How to Amplify an Archtop Guitar with a Humbucker
A workshop guide to permanently fitting a humbucker, output jack and simple 500 kΩ volume control to my own archtop guitar.
An acoustic archtop guitar has a voice of its own. When playing in an ensemble or on stage, however, direct amplification can be more practical than standing in front of a microphone.
At my instrument workshop in Tornemark, Denmark, I am installing a humbucker permanently in my own red archtop guitar. Here are the main decisions and steps involved.
Why choose a humbucker?
A humbucker is a magnetic pickup with two coils designed to reduce electrical hum. It can produce a full amplified sound, but responds primarily to string vibration rather than reproducing the complete acoustic voice of the instrument as a microphone would. The strings must contain magnetic material for this type of pickup to work properly.
A straightforward system with no onboard EQ
For this installation I am using a Planet Wing design consisting of a slim humbucker, a volume control and an output jack. I deliberately leave tone controls and EQ off the guitar: those adjustments are made on the amplifier or mixer. The control on the instrument is simply there to turn up for a solo and back down for accompaniment.
Why a quality 500 kΩ potentiometer?
A jazz guitarist may use the volume knob constantly. For that reason I chose a good-quality 500 kΩ potentiometer, with smooth operation and dependable construction. 500 kΩ is a common choice for many passive humbuckers.
Planning before drilling
This is a permanent installation. Before making holes, I check the curved soundboard, its thickness and internal bracing, then work out safe positions for the pickup, volume control and jack. String clearance, the floating bridge and access for wiring all matter. A thin acoustic guitar top calls for precision and care.
Drilling and fitting
The workshop photos show the guitar and part of the drilling process. Hole sizes and positions depend on the actual parts and the instrument's construction. It is essential to confirm that no braces or other obstacles lie beneath the drilling points, and to support the wood properly. Once fitted, wiring should be secured so it cannot rattle or become trapped inside the body.
Wiring and initial checks
Once the humbucker, volume control and jack are connected, I check solder joints, grounding and the signal path before plugging into an amplifier. The volume should work smoothly and the strings should produce an even response. Pickup height and positioning make a difference, as do amplifier settings.
Respecting the instrument
Archtop guitars vary in construction. Any permanent pickup installation needs to be adapted to the particular instrument, with as little unnecessary alteration as possible.
The completed installation
Here is the finished red archtop guitar with its Planet Wing humbucker installed.
Read more about guitar truss rod adjustment and my instrument workshop.
Michael Staun
Instrument Workshop – Tornemark