The ones who play an acoustic-electric guitar know that those under saddle pickups may sound artificial and undefined. That’s where an old-school preamp comes in. This device will ensure that your sound is just as natural as you want.
Furthermore, you can apply audio effects in conjunction with your acoustics. Isn’t it something you’d be interested in learning more about?
If that’s the case, keep reading because we will go over the best acoustic guitar preamp on the market with the help of our buying guide!
 | 1.Best Acoustic Guitar Preamp Editor’s Choice – Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Preamp Acoustic Pedal The Impulse Response (IR) technology from Aura Acoustic Imaging made its debut worldwide. This preamp has a Chromatic Tuner, Automatic Feedback Suppression, 3-band Active EQ, Compressor, Effects Loop, and XLR DI. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2.Best Acoustic Guitar Onboard Preamp – LR Baggs Venue DI Acoustic Guitar Effect Pedal The combination of a full-isolation DI output, variable clean boost, 5-band EQ (equalization) with adjustable low and hi-mid bands will provide you the complete control you need! | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3. Best Acoustic Guitar Preamp for Recording – LR Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. This preamp became an indispensable stage tool for many guitarists worldwide thanks to its powerful tone shaping EQ and rock-solid reliability. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4.Best Acoustic Guitar Preamp for Live – TC Electronic BodyRez Pedal The BodyRez pedal will deliver a studio-quality acoustic sound at your live performances. It has the combination of pre-configured filters with the just-right amount of compression to bring the best out of the plugged-in acoustic tone. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best Acoustic Guitar Preamp Pedals – JHS Clover Preamp/Boost Guitar Effects Pedal This pedal is great for acoustic, electric, and bass guitars. Its XLR output can be used as an acoustic or bass preamp. It also features a 3 EQ that gives tons of control to boost or cut the Bass, Mid, and Treble. | Buy on Amazon |
5 Best Acoustic Guitar Preamp Reviewed
Best Acoustic Guitar Preamp Editor’s Choice – Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Preamp Acoustic Pedal
You might be confused when you first look at Fishman Aura Spectrum. It features many knobs that may be difficult to understand at first. However, as you learn more about what each performs, it becomes much easier.
Probably our favorite feature is the Acoustic Imaging function that makes this preamp stand out. This implies that when the device is plugged in, its sound mixes studio mic’d and original signals.
This makes your under-saddle pickup sound like a studio mic, which is useful when performing in a place that isn’t well-equipped.
The Aura Spectrum comes with 128 preloaded “images” that can be accessed by turning the center knob or slider.
You may also connect the pedal to your computer and select from 500 more images and save 16 personalized images as presets.
Pros
- Various options for tone shaping
- Suitable for carrying around the mic
- A range of sounds
Cons
- Takes time to understand all the features
- Power adapter not included
To see the full potential of this Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Preamp check its features and sound:
Best Acoustic Guitar Onboard Preamp – LR Baggs Venue DI Acoustic Guitar Effect Pedal
LR Baggs is a revamped version of its previous models and offers even more tone-shaping options compared to others. It has a strong, tough design that seems to be long-lasting. This preamp is pretty big sizewise, but it has so many features that it is forgivable.
Venue DI has a lot to offer, including a Chromatic Tuner for always having the perfect sound, a Volume knob for controlling the output level, a 5-band EQ with Bass, Low Mid, High Mid, Presence, and Treble knobs, a Notch filter to eliminate feedback, and a Gain knob.
It also comes with two footswitches. The first footswitch (Boost) provides up to +9dB of boost (controllable with a trim switch on the rear of the pedal), which is more than adequate in most cases. The second footswitch (Mute-Tune) silences the pedal’s output and engages the tuner.
The Venue DI features a 4-meter battery check that shows whether or not your battery is drained.
Overall, L.R. Baggs has once again produced a pedal that we would gladly recommend.
Pros
- Very versatile
- Well-built
- Produce great sound
- Suitable with different acoustic instruments
Cons
- This preamp is pretty large
- The tuner is not 100% reliable
If you are interested in how the Venue DI sounds when connected to your guitar, check it out:
Best Acoustic Guitar Preamp for Recording – LR Baggs Para Acoustic D.I.
The most important thing to remember about this D.I. is that it’s designed for artists who will be performing daily. So if you are planning on gigging frequently, we would recommend this preamp.
It has a lot of capabilities that are quite useful for gigging and recording artists. Still, the downside is that it raises the overall price.
However, the Para Acoustic has many features to offer for its small size. The D.I. has a notch control and a “tune” knob, which may be used to reduce frequencies that can cause feedback in certain circumstances. The Para Acoustic has a presence control and a three-band E.Q. (bass, mid, and high/treble).
Basically, you can make your high-end sound harsh and cutting or make it sound warmer with a creamy character.
