Guitar Maintenance & Repair

Acoustic Guitar Pickup Not Working? How to Fix It

By · 13 min read

Acoustic Guitar Pickup Not Working? How to Fix It

Some acoustic guitars come with built-in pickups, whereas others can use external pickups. If your guitar’s pickup suddenly stops working, it can be a bit alarming. These small gadgets let you amplify and record your music, but they have many parts that need to be maintained and repaired to prevent them from failing.

Your acoustic guitar pickup isn’t working because the cables are loose, the wires aren’t soldered properly, or the battery is dead. Test the audio interface, amplifier, and digital audio workstation if the pickup is fine. Use a multimeter to see if the pickup’s battery needs to be replaced.

In this post, we’ll explain why your acoustic guitar pickup isn’t working and what you can do about it.

Related: 3 ways to check if a guitar pickup is working or not, acoustic electric guitar not working with amp? 4 fixes, and electric guitar not working when plugged in? 5 fixes. Our complete guitar maintenance and cleaning guide covers the basics in one place.

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Acoustic guitar pickup not working

Test the Cable

Does your pickup have power, but it’s not transmitting a signal to any of your devices? If so, there’s a high chance that something’s wrong with the cable. If it’s the first time you’ve used the cable, you might have the wrong type.

Some cables have one band, and others have multiple bands. These bands transmit signals, so they won’t work if you have the wrong type for your pickup. The same applies to the other side of the cable and the device it’s connected to.

If it’s the right type of cable, try it on another device. Connect your guitar to something else, or connect the audio interface to a different instrument. If the cable works, there’s more than likely an issue with the pickup; otherwise, the cable needs to be replaced.

Replace the Battery

Replacing the 9v battery in your acoustic guitar’s pickup can make all the difference. Most pickups have small batteries that last a long time, so it’s understandable that you might forget about them. However, it’s important to test the battery before replacing it. If you add a new battery when the old one still has a charge, there’s likely a fault somewhere else in the pickup.

Here’s how to test and replace your pickup’s battery:

  1. Remove the retainer clip and take out the battery. Now is the time to replace the retainer clip if it’s damaged. The clip can break, which allows moisture into the battery compartment. Pull out the battery and check how many volts it has (most pickup batteries are nine volts).
  2. Test the battery with a multimeter. Place both nodes of the multimeter (you can also use a voltmeter) on the open ends of the battery. Turn on the meter and set it to detect volts. The battery should read however many volts there are on the label. For example, if it says 9 volts, it shouldn’t be any less than that.
  4. If the battery is lower than 9 volts (or whatever voltage it’s supposed to be), it’s time to replace the battery. Some batteries have a slightly higher voltage than the label. This is typically okay unless the battery is hot to the touch, bulging, or otherwise damaged. Always replace damaged batteries, even if they have the right voltage.
  5. Slide the new battery into the pickup and close the retainer clip. Make sure the open prongs face the right direction. Close the clip and ensure none of the battery is exposed. If it’s loose, there’s a high chance that it won’t have a reliable connection. This problem will result in your pickup not working.

The Duracell Coppertop 9v Batteries are some of the most reliable batteries on the market. This four-pack will last several years in your acoustic guitar’s pickup. Not only do they last over five years when unused, but they also hold a longer charge than any other nine-volt battery we’ve come across.

Inspect the Amp or Audio Interface

Your acoustic guitar pickup might be fine. The fault could lie in one of the connected devices, including the amplifier or the audio interface. Both of these devices require a direct, stable connection. They have numerous parts and features that could disrupt the pickup, making it seem like it suddenly doesn’t work.

Inspect the amp or audio interface

So, what should you look for?

  • Check if the amp or audio interface is on and the volume is up. These might seem like the most obvious steps, but they’re essential. Some audio interfaces don’t need to be turned on; they turn on by being plugged into the power source (computers, outlets, etc.). There’s also a volume switch on some pickups.
  • Test the gain, treble, and bass. Your pickup might not sound like it’s working if the gain is too low. The gain controls the tone. When there’s no tone, there’s barely any volume. Furthermore, a complete lack of treble or bass could make the instrument very hard to hear through the pickup, AI, or amplifier.
  • Make sure the audio interface or amplifier registers the connection. Some audio interfaces have illuminated inputs. When there’s something plugged into it, the input gets bright or displays a specific color. The same applies to some amps. If your equipment doesn’t register the pickup, it could be because there’s a problem with the cables.
  • Ensure the device has a steady power source. The internal wiring, external cable, or plug outlet could be damaged. If there’s no secure source, your pickup won’t register long enough to work through any of these devices. If you’re having trouble, consider removing the extension cables and plugging the device directly into the outlet.
  • Inspect the external speakers. If your audio interface is connected to a computer or a speaker system (which it more than likely is), check if the speakers are in good condition. Plug something else into the speakers and see if they work. Much like the amp or AI, make sure the speakers have a reliable power source.

Fix the Digital Audio Workstation

Digital audio workstations (also known as DAWs) are what you use to edit and record various instruments. You can plug an acoustic guitar’s pickup into a laptop via a USB cable or an audio interface, then access the DAW. Most DAWs have numerous controls that can affect whether or not you hear them coming out of the speakers.