which kind of violin pickup matches your choice. There are 4 kinds of pickups for violin. They are piezo pickup, magnetic pickup, micro-goose pickup, and bridge pickup.

Piezo Pickup

Piezo pickups are the most famous violin pickup that you can find out there in the market. These are the classic pickups for violin that are used nearly all over the world. They offer you various prices and they are quite affordable. Piezo pickups function on the principles of piezoelectricity. 

It signifies the ability of different materials of generating voltage under pressure and transforming the sound tremblings into electronic signals. These pickups are a type of contact microphone that can amplify the sound of the violin in music shows. In addition, these pickups can be utilized for recording the audio. 
I feel piezo pickup sounds are a little too sharp, but the beauty of it’s that you can fix it with EQ. Fascinatingly, piezo pickups can be used in consort with magnetic pickups. They are designed not to detect unsought magnetic fields and have an exceptional sound with a high resistivity output.

Magnetic Pickup

As the name signifies, it’s built by using an enduring magnet and a high-quality copper wire which is used in the shape of numerous turns to cover the magnet. This kind of pickup is generally connected to the violin’s body. Magnetic pickups create sound under the sensitivity to the dynamics along with vibration. These pickups create a clearer and warmer sound.
The magnetic pickups utilize vibration, but not like Piezo pickups. They do not instantly transform the vibration into an amplified sound. Magnetic pickups function via detecting the trembling of the strings, the violin’s body boom, and the dynamics of the playing. Although these pickups are costly, they are favored by expert musicians, violinists, and also by myself.

Micro-goose Pickup

Micro-goose pickups for violin are recognized for reproducing natural sound. These violin pickups conserve the violin’s normal sound and are extremely competent at it. They are essentially small microphones that let you regulate the positions and the sound.
These violin pickups allow you to try out various positions to pick up the best output, as they are omnidirectional. Micro-goose pickups are excellent for flexibility, but not consistency, because you cannot at all times get it in the same position two times.

Bridge Pickup

Bridge violin pickups are extremely convenient. These violin pickups are installed on the Bridge and require permanent installation. Bridge pickups have violin transducers to detect the sounds that are then transformed into signals. These pickups are not very visible, thereby they are good for a delicate look. 
With excellent convenience comes high expense. Bridge pickups are costly and require professionals to be installed. It is required to expend for the violin pickup, the Bridge, and the installation. However, they don’t ruin the normal look of your musical tool.

14 Best Violin Pickup that you can buy

Since technology remains to become more crucial for music and musicians, violin pickups are turning into more of a conventional musical instrument nowadays. If I would have shown somebody playing the violin pickup hundred years ago they would have been perplexed by the technology. 
However, now, it’s a technique to make life simpler. In the below guide, I will discuss 14 of the most purchased, used, and reviewed violin pickups these days. These 14 best violin pickups are used and liked by me, newbie, intermediate, and expert violinists.

Editor’s Choice:

Multicolor Fishman V-200 Classic Series Professional Violin Pickup

This violin pickup is made of piezo-ceramic that is recognized for the rich and warm sound that it offers. It can also deliver clear sound as it won’t detect any magnetic fields. This violin pickup is made by Fishman for expert use.I found  ​​The Fishman Classic Series V-200 Professional Violin Pickup is incredibly lightweight and delivers excellent operational efficiency.

I find it extremely convenient to carry to practice or for concerts. This violin pickup has a ¼ inches output jack on the edges of the musical instrument, which is carpenter-style. This violin pickup can be utilized with all kinds of strings available instruments.
The Fishman Classic Series V-200 Professional Violin Pickup functions better with an amplifier with a resonant frequency, but it isn’t essential. I am using this violin pickup without an amplifier with resonant frequency and finding it to be the most useful. It is a high quality, high demand, high-performance pickup that delivers crisp sound, and for this reason, it is the best violin pickup for professionals.

Pros	Cons
It has a limited capacity to mute.	This violin pickup isn’t wireless
Easy installation with no changes required	In smaller violins, the installation might need expert help
Very lightweight
Works just as nicely with other music tools, ideal for mixing desk

Runner Up

Headway The Band Violin Pickup System

If you are looking for a sturdy, compact violin pickup that is easy to install and remove, then I would recommend this violin pickup. This violin pickup provides easy transferability. It does not need any change to the tool itself. Also, it does not require any batteries to run. Headway The magnetic field pickup technology is included with the Band Violin Pickup.

