Which Seymour Duncan Woody Acoustic Guitar Pickup is best for you?

Quick Summary

In this blog, we explore the Seymour Duncan Woody pickup series, comparing three key models: the Single Coil Soundhole acoustic pickup, the XL Adjustable Soundhole acoustic pickup, and the HC Soundhole acoustic pickup.

Simple Solution for Acoustic Amplification

So, you’ve decided you want to amplify your acoustic guitar. There are several routes you can take to achieve this.

Of course, you could buy a new electro acoustic model… but maybe you’re a bit sentimental about the one you already have. 

You could permanently modify it, but sometimes that can be a lot of faff. 

Fear not, there’s a simple solution: the Seymour Duncan Woody pickup series. 

These magnetic passive pickups are designed for steel-string acoustic guitars, offering a simple plug and play solution to amplifying your instrument.

Each of these three pickups fit standard soundholes, ranging from 94mm to 100mm, and can be installed and uninstalled within seconds. 

But which of the three main models should you go for? Read on to find out!

Seymour Duncan Woody Single Coil Soundhole Acoustic Pickup

The first option is the Woody SC (single coil) pickup. 

This pickup offers a brighter tone with a pronounced high-end, ideal for those looking to cut through the din of the rest of the band. 

Who is it best for?

This pickup is best suited to anyone looking for a bright, sparkling tone, and tends to be favoured by folk artists and fingerstyle players. 

It compliments warm-sounding acoustic instruments incredibly well, emphasising clarity, particularly within ensembles.

Seymour Duncan Woody XL Adjustable Soundhole Acoustic Pickup

Utilising a stacked-coil design, this pickup is best for eliminating any annoying buzz and hum you may encounter, all while providing a warm and rich tone. 

The adjustable pole pieces facilitate pole-height customisation by using an allen key, ensuring precise string-to-string volume balance. 

Who is it best for?

Due to the adjustable pole pieces and hum-cancelling design, this pickup is best for those who prioritise volume.

If you frequently encounter uneven string volume, and your playing style often includes aggressive strumming and/or delicate fingerpicking in noisy environments, this pickup will be your new best friend.

Seymour Duncan Woody HC Soundhole Acoustic Pickup

Finally, we have the Woody HC (hum-cancelling) acoustic pickup. 

Like the Seymour Duncan Woody XL, this pickup features a hum-cancelling design, using a stacked coil to eradicate electric hum.

It offers a warm and natural tone, with a fatter, slightly more compressed sound than the Seymour Duncan Woody SC pickup.

Who is it best for?

This pickup is suited to all types of acoustic playing.

It’s best suited to players who prioritise volume and frequently play in noisy environments, but who rarely encounter uneven string-to-string volume.

The Seymour Duncan Woody Acoustic Guitar Pickups Compared

Choosing the right Seymour Duncan Woody pickup for you