L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup main image

L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup

^# 6

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$199.00 to $289.00

5.0 (5)

3 Critic Reviews

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4 Best Acoustic Guitar Pickups 2026

1 wishlisted

9 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

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4.5 (40)

$279.00

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4.5 (12)

$279.00

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4.2 (109)

$279.00 New

$265.05 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (15)

$199.00 37 available New

$250.00 4 available Used

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3.0 (12)

$279.00

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4.6 (92)

$289.00

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£344.99

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Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Discover the L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup, a revolutionary tool designed for musicians who crave an authentic and natural acoustic sound. This innovative pickup is not just about enhancing your guitar's sound, but capturing its soul. The M80 is designed to pick up the entire frequency range of your guitar, delivering a sound that is more enriched and complex than any other magnetic pickup in the market.

The secret to the M80's unique sound is in its patented floating secondary coil. This coil acts as a humbucking coil and a 3D body sensor, picking up the guitar's body vibrations and interacting with the magnets to create a robust full-range signal. This allows the M80 to deliver a sound that captures the true character of your guitar.

The M80 also offers a blend of string and body sound that prevents your strings from sounding overly bright, a common issue with many acoustic pickups. It comes with a built-in volume control, giving you full control of your sound on stage.

With the M80, you get a pickup that not only delivers an outstanding sound but is also easy to install, thanks to the pre-wired strapjack harness.

Key Features:

Active, magnetic soundhole pickup inclusive of 3D body sensor
Designed for western guitars
Active/Passive switchover
Built-in volume control
Patented floating secondary coil
3D body sensor captures the entire frequency range of the guitar
Delivers a complex and enriched sound
Pre-wired strapjack harness for easy installation

Product specs

Instrument	Acoustic Guitar
Type	Humbucker
Position	Soundhole
Active/Passive	Active, Switchable to Passive
Built-in Preamp	Yes
Controls	Volume, Active/Passive switch, battery check
Features	Feedback Resistant
Power Source	1 x CR2032 (300 hours)

FAQs

What type of acoustic guitar is the L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup suitable for?: The L.R. Baggs M80 is designed for use with standard acoustic guitars and fits most soundholes, offering a versatile solution for amplifying your instrument without feedback issues.
How does the active/passive switch on the L.R. Baggs M80 work?: The L.R. Baggs M80 features an active/passive switch allowing you to choose between active mode, which uses the built-in preamp for enhanced sound, or passive mode for a simpler, battery-free operation.
Does the L.R. Baggs M80 require a battery to operate?: Yes, the L.R. Baggs M80 requires a CR2032 battery for its active mode, providing up to 300 hours of operation, while passive mode does not require a battery.
Is the L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup feedback resistant?: Yes, the L.R. Baggs M80 is designed to be feedback resistant, making it ideal for live performances where controlling feedback is crucial.
Can the L.R. Baggs M80 be used with other acoustic guitar pickups?: The L.R. Baggs M80 can be used alongside other acoustic guitar pickups, providing flexibility in achieving your desired amplified sound.

Videos

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Guitar World

L.R. Baggs M80 Review

Guitar World

LR Baggs M80 Acoustic Pickup Demo

soundpurestudios

L.R. Baggs M80 Review from Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

L.R. Baggs M1 Active and M80 Acoustic Guitar Pickup Demo from Peghead Nation

Peghead Nation

Introducing the LR Baggs M80 Pickup

LR Baggs

Justin Weaver | M80 Magnetic Pickup

LR Baggs

NAMM '12 - LR Baggs M80 Pickup Demo

Premier Guitar

Acoustic Guitar Pickups #19 - L. R. Baggs M80

Aaron Short Music

L. R. Baggs M80 Educational Review

Sound Tuition

Reviews

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PROS

Captures percussive body hits and string tapping sounds well
Easy to control volume with integrated control
Provides very natural, true-to-instrument sound
Excellent balance from bass to treble strings
Simple installation process with provided tools
High-quality build with sturdy materials
Long battery life with battery-check feature
Adjustable pole pieces for string balance
Well-suited for both fingerpicking and flatpicking
Minimal distortion and clear sound output

CONS

Passive/active switch is difficult to access
Can be hit by pick, amplifying unwanted noise
Active mode battery requires removal of strings for replacement
Not suitable for small soundholes or certain guitar models
Prone to feedback in noisy or small stage environments
Installation may require drilling, which can be stressful

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup.

