Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (58)
$229.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (18)
$229.00
Amazon
4.6 (215)
$229.00
Reverb
5.0 (21)
$229.00 New
$140.00 Used
zZounds
4.0 (1)
$229.00
Thomann
4.7 (259)
$244.00 $239.00 $5.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£279.99

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the perfect fusion of string and body resonance with the LR Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup. Designed to capture the natural voice of your acoustic guitar, this pickup takes your performance to new heights, whether you're on a cozy stage or filling a grand arena. Unlike typical soundhole pickups, the M1A captures both string and soundboard vibrations, offering a rich and natural sound that cuts through any mix without feedback.

The M1A's built-in preamp lets you connect directly to your PA or amp, eliminating the need for external gear while preserving your guitar's authentic tone. The adjustable pole pieces ensure you achieve the perfect balance for any acoustic guitar, and the integrated volume control provides on-the-fly sound management, giving you complete authority over your performance. With its quiet, hum-free operation, this pickup is engineered to deliver clarity and precision every time you plug in.

Installation is a breeze with the pre-wired strapjack harness, and the robust battery life of over 1,000 hours means you can focus on playing without constant battery swaps. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, the LR Baggs M1A is your ticket to a superior live acoustic experience.

Key Features:

  • Highly feedback-resistant design
  • Captures both string and soundboard vibrations
  • Adjustable pole pieces for perfect balance
  • Built-in volume control for easy sound management
  • Hum-free operation for clear performances
  • Pre-wired strapjack harness for quick installation
  • Battery life exceeding 1,000 hours

Owner's manual

L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup User Manual

Product specs

Available since November 2008
Humbucker Yes
Single Coil No
Active Yes

FAQs

What type of pickup is the L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup?

The L.R. Baggs M1A is an active soundhole magnetic pickup, featuring a humbucker design that helps reduce noise and interference while providing a rich, full sound.

Does the L.R. Baggs M1A require a battery?

Yes, the L.R. Baggs M1A is an active pickup and requires a battery to function, which enhances its output and tonal clarity.

Is the L.R. Baggs M1A suitable for live performances?

The L.R. Baggs M1A is ideal for live performances due to its active design and humbucker configuration, which minimizes feedback and delivers a strong, clear sound even at high volumes.

Can the L.R. Baggs M1A be installed without modifying my guitar?

Yes, the L.R. Baggs M1A is designed for easy installation in the soundhole of your acoustic guitar without the need for permanent modifications.

How does the L.R. Baggs M1A affect the acoustic tone of my guitar?

The L.R. Baggs M1A enhances the natural acoustic tone of your guitar while providing a balanced and amplified sound, preserving the instrument's original character.

Reverb

Reverb

Choosing the Right Acoustic Guitar Pickup: Soundhole vs Transducer vs Mic vs Piezo | Reverb Demo

Video thumbnail for Choosing the Right Acoustic Guitar Pickup: Soundhole vs Transducer vs Mic vs Piezo | Reverb Demo by Reverb

Choosing the Right Acoustic Guitar Pickup: Soundhole vs Transducer vs Mic vs Piezo | Reverb Demo

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for LR Baggs M1A Unboxing and Demo by Diego Alonso

LR Baggs M1A Unboxing and Demo

Diego Alonso

Diego Alonso

Video thumbnail for Richard Wilson Weissenborn Guitar Pickup Demo - L.R. Baggs M1A Active Magnetic Pickup - Koa Style 4 by Richard Wilson Guitars

Richard Wilson Weissenborn Guitar Pickup Demo - L.R. Baggs M1A Active Magnetic Pickup - Koa Style 4

Richard Wilson Guitars

Richard Wilson Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Easy installation with minimal modification to the guitar

  • Captures soundboard resonance for a more realistic acoustic tone

  • Great for live rock performances with minimal feedback issues

  • Clear, full, and crisp sound with individual string adjustment

  • Excellent battery life, lasting through extensive use

  • Suitable for both live performances and recording sessions

  • Offers a balance of magnetic pickup and soundboard resonance

  • Adjustable pole pieces for personalized string balance

  • High-quality build and sound as expected from LR Baggs

  • Versatile, suitable for different musical styles and settings

CONS

  • Tone can be too electric-guitar-like for some users

  • Requires technique adjustment to avoid unwanted clicks

  • May dampen string sound when playing unplugged due to large magnets

  • Sensitivity may capture unwanted neck and body sounds

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 11 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
tom_christopher