It is an immediate and passive violin pickup that can completely amplify your violin’s natural sound instinctively and with an expansive dynamic range. This violin pickup features two Velcro straps with hook and loop strings rather than a general clamp or mount. The Velcro straps work as a big rubber band that you can fasten around your musical tool. 

The design of this violin pickup is scarcely delicate on your tool as it moves around the body’s width with the jack output on the top. Headway The Band Violin Pickup is expensive. However, the clearness of sound, sturdiness, and mobility of performance makes it the best violin pickup for intermediate violinists. I found that it functions nicely with violin, viola, ukulele, and guitars.

Pros	Cons
It provides you with an easy electric amplification system	Its velcro straps can wear out gradually
It has a function that allows you to dismiss feedback.	The bulkiness of this violin pickup may not be suitable for conserving the traditional aesthetic of your musical tool.
It has high sound quality and dynamic capabilities
It comes ready to use and is extremely simple to set up.

Best Overall Violin Pickup

The Feather Micro-Gooseneck by Myers  Violin Pickup

The reason for this violin pickup to be called “The Feather” is it’s extremely lightweight. This violin pickup is a removable pickup that doesn’t damage your violin’s natural ebony tone and beauty. Using a subtle omnidirectional violin transducer, this violin pickup amplifies the volume. 

I found this pickup very compact as it can be placed on a multitude of musical tools without alteration or permanent installation. The Feather Violin Pickup by Myers Pickup is an internally powered pickup system that provides a high-quality sound via the active preamp that it contains. 

It also has a power source that’s incorporated with the package, and I can very easily plug it in and get on with my playing. The Feather Violin Pickup by Myers Pickup works just as well with acoustic and electric musical tools. I have used this violin pickup in my all strings instrument.

Pros	Cons
Compatible with maximum wireless systems	This violin pickup doesn’t come with a cable to go from the pack to the amplifier or soundboard.
Extremely lightweight	The numerous mounting options can confuse several consumers
Conserves an acoustic tone and has excellent sound quality
Compatible with nearly every musical tool

KNA VV-3 Detachable Passive Piezo Pickup

The KNA VV-3 Detachable Passive Piezo Pickup is made in Europe. If you want to enjoy a top-quality acoustic sound with improved clearness, accompanied by a simple to install and detach option, then this pickup is the perfect option for you.

This violin pickup links with a ¼ ″ carpenter jack that is cork-lined for extra security. It’s an adjustable cork-lined clamp that has numerous references from professionals. The KNA VV-3 Detachable Passive Piezo Pickup provides you an expert sound without any change of the tool.
sIt did not damage my violin’s varnish, due to the soft cork lining connected to the clamps. This violin pickup is affordable and will last long, that is why this is the best overall violin pickup on my list.

Pros	Cons
It is a detachable violin pickup that can be used permanently too	Some functional issues might happen in this violin pickup
Minimum instrument alteration is needed to install
It’s a lightweight, wood-encased sensor
It has a smooth finish.

Best Violin Pickups on Budget

TraderPlus Contact Microphone Pickup

This is a professional microphone pickup with a 14-inch jack and a 10.6-inch cord. The TraderPlus Contact Microphone Pickup detects noise by being in straight interaction with the noise source. It can remove outside sounds, loud sounds and not catch noise reflection or echoes from the surroundings, providing you with better tonal quality. 

This microphone pickup has inner tape on both edges and Hooks on the back for several mounting choices. The TraderPlus Contact Microphone Pickup can be plugged straight into an amp, or bass amp, and even recording tools for clear and high-quality sounds. 
I have used this microphone pickup in multiple acoustic instruments such as ukulele, mandolin, banjo, violin, guitar, and several other musical tools. This microphone pickup is one of the cheapest among the other pickups on the list, making it the best violin pick-up for beginners.

Pros	Cons
Straightly connected to the instrument panel with sturdy plastic not to damage the musical instrument	This microphone pickup cannot be used with a phone to record sounds within the environment
Easy to install
This microphone pickup can be detached whenever you like, and then you can attach it again
It can remove outer noise and ambient noise

Cherub WCP-60V  F hole Violin Pickup

The Violin Pickup of Cherub WCP-60V  is a passive pickup system and it doesn’t need a battery. It’s compatible with the violin’s f-hole featuring contact microphones that pick up every sound vibration on the surface of your musical tool. 

