Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (15)
$159.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (7)
$159.00
Amazon
4.6 (63)
$159.00
Amazon Prime
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$117.64 New
$120.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (8)
$159.00
Thomann
4.8 (43)
$178.00
Gear4Music
£189.00

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "L.R. Baggs Element Active System". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The L.R. Baggs Element Active System is the perfect bridge between your acoustic guitar and the stage, delivering an unparalleled blend of simplicity and performance. This one-size-fits-all pickup system is designed to enhance your guitar's natural sound without compromising its integrity. The streamlined design of the undersaddle transducer maximizes surface contact for a robust, dynamic sound that captures every nuance of your playing.

Equipped with a Class A endpin preamp, the Element Active System ensures a clean, natural amplification with plug-and-play convenience. No need to fumble with on/off switches—just plug in, and you're ready to go. The soundhole-mounted volume control is easily accessible yet unobtrusive, allowing for quick adjustments during a live performance.

Installation is straightforward and requires no permanent alterations to most acoustic guitars, making it an ideal solution for musicians seeking a reliable, non-invasive upgrade. The included Battery Bagg keeps your 9V battery securely tucked away, ensuring that your setup remains as streamlined as your sound.

Whether you're strumming in a cozy café or rocking out on a big stage, the LR Baggs Element Active System provides the clarity and warmth that lets your audience hear every detail.

Key Features:

  • One-size-fits-most string spacing and saddle widths for balanced sound
  • Active Class A endpin preamp for natural amplification
  • Plug-in-and-play convenience with automatic activation
  • Soundhole-mounted volume control for easy access
  • Minimalist design for maximum transducer coupling
  • No permanent modifications needed for most guitars
  • Includes Battery Bagg for secure 9V battery storage
  • Delivers up to 1000 playing hours on a single 9V battery

Owner's manual

L.R. Baggs Element Active System User Manual

Product specs

Available since April 2009
Pickup System Piezo
Microphone No
Preamp Installation Sound Hole

FAQs

What type of pickup system does the L.R. Baggs Element Active System use?

The L.R. Baggs Element Active System uses a piezo pickup system, which is designed to capture the natural sound of your acoustic guitar with clarity and precision.

Is the L.R. Baggs Element Active System suitable for all acoustic guitars?

The L.R. Baggs Element Active System is designed for most standard acoustic guitars. However, it's always best to check your guitar's specifications to ensure compatibility, especially regarding the undersaddle fit.

Does the L.R. Baggs Element Active System require a battery?

Yes, the L.R. Baggs Element Active System includes a preamp that requires a 9-volt battery, which is installed in the sound hole for easy access and control.

How is the preamp for the L.R. Baggs Element Active System installed?

The preamp for the L.R. Baggs Element Active System is installed in the sound hole of the guitar, allowing for convenient access to volume controls without altering the guitar's exterior.

Does the L.R. Baggs Element Active System include a microphone?

No, the L.R. Baggs Element Active System does not include a microphone; it is a piezo undersaddle pickup system designed to amplify the natural sound of your guitar.

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Martin Thinline 332 (Passive) VS L.R.Baggs Element (Active) Piezo Comparison 💥🥊

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Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent clarity and authentic, natural sound quality

  • Easy installation, with helpful online guides

  • Hidden roller volume knob is convenient and discreet

  • Affordable solution for high-quality sound

  • Reliable and feedback-resistant performance

  • Enhances without coloring guitar's natural tone

  • Suitable for both high-end and budget guitars

  • Minimalistic design with no unnecessary features

  • Compatible with various guitar brands and models

  • Hot pickup that captures nuances well

CONS

  • Basic model lacks tone control

  • Potential for piezo twang without proper EQ

  • Can pick up body noise and pick scrapes easily

  • Requires careful installation to avoid permanent damage

  • Dull and flat tone reported by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about L.R. Baggs Element Active System.

Comparisons

  • The M1A excels in bluesy/folk fingerpicking with a pronounced midrange, while the Element provides a more natural strumming sound but lacks body in fingerpicking.

    Source
  • Users mention the LR Baggs/MiSi rechargeable pickup as more affordable than the LR Baggs M1A, providing a budget-friendly option without compromising quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Element is favored for its natural tone when strumming, making it suitable for accompanying vocals in a band or church setting.

    Source
  • The Element is suggested as an ideal choice for undersaddle transducer installations, particularly for players seeking an active system.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The LR Baggs Active DI can alter the sound, making it feel less natural, which some users prefer to avoid if possible.

    Source
  • The LR Baggs Element is compatible with MiSi's rechargeable preamp, offering a sustainable power source with active performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Combining the Element with MiSi's rechargeable cap on the preamp enhances functionality with a sustainable power solution.

    Source
  • When replacing the stock plastic dial potentiometer, ground the case against the barrel of the preamp for optimal performance.

    Source
  • Solder wires to lugs 3 and 2, and ground lug 1 when installing a new potentiometer in the Element system.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Use a 25K pot for volume control with the LR Baggs Element active pickup, as it's common for piezos and active systems.

    Source
  • A multimeter can measure the original potentiometer value if uncertain, although a 25K is typically expected.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jasonomaramusic

Solid

Installed in both my 00-18 and 000-15m, these are pretty good sounding USTs. They can quack if I strum hard though.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Keb' Mo' uses L.R. Baggs Element Active System

Keb' Mo'

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Lrbaggs

According to lrbaggs.com he's using this active pickup system on acoustics.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use L.R. Baggs Element Active System, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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