Best acoustic pick-up I know

Most of my musical idols know just as well as I do that this is just the best acoustic pick-up out there. It sounds crisp and pure and it's easy to take out. I own two of these because I had to have one on my spare guitar as well. The look is also important, if you ask me, and the LR Baggs goes sweet with just about any acoustic. Should you be thinking about getting one, spend a little more to get the active one.

From Gear Setup
tom_christopher

I have kind of changed my mind about this a little bit. While I still think, this is the best pick-up to get, if you just want something to be installed easily into your soundhole, this is the one to get. But as far as pick-ups in general go, I do prefer the sound of the LR Baggs system that is built into my Gibson J-45 Sustainable. I found that the pick-up that the guitar comes with is often the best option (turns out the people who make guitars have put some thought into their choice of pick-up).

L

La référence des micros rosaces

Juste un trou au niveau de l'attache courroie (laisser faire un luthier c'est quand même plus prudent), un ptit tournevis pour le fixer à la rosace et s'est parti ! Et en plus sa sonne vraiment bien ! Bon après le prix est là donc heureusement !

anthonycenname

The best

Ive been through many acoustic pickups and this is the go to from now on. Use it in all acoustics

jasonomaramusic

Good magnetic

Installed on my 000-15m, they are good natural sounding pickups but lack output from the bass strings.

vladmocanescuofficial

Great Pickup!!

You can get everything you want out of this pickup!!!!

jimmarchi1

short n sweet... and true

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Gilmour uses L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via YouTube

David Gilmour uses the LR Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup, as demonstrated in a performance of "Wish You Were Here" on YouTube. Additionally, his image is featured on the LR Baggs M1 product page, highlighting his association with this gear.

See how Matthew Bellamy uses L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Matthew Bellamy plays the guitar with L.R. Baggs M1A.

See how Dallas Green uses L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup

Dallas Green

Singer, Guitarist

Alexisonfire

...
Verified via YouTube

Dallas can be seen using the LR Baggs pickup in this video. In a post on LR Baggs' website, Dallas explains his love for the M1. "It's hard to make an acoustic guitar sound just as good in front of 10,000 people as it does when you're sitting alone in a small room. For me, the M1 makes that possible!"

See how Father John Misty uses L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup

Father John Misty

Singer, Guitarist

Fleet Foxes

...
Verified via YouTube

Father John Misty uses the LR Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup to amplify his Martin acoustic guitar. This can be seen in his full performance live on KEXP.

See how Nando Reis uses L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup

Nando Reis

Singer, Guitarist

Titãs

...
Verified via LR Baggs

Nando Reis, an esteemed singer, guitarist, composer, and music producer, has publicly expressed his preference for the LR Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup. In a statement featured on LR Baggs' official website, Reis articulates, "I've been playing professional guitar since 1979 and when I first used LR Baggs pickups I finally found the sound I wanted. A blend of natural wood tone with powerful electrification. There is no better and more suitable combination for my music. I'm a fan and I'm very honored to represent a brand." This endorsement directly affirms his use and support for this specific pickup, underlining its significant role in achieving his desired musical sound.

See how Sebastián Cabib uses L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup

Sebastián Cabib

Singer, Guitarist

Pettinellis

...
Verified via Photo

Cabib has a LR Baggs pickup in his acoustic guitar.

See how Ryan Johnson uses L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup

Ryan Johnson

Guitarist

10 Years

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "10 Years - GEAR MASTERS Ep. 63 [Acoustic Edition]" by Digital Tour Bus, Ryan Johnson is seen using the LR Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup on his 12-string guitar.

Album Usage

The L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use L.R. Baggs M1A Active Soundhole Magnetic Pickup, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender 1976 12 String F-5-12
Fender 1976 12 String F-5-12 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Martin 000-15M
Martin 000-15M Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Shure SM58
Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphones
1

Community setups

Show yours
tom_christopher

tom_christopher

Gear IQ 357

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