This violin pickup is fitted with rubber to make sure they do not harm your violin’s construction while also making it simple to take away. The Violin Pickup of Cherub WCP-60V has a plastic build which makes its weight just 0.8 ounces. It’s a traditional ceramic high-end electric pickup that has a one-meter cable to connect to amps or preamps or recorders.

This violin pickup has a feedback rejection attribute that takes care of the background sound or feedback sound. With its reasonable price, it’s ideal for newbie violinists who want to amplify their playing at the house or on a small show. This violin pickup does not have the finest sound quality, making it not good for skilled musicians.

Pros	Cons
Comes at a reasonable price	The polymer plastic clip break over time
It is simple to clip as it clips into the f-hole	Its tone quality doesn’t meet the expert need
It has a function that allows you to dismiss feedback.
Fast installation

Andoer Clip-on Pickup for Violin

The Andoer Clip-on Pickup for Violin has a clip-on design and is extremely simple to install. You need to plug it into the amp or other recording musical instruments to operate it and get a very clear sound. If you are a beginner wanting a violin pickup that operates as a professional violin pickup, then this is the perfect choice for you. 

This violin pickup can remove outer noises and is extremely simple to stay over your violin. The Andoer Clip-on Pickup for Violin detects the sound from your violin’s f-hole and takes it to the amp or other recording tools. It’s very lightweight, and I even carry it in my pocket sometimes. I use this violin pickup on my violin, violas, mandolins, cellos, and guitars. 
This violin pickup goes with a feedback rejection feature. It’s an excellent present for your children. The price range of this violin pickup is extremely reasonable. As a result, you can buy a whole bunch of these violin pickups for the price of just one costly violin pickup. This violin pickup is also included with a ¼ inch cable.

Pros	Cons
It is simple to connect to the violin	The cable of this violin pickup is very flimsy and short
Linked  with a clip-on design that gives stability to the violin pickup
It doesn’t mute the acoustic sound whatsoever
It has a built-in jack output.

DZS Elec Cable Free Violin Pickup

The best feature I have found out in this violin pickup is its clip-on design. The clip-on design makes this violin pickup easy to solidly stay on the violin. It is a professional violin pickup. A 14-inch jack output is included with the DZS Elec Clip-on Violin Pickup. A 2.5-meter cable is also included. To operate it, you only need to plug it into an amplifier or other recording tools, which is extremely easy and convenient. 

The Insert Violin Pickup by DZS Elec gives you a crystal clear sound and it can remove outside noise. Another thing I love about this violin pickup is that it’s extremely small and lightweight. Its weight is only 1.23 ounces. As a result, I can carry it easily anywhere I want. 
This violin pickup can be used in a variety of strings musical instruments are among the instruments available. Its price is also very cheap. As a result, it can be considered as an ideal violin pick-up for beginners. The color of this violin pickup is black.

Pros	Cons
Comes at a very cheap price	The sound quality of this violin pickup is not that good
Extremely lightweight
Easy installation
It can remove outside noise

Alternatives products which you can buy violin

Fishman V-100 Violin Viola Classic Series Pickup

The Fishman Classic Series V-100 Violin Viola Pickup mounts in the wing space of the violin bridge with Fishman’s original Floating Mount technology. It’s a ceramic Piezo pickup. This violin pickup functions better with an amplifier with a resonant frequency, but it isn’t essential. 

I am using this violin pickup without an amplifier with resonant frequency and finding it to be the most useful. A tiny jack that mounts to the tailpiece is included with this violin pickup. The Fishman Classic Series V-100  Violin Viola Pickup also included a 10’, 1/8 inch to ¼ inch cable. 
When paired with an amplifier with a resonant frequency, like the Fishman Platinum Stage, Fishman Platinum Pro EQ, or Fishman Powerjack, the complete prospect of this violin pickup can be understood. I found the installation process to be easy as no alteration is required. But sometimes the installation process does need some soldering.

