Top 5 Ranked Products
We analyzed millions of Amazon products to handpick the top recommendations just for you.

#1 Ranked
GLS Audio Instrument Microphone ES-57 & Mic Clip - Professional Series ES57 Dynamic Cardioid Mike Unidirectional - For Instruments, Drums, Percussion, Vocals, and more
Price: $17.75
Rating: ★★★★★
ASIN: B001W99HE8
Score: 93%
Overview:
The GLS Audio ES-57 is a professional-grade dynamic cardioid microphone designed for versatility across various applications, including instruments, drums, percussion, and vocals. With a frequency response range of 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz, this microphone captures a wide array of sound frequencies, making it suitable for both live performances and studio recordings. Its unidirectional pickup pattern helps isolate the sound source while minimizing background noise, ensuring clarity and focus in audio capture.
The ES-57 is built with robust construction, catering to the demands of musicians and performers. It features a sensitivity rating of -72dB at 1,000 Hz and an impedance of 300 ohms, which allows it to work effectively with both low-impedance XLR connections and high-impedance 1/4" plugs. This flexibility enhances its usability across different setups, making it a practical choice for both amateur and professional audio applications.
Pros:
- Versatile Use: Suitable for instruments, vocals, and percussion, making it a multi-purpose microphone.
- Unidirectional Pattern: Effectively reduces background noise, enhancing sound quality.
- Robust Build: Designed for durability, ideal for both studio and live environments.
Cons:
- Limited Frequency Range: The upper limit of 15,000 Hz may not capture the full spectrum of high-frequency sounds.
- Sensitivity Rating: The -72dB sensitivity may not be sufficient for quieter sound sources, potentially leading to lower audio levels.

#2 Ranked
AKG Pro Audio Instrument Condenser Microphone, XLR, Black (P170)
Price: $0.00
Rating: ★★★★☆
ASIN: B00M9CUL60
Score: 95%
Overview:
The AKG Pro Audio Instrument Condenser Microphone (P170) is a compact, small-diaphragm cardioid microphone designed primarily for recording instruments. It features a switchable 20dB pad, allowing for versatility in handling high sound pressure levels, making it suitable for various applications, from studio recordings to live performances. Its cardioid polar pattern helps isolate the sound source while minimizing background noise, enhancing audio clarity and quality. The microphone is designed with durability and performance in mind, catering to both amateur and professional audio engineers.
The P170's compact design makes it easy to position in tight spaces, and its robust construction ensures longevity, even in demanding environments. However, it lacks user reviews, which may raise concerns for potential buyers about its real-world performance and reliability. Overall, the AKG P170 stands out for its professional-grade features at an accessible price point, making it an attractive option for musicians and sound engineers looking for a reliable instrument microphone.
Pros:
- Compact Design: Easy to position in tight spaces, suitable for various recording scenarios.
- Switchable 20dB Pad: Allows for handling high sound pressure levels without distortion.
- Cardioid Polar Pattern: Reduces background noise and enhances audio clarity.
Cons:
- Limited Versatility: Primarily designed for instruments, may not perform as well for vocal applications.
- Basic Features: Lacks advanced options such as built-in filters or multiple polar patterns.

#3 Ranked
Luvay Acoustic Guitar Pickup, Piezo Contact Microphone Transducer for Acoustic Guitar, Ukulele, Violin, Mandolin, Banjo, Cello, Kalimba, Harp etc...
Price: $15.99
Rating: ★★★★☆
ASIN: B06ZYH4RRN
Score: 91%
Overview:
The Luvay Acoustic Guitar Pickup is a versatile piezo contact microphone transducer designed to amplify the sound of various string instruments, including acoustic guitars, ukuleles, violins, and more. Its compact design and adjustable volume control make it user-friendly for musicians seeking to enhance their instrument's acoustic sound. The pickup can be easily installed near the sound hole using the self-adhesive stickers provided, allowing for quick setup and removal without damaging the instrument.
The product promises clear and crisp sound quality while minimizing unwanted feedback, making it suitable for both practice and live performances. The inclusion of a 10 ft amplifier cable with a standard 1/4" connector adds to its convenience, ensuring compatibility with most amplifiers. Although there are no reviews available yet, the features suggest that this pickup could be an excellent choice for musicians looking for an affordable and effective amplification solution.
Pros:
- Volume Adjustable: Allows musicians to customize the sound output to their preference.
- Easy Installation: The self-adhesive design enables quick and hassle-free setup.
- Versatile Compatibility: Suitable for a wide range of string instruments, enhancing its usability.
Cons:
- Limited Features: May not offer advanced features found in higher-end pickups.
- Potential Adhesive Issues: Reusability of the adhesive may diminish over time, affecting installation quality.

