Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (37)
$189.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (8)
$189.00
Amazon
3.3 (5)
$189.99
Thomann
4.5 (26)
$195.00 $189.00 $6.00 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Transform your mandolin's live performance with the L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup, a revolutionary tool designed to capture the authentic acoustic essence of your instrument. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this pickup delivers unparalleled sound clarity that emulates the natural tone of a microphone, without the usual challenges of feedback and extraneous noise.

Crafted with a magnetically damped vibration sensor, the Radius Pickup is sensitive enough to detect the subtlest of vibrations, ensuring your audience hears every nuance of your playing. Installation is a breeze, taking only minutes, and it can be mounted either inside or outside your mandolin. This flexibility allows you to customize your setup for any performance situation.

Included with the pickup are removable adhesive pads and mounting putty, providing a secure fit while keeping your instrument in pristine condition. The external jack mount and self-stick wire clips make wiring simple and discreet, maintaining the elegant look of your mandolin.

Elevate your sound and let your mandolin sing with the clarity and richness it deserves.

Key Features:

  • Magnetically damped vibration sensor for superior sound capture
  • Mimics microphone sound without common mic issues
  • Quick and easy installation, inside or outside mounting options
  • Includes mounting putty, clear adhesive pads, and VHB adhesive pads
  • External jack mount with self-stick wire clips for tidy internal installation

Owner's manual

L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup User Manual

Product specs

Instrument Mandolin
Type Piezo
Position Body Surface
Active/Passive Passive

FAQs

How does the L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup attach to a mandolin?

The L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup attaches to the body surface of a mandolin using a non-destructive adhesive, ensuring secure placement without damaging the instrument.

Is the L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup suitable for live performances?

Yes, the L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup is designed for live performance, providing clear, natural sound reproduction of the mandolin's acoustic tone.

Does the L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup require a battery?

No, the L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup is a passive pickup and does not require a battery, making it a convenient option for musicians.

Can the L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup be used with other acoustic instruments?

While specifically designed for mandolins, the L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup can be adapted for use with other acoustic instruments, though optimal results are achieved with mandolins.

What is the sound quality like with the L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup?

The L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup delivers a balanced and natural sound, capturing the authentic acoustic tone of the mandolin with clarity and depth.

LR Baggs

LR Baggs

Sierra Hull & Justin Moses | LR Baggs video 1

Video thumbnail for Sierra Hull & Justin Moses | LR Baggs video 1 by LR Baggs

Sierra Hull & Justin Moses | LR Baggs video 1

LR Baggs

LR Baggs

Video thumbnail for Sierra Hull & Justin Moses | LR Baggs video 2 by LR Baggs

Sierra Hull & Justin Moses | LR Baggs video 2

LR Baggs

LR Baggs

Video thumbnail for 218 RSW LR Baggs Radius Mandolin Pick Up Install Review by Rosa String Works

218 RSW LR Baggs Radius Mandolin Pick Up Install Review

Rosa String Works

Rosa String Works

Video thumbnail for Acoustic Performance Pedalboard tour! My live sound setup for mandolin, guitar, and violin. by Jacob Head

Acoustic Performance Pedalboard tour! My live sound setup for mandolin, guitar, and violin.

Jacob Head

Jacob Head

Video thumbnail for LR Baggs Mandolin Pickup Unboxing and Review by COMANDOLIN

LR Baggs Mandolin Pickup Unboxing and Review

COMANDOLIN

COMANDOLIN

Reviews

PROS

  • Easy installation with multiple mounting options for flexibility

  • Produces a natural, precise, and deep sound

  • Compatible with various mandolin models, like Loar F5 and Eastman

  • Works well with DI boxes and other preamp devices for enhanced sound quality

  • Provides a powerful sound for both big and small stages

  • Excellent sound quality that matches or exceeds microphone setups

  • Reliable grip and secure jack mount with some user modifications

  • Long-time users report consistent sound quality over years of use

CONS

  • Delicate construction; prone to damage if not handled carefully

  • Clamp size may not fit all mandolins; lacks advertised dimensions

  • Sensitive to movement noise, such as finger squeaks or clothing contact

  • Concern about jack mount detaching with cable pulls or trips

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The LR Baggs Radius pickup picks up significant body noise and "pick-thunk," which can be an issue in quieter settings but works naturally in a band context.

    Source
  • The Baggs Venue DI's ability to control volume boosts between different playing styles, such as soloing and chopping, provides added performance flexibility.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users find no discernible difference between using adhesive tape versus putty for mounting the Radius, opting for putty to avoid potential damage to the instrument's finish.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Radius is favored over other pickups like the Schertler due to its lack of piezo "quack," even though it requires EQ adjustments for bassiness and noise control.

    Source
  • The Audio Technica PRO 35 paired with the Baggs Venue DI allows for dynamic control, contrasting with other fixed-position mic setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While the Radius is primarily used for live performances, it is noted that it is not ideal for studio recordings, where microphones are preferred.

    Source
  • Transitioning from Radius to mic setups like the SM57 and SM58 is favored in quieter venues for a more natural tone, despite potential volume issues.

    Source

User experience

  • The Radius requires a preamp, such as the Baggs Venue DI, due to its low signal output, making it challenging to use without additional gear.

    Source
  • The pickup connection with the Radius can be flaky, with minor changes in instrument position potentially resulting in signal loss, indicating sensitivity in its setup.

    Source
  • Owners note that the LR Baggs Radius pickup excels in high-volume environments like crowded bars, but struggles in quieter settings due to excessive pick noise.

    Source
  • Users have experienced simpler setups and lighter gear bags when opting for mics over contact pickups, improving convenience for frequent setups.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The combination of the Radius M and the Venue DI is considered costly, but the Venue's features, like notch filter and parametric EQ, are deemed indispensable for managing sound quality.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Ritter uses L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup

Josh Ritter

Guitarist, Singer

The Cake Sale

...
Verified via Lrbaggs

According to the L.R. Baggs website Ritter uses a Radius Pickup on mandolins.

See how Sarah Jarosz uses L.R. Baggs Radius Pickup

Sarah Jarosz

Singer, Guitarist

I’m With Her

...
Verified via American Songwriter

According to this 2012 interview with americansongwriter.com Jarosz uses this Pickup on her mandolin, her octave mandolin and her octave banjo.

Used With

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

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