Pros	Cons
It is lightweight to minimize muting	The price of this violin pickup is a little bit expensive compared to its counterparts
Simple installation with no changes required
A lengthy cable is included.
It is a high-quality ceramic  piezo  pickup

LR Baggs Violin Pickup with External Jack Mount

This is a discreet violin pickup that provides an excellent amplification sound for your violin. However, this violin pickup can’t be installed by everyone. I suggest a luthier be provided the job, as it will require to be trimmed and changed to size. It’s a bridge-style design, so you’re essentially substituting the bridge of your musical tool with this violin pickup. 

The LR Baggs Violin Pickup comes with in-built multidirectional sensors which reproduce the clean sound of your acoustic violin with excellent tune quality. This violin pickup has a short jack output that you can clip to the edge of your violin with a defensive cork casing that safeguards your musical tool. 

However, in order to install the jack, you will need to solder it, which itself is best done by a professional. The LR Baggs Violin Pickup features transducers that refuse ambient noises such as finger noise and feedback, projecting just the applicable musical tone you require. 

There is a professional feel to this violin pickup, and it’s excellent for established violinists who do not want to change to an electric violin. If you want to amplify yourself without needless feedback, it is one of the finest violin pickups that I will recommend.

Pros	Cons
Along with an excellent, multi-directional design	A professional luthier is required to install it on the violin
Extremely subtle and discreet on the violin
It can detect sound from across the violin and deliver a well-rounded violin sound
This violin pickup delivers natural sound without feedback

Mandolin Violin Pickup

The best thing I love about this mandolin pickup is its versatility. It is the smallest active or preamp mandolin pickup on the market these days. The Mandolin Pickup by Myers Pickup is compatible with nearly every musical tool. This mandolin pickup is a powered Pickup that is included with a flexible micro-gooseneck.It has a simple installation procedure.

The whole installation comes in ready, you just need to plug in and play. This mandolin pickup is fitted with an active preamplifier that is powered from within the instrument to create the richest sound possible. The power source of this mandolin pickup is pre-installed and it is included in the package.

The manufacturers cautiously test every mandolin pickup before delivery. Every hardware of this mandolin pickup is included in the package for three mounting options including the new Grip. With its tremendous loudness, the Myers Pickup Mandolin Pickup instantly turns your acoustic or electric instrument into an acoustic or electric instrument.

Pros	Cons
Compatible with nearly every musical tool	The price of this mandolin pickup is a little bit more expensive than some other models
Easy installation with no changes required
It produces a very rich sound
Very lightweight

Violin Pickup Carpenter Jack with Micro-Gooseneck by Myers Pickup

This violin pickup is simple to set up and operate. It’s a small, active, and versatile violin pickup that is an excellent option for your musical instrument. The Violin Pickup Carpenter Jack by Myers Pickup looks like a small black box that goes with a  slim microphone attachment. 

The microphone attachment is compatible with several musical tools. It generates excellent quality, transparent and feedback-free sound. With its micro-gooseneck, you can adjust the violin pickup’s position and select the finest angle. The Violin Pickup Carpenter Jack by Myers Pickup comes up with pre-installed batteries. 

As a result, you can begin at any time you like. I have clipped this violin pickup on the edge of my violin together with the built-in jack output. looking for a versatile and flexible amplifier that is easily adjustable during performance. If you are searching for a versatile and flexible amplifier that is easily adjustable while playing, then I would suggest this violin pickup.

Pros	Cons
Excellent sound quality	Its price is very expensive
It is very subtle
Simple to use and install
This violin pickup has an adjustable micro-gooseneck, making it incredibly versatile.

Imelod Multi instrumental Pickup

This violin pickup operates by contacting the sound source straightly. It will pick up the sound and pass it via to the amp. The Imelod multi usable instrumental pickup has a female socket that can be connected with 6.35 millimeters, ¼″ of an amp, bass amp, or recorder. 

This connection is simpler due to the tape on the receiver end that is placed on both surfaces. It comes with Velcro adhesive on the jack edge. This violin microphone pickup removes nearly every outer sound intrusion and not be affected by sound reflections from adjacent things. The multi-tape does not leave spots on the acoustic tool. 
You also don’t have to drill a hole into your musical tool. The sound waves from the resonating body of the musical instruments are amplified by the Imelod Violin Microphone Pickup. I found it as an appropriate violin microphone pickup on my strings instruments such as – violin, cello, mandolin, guitar, kalimba.