Features and functionality

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The M80's adjustable volume wheel offers significant control, allowing users to tailor gain and volume effectively.
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The second transducer coil in the M80 can subtly capture body noise on mid and treble strings, enhancing the acoustic experience.
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The M80 is praised for being easy to install, providing a hassle-free experience for users looking to upgrade their guitar's sound.
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User experience

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Owners note that the M80 is less feedback resistant due to the transducer coil's sensitivity.
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Users find the M80 handles effects like reverb and delay acceptably, though not exceptionally.
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Owners note that an EQ pedal, like a Boss GE-7, can significantly enhance the pickup's sound quality, making it closer to the natural acoustic tone.
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Some find that the M80 is less obtrusive visually and functionally compared to other soundhole pickups, especially with its non-invasive design.
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Owners using the M80 report that it delivers a noticeable sound quality that catches audience attention during performances.
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Use cases and applications

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The M80 is preferred by users seeking simplicity, reliability, and high quality, with features like a convenient removable cable.
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When blended with other pickups, such as a K&K, the M80 can provide a distinctive sound suited for amplified group settings.
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The M80 paired with a Baggs Voiceprint DI is highlighted as a versatile rig, offering coverage for a broad range of performance scenarios.
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Comparisons

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Unlike the Fishman Rare Earth, the M80's sound is described as more generic but can be tailored through pole piece adjustments.
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Users with large-bodied guitars, like a Taylor GS, found that the M80 sometimes hinders fingerstyle playing and affects the guitar's aesthetics.
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The M80, while having a magnetic character, is noted for its clarity and sparkle, making it suitable for single note work at stage volumes compared to the K&K Mini.
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In terms of natural sound, the M80 is considered slightly less authentic than the K&K Mini but excels in performance settings with strong signal clarity.
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Critic Reviews

L.R. Baggs M80 Pickup Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The L.R. Baggs M80 Pickup shines with its balance between warmth, sensitivity, and versatility, making it a standout choice in the magnetic pickup category. Its ability to handle both heavy strumming and delicate fingerstyle with rich overtones is impressive. The switchable active/passive modes add to its adaptability. However, its volume control and passive/active switch are awkwardly placed, complicating adjustments during performances. Despite these minor inconveniences, the M80 is a worthy investment for its sonic sophistication and value, especially for musicians who embrace diverse playing styles.

positive

Full Review

LR Baggs M80 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup impresses with its innovative design and detailed sound quality, challenging the typical electric-guitar-like sound of such pickups. Easy to install, it offers a wide frequency range, capturing the guitar's body resonances. With adjustable polepieces and feedback resistance, the M80 delivers a sound that's both modern and mic-like, making it a strong contender for those seeking clarity and fullness in amplified acoustic performance. While its magnetic character is evident, a touch of EQ can enhance its mic-like quality. This review finds no significant drawbacks, heralding the M80 as a positive addition to any acoustic setup.

positive

Full Review

Review: L.R. Baggs M80 Builds on M1 Technology with New Features and Twists | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

The L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup impresses with its innovative design, offering a dual-source sound by capturing both string and body vibrations. Its active/passive switchability and adjustable pole pieces add versatility, while the warm, full tone with an acoustic character sets it apart from traditional magnetic pickups. However, the M80's sensitivity to body motion might be a double-edged sword for some, requiring caution with percussive playing styles. Despite this, its resistance to feedback and compatibility with various sound systems make it a solid choice for both fingerpicking and aggressive strumming. Overall, the M80 stands out in the crowded pickup market with its unique sound and thoughtful design.

positive

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Artist usage

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James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

Verified via YouTube

James Hetfield is confirmed to use the L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup on his Martin guitar, as evidenced by multiple videos and images. The distinctive dark brown center "stripe" of the pickup is clearly visible during his solo acoustic performances, including notable appearances in YouTube videos of his performance of "Baby Hold On" at the Eddie Money tribute/benefit show in February 2020, and during his set at the Acoustic 4 a Cure show in May, 2014.

Matthew Healy

Singer, Guitarist

The 1975

Verified via YouTube

Matthew Healy uses the L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup with his Gibson acoustic guitar, as seen in the KFOG Studio Session: The 1975 - Full Concert on YouTube, provided by Cumulus Digital - SF.

Jose Madero

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Photo

Es la pastilla que usa en su guitarra 000-17 Martin Black Smoke y la que usa generalmente en sus concierots

Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir

Singer, Guitarist

Of Monsters and Men

Verified via Photo

In this image of the band Of Monster and Men performing, Nanna's Martin guitar has an L.R. Baggs M80 pickup. She uses this guitar with this pickup for the majority of live performances.