#4 Ranked
Audio-Technica PRO 35 Cardioid Condenser Clip-on Instrument Microphone
Price: $149.00
Rating: ★★★★☆
ASIN: B000K67VG0
Score: 91%
Overview:
The Audio-Technica PRO 35 is a cardioid condenser clip-on microphone designed specifically for use with instruments. Its UniMount clip allows for precise positioning, ensuring optimal sound capture while also providing shock resistance to protect the microphone element. The cardioid polar pattern is particularly beneficial for live performances, as it minimizes the pickup of ambient sounds from the sides and rear, thus enhancing the clarity of the desired sound source. With an extended frequency response, this microphone is capable of capturing the subtle nuances of musical performances, making it a suitable choice for professional musicians and sound engineers.
The PRO 35 features a 6-foot permanently attached cable, which provides ample length for various setups. However, the fixed cable may limit flexibility in certain scenarios where longer or detachable cables are preferred. While the microphone is well-regarded for its sound isolation and clarity, potential users may want to consider its compatibility with different instruments and environments, as reviews are currently unavailable to provide insights on real-world performance.
Pros:
- UniMount Clip: Allows for accurate positioning and provides shock resistance.
- Cardioid Polar Pattern: Reduces unwanted sound pickup, enhancing sound isolation.
- Extended Frequency Response: Captures subtle nuances, ideal for professional performances.
Cons:
- Permanently Attached Cable: Limits flexibility for setups requiring longer or detachable cables.
- Instrument Compatibility: May not be suitable for all types of instruments without prior testing.

#5 Ranked
Guitar Pickup with Volume Control, Piezo Contact Microphone Transducer for Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Cello, Kalimba, Harp and Other Stringed Instrument
Price: $18.49
Rating: ★★★★☆
ASIN: B08M394VDG
Score: 83%
Overview:
The Guitar Pickup with Volume Control is an innovative accessory designed for a variety of stringed instruments, including guitars, mandolins, and cellos. This piezo contact microphone transducer offers a convenient solution for musicians seeking to amplify their sound without the need for complex installation or additional power sources. With its self-adhesive backing and detachable 10-foot cord, it allows for quick setup and flexibility in positioning to achieve optimal sound quality. The built-in volume control knob provides an added layer of convenience, enabling users to adjust their sound levels directly from the pickup.
The product's versatility is one of its standout features, making it suitable for a wide range of acoustic stringed instruments. It promises a crisp and bright sound without distortion, catering to both beginners and experienced musicians alike. The inclusion of extra sticky pads ensures that users can easily replace the adhesive if needed, enhancing the longevity of the product. However, the lack of user reviews may raise questions about its performance and reliability in real-world scenarios.
Pros:
- Easy Installation: Takes only about a minute to mount without needing to punch holes or use batteries.
- Versatile Use: Compatible with a wide range of stringed instruments, making it suitable for various musicians.
- Volume Control: The adjustable volume knob helps prevent feedback and allows for sound customization.
Cons:
- Adhesive Dependency: The effectiveness relies on the adhesive sticking well, which may vary by instrument surface.
- Positioning Sensitivity: Requires optimal placement on the instrument for the best sound quality, which may not be intuitive for all users.
Product Information & Tips
Overview
The search for the best instrument microphone for acoustic guitar is essential for musicians and sound engineers looking to capture the rich tonal qualities of the instrument. Acoustic guitars produce a wide range of frequencies and nuances that require a microphone capable of accurately reproducing their sound. Selecting the right mic can significantly enhance the overall quality of recordings and live performances.
In this context, various microphone types, such as dynamic, condenser, and ribbon mics, come into play. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, making it crucial to understand the specific needs of the acoustic guitar and the environment in which it will be used. This analysis will outline key criteria for selecting the best microphone and address common questions regarding acoustic guitar miking.
Key Criteria
1. Frequency Response:
- A microphone with a wide frequency response is essential for capturing the full tonal range of an acoustic guitar, typically from 80 Hz to 20 kHz. This ensures that both the low-end warmth and high-end brilliance are accurately represented.
2. Polar Pattern:
- The polar pattern of a microphone determines its sensitivity to sound from different directions. A cardioid pattern is often preferred for acoustic guitars to minimize background noise and focus on the instrument's sound, making it ideal for live settings and recordings.
3. Sensitivity and SPL Handling:
- Sensitivity indicates how well a microphone can convert sound waves into electrical signals. High sensitivity is important for capturing the subtle nuances of acoustic guitar playing, while adequate SPL (Sound Pressure Level) handling ensures the mic can manage louder playing styles without distortion.
4. Durability and Build Quality:
- Acoustic guitarists often perform in various environments, making durability a key consideration. A well-built microphone can withstand the rigors of travel and live performances, ensuring longevity and reliability.
5. Price-to-Performance Ratio:
- Budget constraints are a reality for many musicians. Evaluating the price-to-performance ratio helps in selecting a microphone that offers the best quality for the investment, ensuring that even entry-level options can deliver satisfactory results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What type of microphone is best for recording acoustic guitar?
A1: Generally, condenser microphones are preferred for recording acoustic guitars due to their sensitivity and wide frequency response, capturing the instrument's detail and nuances effectively.
Q2: Can I use a dynamic microphone for acoustic guitar?
A2: Yes, dynamic microphones can be used for acoustic guitars, especially in live settings, as they are durable and less sensitive to feedback. However, they may not capture the full tonal range as well as condenser mics.
Q3: What is the best placement for a microphone on an acoustic guitar?
A3: A common placement is about 6-12 inches away from the 12th fret, angled slightly towards the sound hole, which helps capture a balanced sound of both the body and strings of the guitar.
Q4: Are ribbon microphones good for acoustic guitars?
A4: Ribbon microphones can be excellent for acoustic guitars, providing a warm and natural sound. However, they are more fragile and may require additional care in handling and placement.
Q5: What budget should I consider for a good acoustic guitar microphone?
A5: A budget of $100 to $500 can provide a range of quality microphones suitable for acoustic guitar, with options available for both beginners and professional use.
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