Pros	Cons
It features multi-sided tape and self-adhesive Velcro for several mounting choices	This violin microphone pickup is very sensitive
It has a function that allows you to dismiss feedback.
It delivers the clearest crisp sounds
Simple  to use

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Violin Pickups

Before you purchase a violin pickup, there are some factors to remember to make sure you get the finest option available. Below I will discuss three factors that you need to consider.

Sound Quality

Unless you are doing a lot of experimentation, you are possibly going to buy a violin pickup that delivers a beautiful, natural sound. Several violin pickups require amp or pre-amps, which can change a violin’s sound more. If you are a purist then you might not be satisfied with anything less than a natural-sounding violin pickup. 

However, if you are on a budget or you do not care if the spectator is hearing something a bit different compared to you are, then buying an electric violin pickup that delivers the most natural sound might not be very significant to you.

Installation Process

Several violin pickups are simple to install, but several others are not. The more costly the musical tool is, the less likely you will want to change it. A few violin pickups requirement might be that you drill holes or use adhesive tapes on the outer of your musical tool. 

Usually, violin players do not like that. I feel that the plug-and-play installation process of a violin pickup is better. It signifies fewer difficulties in general and you will possibly get more out of the violin pickup.

Construction

The construction of a violin pickup is a crucial factor to consider in two ways. Firstly, you need a very robust violin pickup. It should not collapse under pressure. Secondly, you require a violin pickup that does not get in the way of your playing. It should be unobtrusive and not hamper your playing in any manner.

Power

There are two kinds of violin pickups. They are active and passive. Active violin pickups need a battery to run and a few active violin pickups come with pre-amps. They don’t require outer shaping and have a higher and better compatible tonal output. Passive violin pickups have magnets and transducers that generate electrical currents. I can just plug in the passive violin pickups and I am good to go.

Position

A few violin pickups are constructed to clip onto bridges. On the other hand, some violin pickups are more multipurpose and can be clipped onto the f-holes. As micro-goose violin pickups are flexible, they provide the maximum option for positioning. You need to position the violin transducers in the direction of the f-holes underneath the bridge to obtain a louder and deeper sound.

Price Range

The price of a violin pickup ranges between 11-600 dollars. Our list has the most reasonable-priced violin pickups on the market. So, you can choose one high-quality violin pickup from here.

Where To Buy Violin Pickups From?

After you have decided which violin pickup to purchase, now you need to select the best place to purchase your violin pickup. Determine your requirements first and then detect the budget you are comfortable with. This will aid you to make your search list shorter and save valuable time. I will suggest some best places where you can find out the perfect violin pickup for you. 

All these suggestions are based on my preference as I have purchased violin pickups from these places. The first one is Amazon. Here, you will get an enormous range of violin pickups and generally for a lesser price compared to other places. The second one is music retailers on the internet. These music retailers give more info on the specifications of the product compared to Amazon. Sweetwater.com, 

Fiddlershop.com and Guitarcenter.com are excellent choices for you if you want to buy violin pickups from online music retailers alternatives to amazon. The third and final suggestion is your local music store. I have suggested this because it will surely have a broad range of violin pickups to pick from. In addition, you will get the extra advantage of letting you test out the product before buying it.

What is the difference between passive and active pickups?

There are many differences between these two pickups. To make you understand these differences easily check the below table.

Key Points	Passive Pickup	Active Pickup
Battery	Don’t need a battery to run	Needs a battery to run
Exterior shaping	Need less outer shaping	Need more outer shaping
Output	It generates a weaker electric signal than active pickup	It has a better and higher output than passive pickup
Touch Sensitive	Very touch-sensitive	Not touch-sensitive
Price	More cost-effective	More costly

Conclusion

Playing the violin is thought to be one of the most remarkable aptitudes. It’s a musical tool that is extremely gentle and soothing if played nicely and if the sound is amplified properly. You may not think how a small attachment to your musical tool can enhance the quality of its sound until you use a violin pickup. 
I have used it, so I know it. In this article, I have discussed the 14 best violin pickups. My favorite in this list is the Fishman Classic Series V-200 for its all-around performance. However, every one of them provides something different than others, and any one of them can be the correct violin pickup for you.