Check out 10 acoustic setups built to capture your guitar’s organic sound.
So, you and your acoustic are in need of an amplification makeover and you’ve determined an undersaddle system is the way to go. The good news is that there are plenty of excellent options to choose from, and we’ve put together a list to get you started on your search for ideal acoustic tone.
baggs.comA1.2-22R UST
The pickup in this system is ultra-thin, to not interfere with the string vibrations passing through the saddle and bridge. The design also makes for easy mod-free installation.
iP-1
This system’s pickup is sensitive to pressure changes from all directions and captures the tonal qualities of the wood and the structure of the instrument, not just direct string sound through the saddle.
Soloist
This engineered saddle contains micro-electro-acoustic structures within itself, which allow for sound reproduction that does not amplify microphonic noise from the instrument’s surface.
Matrix Infinity
This system features switchable voicing to accommodate all guitar body sizes, soundhole-mount rotary dials for volume and tone, and an LED low-battery indicator.
FanTaStick Western
The six piezo crystals in this pickup are surrounded in a flexible, ultra-thin material that ensures the guitar’s vibrations reach the crystals with virtually no interference, so the string signal is not overemphasized.
AK 15 Plus
This two-source system aims to capture the true sound of an instrument by utilizing both an undersaddle piezo pickup and a condenser mic that is integrated into the endpin preamp.
Motif
Battery changes aren’t required for this undersaddle pickup/class-A preamp combo that requires just a 60-second charge via the output jack for six hours of acoustic amplification.
AS93U
This system’s AT93 pickup uses piezo film in a layered (bimorph) format that allows for lower-output impedance. Because the film runs the length of the pickup, any number of strings or any string spacing can be used.
Lydia EQ ST
Designed with natural sound and dynamics in mind, this system’s class-A internal preamp allows for on-the-fly tweaking via the volume, treble, and bass pots that attach in the soundhole.
Element Active System VTC
This system features a proprietary circuit that incorporates a low-frequency suppressor and a streamlined pickup design that substantially improves the sensitivity of the transducer.
We’re not slowing down! Enter Stompboxtober Day 15 for your chance to win today’s featured pedal from Solo Dallas!
Orbiter Fuzz Pedal
Discover the SoloDallas Orbiter Fuzz, a meticulously crafted effects pedal designed to combine genuine vintage tones with user-friendly versatility. Building upon the legacy of the 1966 Arbiter Fuzz, the Orbiter Fuzz adds fine-tuning circuitry to this already amazing vintage circuit.
PG contributor Zach Wish demos the innovative LR Baggs AEG-1, an acoustic with solid Sitka spruce top and scalloped X-bracing for vibrant and responsive tone. Zach demos the sound and talks about his experience on the road with Seal.
LR Baggs AEG-1 Acoustic-electric Guitar - Torrefied Spruce Top
AEG-1 Acou Elect Guitar, TorrefiedFender's American Ultra II series offers the ultimate blend of tradition and modernity, featuring advanced Ultra Noiseless and new Haymaker Humbucker pickups, stunning finishes, and a sleek Modern “D” neck shape.
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today continues its industry-defining innovation, launching the next iteration of the coveted American Ultra series—Fender’s most advanced series of electric guitars - by taking that hyper-modern recipe and turning it up to 11 for American Ultra II.
At a time when projections indicate the electric guitar market is set to grow by USD 1.45 billion from 2024-2028, driven by increasing demand for music-related leisure activities¹, the introduction of the American Ultra II series exemplifies a steadfast commitment to innovation, with every detail reflecting a relentless pursuit of perfection. At Fender, innovation is an ongoing, dynamic process fueled by a deep passion for enhancing the playing experience. Long before the American Ultra series hit the market, discussions were already underway about future possibilities, sparked by spontaneous experiments and real-world feedback from the innovators who play these guitars.
The American Ultra II series is built in Fender’s iconic California factory where guitars are meticulously crafted using a blend of time-honored techniques and state-of-the-art CNC technology, ensuring every instrument embodies the perfect balance of tradition and modernity. Massive green punch presses and decades-old tools, some dating back to the 1950s, sit alongside advanced machinery that allows for precise shaping and flawless consistency.
“With the work and heart that went into creating the American Ultra II series, there's a lot of soul in these guitars,” said Justin Norvell, EVP of Product at FMIC. “We refer to it as the “sports car” of the Fender lineup, it’s designed to push boundaries and redefine what a Fender guitar can be, catering to both traditionalists and those exploring new, faster, and more intricate playing styles. This is a guitar that doesn’t fight you; instead, it gets out of the way, allowing you to focus purely on your performance, whether you’re playing soulful solos, fast riffs, or complex chord progressions.”
Featuring stunning finishes, modern body contours, a Modern “D” neck shape, and the most advanced Ultra Noiseless™ and new Haymaker™ Humbucker pickups, American Ultra II bridges the gap between Fender’s classic designs and high-performance instruments typically associated with Fender’s specialty brands such as Charvel, EVH or Jackson. The guitars’ unique neck profiles provide an effortless glide along the fretboard, making for an incredibly smooth and responsive feel that increases precision. The American Ultra II series is an ideal fit for players who love the iconic look and sound of a Fender guitar, but crave the speed and playability of a performance guitar adept for playing across genres, from neo-soul and jazz to metal and funk.
A welcome balance to the ultra-modern specs, the American Ultra II also embodies the hallmark qualities that make Fender guitars timeless including unparalleled versatility, modularity, and signature tone. Whether a player is chasing the crystalline clarity of classic Stratocaster® sounds, the bite of a Telecaster®, or the deep growl of a Jazz Bass®, the American Ultra II series is built to handle it all. In addition to the standard models, the series includes Ultra II Jazz Bass® V, a left-hand Stratocaster® model as well Ultra II Meteora® guitar and bass.
Top Highlights Include:
- Fender’s Fastest-Playing Necks: The quartersawn maple neck has a comfortable modern “D” shape and is topped with an ebony or maple fingerboard with Luminlay side dots and Ultra rolled edges
- Upgraded Noiseless™ Pickups: The Ultra II Noiseless™ pickups deliver classic Fender® single-coil sound – without the hum
- Ultra Comfort And Playability: A sculpted neck heel and sleek rear body contours offer next-level comfort and playability
American Ultra II Models & Pricing
- American Ultra II Stratocaster - $2,199.99-2,249.99
- American Ultra II Stratocaster HSS - $2,249.99
- American Ultra II Telecaster - $2,199.99
- American Ultra II Meteora - $2,249.99
- American Ultra II Precision Bass - $2,199.99
- American Ultra II Jazz Bass - $2,299.99
- American Ultra II Jazz Bass V - $2,399.99
- American Ultra II Meteora Bass - $2,299.99
American Ultra II Series | Fender
Join Premier Guitar contributor Tom Butwin as he tries five powerful guitar plugins that will transform your guitar recordings.