Deltoluxe vs Standard Pickups: Which Sounds Better?
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Deltoluxe vs Standard Pickups: Soundhole Tone Compared
Deltoluxe vs Standard Pickups. Upgrading your acoustic guitar with a pickup? The Gretsch Deltoluxe might have caught your eye – but how does it stack up against a standard soundhole pickup? Let’s break it down and see which one is right for your playing style and sound preferences.
What Is the Gretsch Deltoluxe Pickup?
The Deltoluxe is Gretsch’s reimagining of the classic DeArmond soundhole pickup from the 1950s. With its unmistakable art-deco styling and floating-mount design, it’s both a visual and tonal throwback:
Vintage-inspired magnetic pickup
Designed for easy soundhole mounting
Delivers gritty, bluesy tones
Popular among slide guitarists and roots musicians
It’s not just a pickup—it’s a vibe.
What Are Standard Soundhole Pickups?
Standard soundhole pickups are widely available and vary in type, from magnetic to piezo to mic blends. Think of pickups from brands like Fishman, Seymour Duncan, or LR Baggs:
Typically aim for a clean, balanced tone
Prioritize feedback resistance and ease of use
Designed for general amplification, not coloration
Common in stage and studio settings for acoustic players
They do their job well—but without much personality.
Tone and Character: How They Compare
Deltoluxe Pickup:
Warm mids, slight breakup when pushed
More “alive” and reactive to dynamics
Adds a characterful tone, especially for fingerstyle blues or bottleneck slide
Standard Pickups:
Clean and even frequency response
Little tonal color—lets your guitar’s natural sound shine through
Better suited for folk, pop, or singer-songwriter setups
So, it’s character (Deltoluxe) vs clarity (standard).
Want a deeper look at the Deltoluxe Pickup’s tone? Check this review.
Deltoluxe vs Standard Pickups: Build and Aesthetics
Deltoluxe:
Eye-catching art-deco cover
Floating installation avoids permanent mods
Looks stunning on vintage or DIY guitars
Standard Pickups:
Utilitarian design, often plastic
May require screws or internal preamp mounting
Designed more for function than flair
If you want your guitar to turn heads visually, Deltoluxe wins this one.
Installation and Compatibility
Deltoluxe:
Typically fits in round soundholes without drilling
Can be used in cigar box guitars or vintage restorations
Soldering may be required depending on output jack
Standard Pickups:
Often solderless and plug-and-play
Some include built-in preamps and volume wheels
Usually tailored to standard acoustic guitar sizes
The Deltoluxe is DIY-friendly but might need more effort to wire up.
Which One Should You Choose?
Go for the Deltoluxe if:
You love blues, roots, or slide guitar
You want vintage tone and aesthetics
You’re customizing a cigar box guitar or restoring an old acoustic
Choose a standard pickup if:
You need reliable, balanced tone for gigging
You want easy installation with no fuss
You play a wide variety of acoustic styles
It’s less about which is “better” and more about what you want to express.
Final Thoughts
Pick your side—and play your sound.
