How to Install a Fishman Pickup on Your Guitar (Step-by-Step Guide)

So, you’ve finally decided — your acoustic guitar deserves to be heard. Maybe you’ve been strumming quietly in your room, imagining it filling a café, a studio, or even a living room full of friends. You’ve looked at Fishman guitar pickups, read a few guides, and now… the anxiety hits.

“How do I even start?”

“What if I ruin my guitar?”

“Do I need to be an expert in electronics?”

We know that feeling. We’ve stared at our own guitars the same way, wondering if we were about to make a mistake that would haunt us. But here’s the truth: installing a Fishman pickup for acoustic guitar isn’t magic, and it isn’t scary. It’s more like having a delicate conversation with your guitar — listening, adjusting, being patient.

Let’s go step by step talking about every doubt you might have.

Step #1: Picking the Right Fishman Pickup for You

First things first. There are so many types: under-saddle pickups, soundhole-mounted pickups, and contact pickups. Which one’s right for you?

Under-saddle pickups: Go under the bridge saddle, giving a natural tone. Minimal visual impact. Perfect if you want your guitar to look untouched.
Soundhole-mounted pickups: Clip into the soundhole. Easy to install, remove, and adjust. Some say they slightly change the guitar’s acoustic feel.
Contact pickups: Stick on the top or side. Cheap, easy, but usually less dynamic.

Ask yourself: do I want something permanent or something I can remove? Do I want a pure natural tone or convenience first? Answering these will save frustration later.

We often wonder: “Am I overthinking this?” Yes, a little, but it’s okay. Choosing wisely now means years of enjoyment without regrets.

Step #2: Gather Your Tools — And Your Courage

Okay, let’s be honest. Most people panic when they see a screwdriver near their guitar. It’s normal. But installing a Fishman acoustic pickup is mostly gentle fiddling.

You’ll need:

Small screwdriver set
Allen wrench (usually included with the pickup)
Wire cutters/strippers (sometimes)
Your guitar, ready to be transformed

And a moment to breathe. Seriously. Put on your favorite track, sit down with your guitar on your lap, and treat this like a collaboration, not a repair job.

We often ask ourselves: “What if I mess up the wiring?” Relax — the beauty of Fishman pickups is that the instructions are simple, and mistakes are rarely permanent.

Step #3: Installing an Under-Saddle Pickup (Most Popular)

Here’s where hands-on work starts. If you’re worried about messing up your bridge, let’s slow down and make this simple:

Remove the strings — yes, this is unavoidable. But think of it as making space for your guitar to breathe.

Slide the pickup wire under the saddle — careful, gentle, don’t yank. The pickup is fragile, but so are the nerves.

Place the saddle back carefully — does it sit flush? Perfect.

Run the wire to the endpin jack — usually near the strap button. You may need to drill a tiny hole if your guitar didn’t come prepped.

Pause here. Take a breath. Plug it in lightly. Hear anything? Even faint hum or vibration? That’s the first whisper of your guitar amplified — the moment when your heart skips.

We always worry: “Will it sound as natural as my unplugged guitar?” The answer: yes, almost magical. With Fishman guitar pickups, it retains warmth and detail.

Step #4: Installing a Soundhole-Mounted Pickup

Some of us hate drilling, and that’s okay. A soundhole-mounted pickup is a friendlier alternative.

Clip it gently into the soundhole.
Adjust the height so your strings aren’t muted or buzzing.
Run the cable to your endpin jack (or amplifier directly if battery-powered).

Here’s a little secret: even a beginner can do this without fear. If you feel unsure, imagine your guitar smiling at you — it’s ready to be played, not ruined.

Step #5: Test and Tweak — Don’t Rush

This is where most of us get impatient: plug it in and expect perfection. But here’s the truth: every guitar is unique. You might hear some uneven tone, slight buzzing, or strings sounding different.

Don’t panic. Ask yourself:

“Is the pickup too close to a string?”

“Is the endpin jack secure?”

“Do I need to adjust the EQ later?”

Play gently, tweak a little. That feeling when it finally sounds right — that’s pure satisfaction. You just created something magical with your own hands.

Step #6: Enjoy and Experiment

Once installed, take a moment. Strum, fingerpick, hum along. Listen to how the amplified guitar sings differently but still feels like yours.

Try fingerstyle, strumming, and even light percussive taps.
Notice how your dynamics change.
Experiment with small EQ tweaks on your amp — a little tweak can make a huge difference.

We always ask: “Will it ever sound as good as my unplugged guitar?” Sometimes it’s even better — more presence, more clarity, more excitement.

A Few Friendly Tips

Take it slow. There’s no race.
If you feel anxious, watch a few tutorial videos alongside your own guitar.
Keep your strings and saddle in mind — small adjustments can make a big difference.
Protect your guitar. Even though Fishman pickups are designed for safety, gentle hands are always better.

Wrapping It Up:

Installing a Fishman pickup for your acoustic guitar isn’t just a technical task. It’s a journey. It’s learning to trust your hands, your ears, and your guitar. Every step, every tiny doubt, every moment of hesitation is part of the experience.

And here’s the best part: once it’s done, your guitar doesn’t just sing anymore. It projects, it connects, it shares your emotions with the world.

So go ahead. Take a deep breath. Unwrap that pickup. Sit with your guitar. And let your music finally reach every corner of the room.