Pros
- Great sound
- Well built and sturdy
- Excellent control for shaping your sounds
- A comprehensive range of sounds
Cons
- Ground lift not included
- Sensitive input level control
Check how this LG Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. sounds:
Best Acoustic Guitar Preamp for Live – TC Electronic BodyRez Pedal
TC Electronic has never failed to deliver tiny yet powerful preamps. Its BodyRez is the most basic of all the pedals.
Aside from being simple to operate, this unit is small enough to fit on even the most congested pedalboard. Everything is relatively straightforward in terms of control here: we have a single knob placed on the surface for altering the sound.
This product represents a combination of compression and EQ, balancing out the midrange and attenuating the low end. Thanks to its multifunctionality, we recommend this preamp for those planning to do live performances.
The footswitch has different functions, making it our favorite feature. One push will activate the pedal, a second press will activate real bypass mode, and a press and hold action will mute the sound. You may change the alternate mode by pressing the footswitch while plugging in power.
Pros
- Very easy for using
- Great built quality
- Very compact
- Accentuates the guitar’s sound
Cons
- Can’t charge it with batteries
Overall, BodyRez will let your acoustic guitar shine with its simplicity in a tiny, robust body. And, if you are interested in how this preamp sounds, check it out:
Best Acoustic Guitar Preamp Pedals – JHS Clover Preamp/Boost Guitar Effects Pedal
The BodyRez pedal is impact and very easy to set up. The unit can easily fit on the smallest pedalboard or even in your pocket. This is very convenient when traveling, considering there’s quite a lot of equipment you have to carry!
Besides its conventional size, we would warmly recommend this pedal if you plan to play on both electric and acoustic guitars. Therefore, the JHS Clover Preamp is a pretty versatile pedal.
Our favorite product feature is a three-position rotary equalization knob. Similar but not the same Tubescreamer tones are available thanks to full EQ that brings in the Middle control. For those who do not want to mess with the mids and desire that sonic FA-1 tone, the no mid feature brings this amp into line with the FA-1.
The unit is suitable especially for strumming, where the combination of compression and EQ kills the harshness of the middle frequencies. It also smooths out the overall sound and provides a feeling of presence and power.
The BodyRez features a USB port that can be used for firmware updates in the future and an LED that indicates the unit’s status.
Pros
- Boost capabilities
- Easy it is to set up
- Very versatile
Cons
- It might be too expensive for a preamp/boost stompbox
Check out how JHS Clover Preamp suits the guitar and your needs:
Best Acoustic Guitar Preamp Buying Guide
Do I need a preamp for my acoustic guitar?
Yes, if you want a better sound, but it is not necessary. If you don’t plan or want to have distorted guitar sounds, you won’t need a preamplifier.
A preamplifier is not required if you plan on recording your guitar. In addition to amplifying the guitar’s original sound, preamps can also produce higher levels of feedback and distortion than the amp itself.
How do you install a preamp on an acoustic guitar?
In order to do it correctly, here’s the video to guide you properly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QsCpk7507I&t=606s
How does acoustic guitar preamp work?
The main role of a preamp is to increase your guitar’s signal strength. But besides that, it also provides tone and volume controls to customize your sound, as well as other features.
A preamp or DI is essential for getting the best sound from a guitar plugged into a PA system mixer. Many guitar players prefer using a preamp even when plugging into an amplifier, and some preamps can even route your guitar to multiple locations.
Can you put pickups in an acoustic guitar?
Yes, you can. Acoustic guitars can be tricky to amplify since they don’t onboard electronics. However, there are many different pickups easily available and cost-effective.
Consider these things, Do you prefer flatpicking or fingerstyle? Is it important to you for pickup to be visible? Should it be an easily removable or permanent guitar accessory? Do you prefer a basic pickup or the one with tone controls and other advanced features? What’s the size of your guitar? Are you planning to do gigs, and what type?
When you’re out shopping, keep these questions in mind and ask salespeople to help you.
Conclusion and Winner(s)
A preamp provides your guitar amplifier a core “sound.” It will help you gain flawless control of your volume and tone. Plus, this preamp device can be used for both acoustic and electric guitar, which is a win-win situation.
This guide had the goal to help you find the best acoustic guitar preamp and introduce you to each of these products in the most realistic way possible. To wrap this blog up in the right way, we have chosen our overall winner: the Fishman Aura Spectrum DI Preamp Acoustic Pedal.
Yes, the price is a bit higher compared to other preamps, but it is worth it. It has such amazing features that, at first, it might seem challenging, but it will definitely bring the best out of your guitar. It is very versatile, provides a wide range of sounds, and it’s pretty easy to carry around.
These features are unbeatable, so it’s pretty clear why we choose it to be our overall winner!
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
