What is the main advantage of the M80's floating coil?

The floating secondary coil acts as a 3D sensor that captures the vibrations of the guitar body. This adds richness and complexity to the sound, making it more representative of the actual acoustic instrument compared to standard magnetic pickups.

Does the L.R. Baggs M80 require batteries?

Yes, the M80 is an active pickup that typically uses a button cell battery to power its internal preamp. It also features a battery check light so users can monitor the power level during use.

Can the M80 be used in passive mode?

Yes, the M80 features a switch that allows the user to toggle between active and passive modes. This is useful if the battery dies mid-performance or if you prefer to use an external preamp.

How does the M80 handle feedback?

Because it is primarily a magnetic pickup, it is highly resistant to feedback even at high volumes. This makes it a preferred choice for musicians playing with loud bands or in difficult acoustic environments.

Is the installation of the M80 permanent?

It can be installed temporarily by running the cable out of the soundhole, or permanently by drilling a hole for the endpin jack. Most professional setups involve a permanent endpin installation for convenience.

Will the M80 fit any acoustic guitar?

The M80 is designed to fit most standard acoustic guitars with a soundhole diameter of approximately 3.5 to 4 inches. It may not fit smaller parlors or non-standard soundhole shapes without modification.

How does the M80 compare to an undersaddle piezo pickup?

The M80 avoids the 'quack' or harsh transient response often associated with piezo pickups. It provides a warmer, more body-sensitive tone through its magnetic and 3D sensor technology.

Does the M80 pick up percussive hits on the guitar body?

Yes, the 3D body sensor is specifically designed to capture the acoustic energy of the guitar top. This makes it excellent for percussive playing styles where the player taps the body.

What is the price range for the L.R. Baggs M80?

The M80 is generally positioned as a premium product, with a typical retail price in the UK of approximately £345. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Can I use the M80 with nylon string guitars?

No, magnetic pickups like the M80 require steel strings to function. The magnetic field reacts to the movement of ferrous metal, so it will not produce a signal with nylon or gut strings.

Does the M80 have built-in volume control?

Yes, the pickup includes an easily accessible volume control wheel located on the body of the unit. This allows for quick adjustments while playing without reaching for an amplifier.

How does pick choice affect the sound of the M80?

While the M80 captures the body resonance, the initial attack is still influenced by the plectrum. Using a Dunlop Big Stubby 1.00mm will provide a sharper attack, while a Dunlop Standard Felt Pick will result in a much softer, muted transient.

Gear article

L.R. Baggs M80 Magnetic Soundhole Pickup

The L.R. Baggs M80 is a high-end magnetic soundhole pickup designed for acoustic guitars, featuring a patented floating secondary coil that acts as a 3D body sensor. It is engineered to capture the full frequency range of the instrument's body resonance alongside direct string vibration, offering a hybrid sound between a traditional magnetic pickup and a microphone.

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Overview and Technology

The L.R. Baggs M80 is a professional-grade acoustic guitar pickup that mounts directly across the soundhole. Unlike standard magnetic pickups that only register string movement, the M80 incorporates a 3D sensor system. This system is built around a patented floating secondary coil that performs two distinct roles: it acts as a humbucking coil to eliminate electrical noise and functions as a vibration sensor for the guitar's top.

By capturing the entire frequency range of the guitar body, the M80 aims to provide a more 'acoustic' and complex character than traditional magnetic designs. The floating coil is tuned to respond to the movement of the guitar's soundboard, adding depth and percussive detail to the amplified signal.

Sound Character

The primary characteristic of the M80 is its richness and complexity. While it maintains the feedback resistance and reliability of a magnetic pickup, the integration of the 3D body sensor introduces high-frequency air and low-end warmth typically associated with internal microphones. This design mitigates the 'electric' sound often complained about in magnetic pickups, providing a more balanced representation of the wood and construction of the instrument.

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User Application

The M80 is suited for guitarists who require high-volume performance without the feedback risks of a microphone or undersaddle transducer. It is particularly effective for percussive fingerstyle players who need the pickup to respond to taps and slaps on the guitar body. The device is designed to be easily installed and removed, making it a flexible option for players who do not wish to perform permanent modifications on vintage or high-value instruments.

Comparison and Alternatives

In the broader market of acoustic accessories, the M80 sits at a premium price point compared to entry-level magnetic units. While players often supplement their setup with various plectrum choices—such as the Dunlop Big Stubby 1.00mm for lead articulation or the Dunlop Standard Felt Picks for a softer attack—the M80 provides the foundational electronic tone. Compared to alternatives like the Dunlop White Fang or Tortex Jazz III XL which influence the tactile response at the strings, the M80 handles the heavy lifting of signal translation and body resonance capture.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main advantage of the M80's floating coil?: The floating secondary coil acts as a 3D sensor that captures the vibrations of the guitar body. This adds richness and complexity to the sound, making it more representative of the actual acoustic instrument compared to standard magnetic pickups.
Does the L.R. Baggs M80 require batteries?: Yes, the M80 is an active pickup that typically uses a button cell battery to power its internal preamp. It also features a battery check light so users can monitor the power level during use.
Can the M80 be used in passive mode?: Yes, the M80 features a switch that allows the user to toggle between active and passive modes. This is useful if the battery dies mid-performance or if you prefer to use an external preamp.
How does the M80 handle feedback?: Because it is primarily a magnetic pickup, it is highly resistant to feedback even at high volumes. This makes it a preferred choice for musicians playing with loud bands or in difficult acoustic environments.
Is the installation of the M80 permanent?: It can be installed temporarily by running the cable out of the soundhole, or permanently by drilling a hole for the endpin jack. Most professional setups involve a permanent endpin installation for convenience.
Will the M80 fit any acoustic guitar?: The M80 is designed to fit most standard acoustic guitars with a soundhole diameter of approximately 3.5 to 4 inches. It may not fit smaller parlors or non-standard soundhole shapes without modification.
How does the M80 compare to an undersaddle piezo pickup?: The M80 avoids the 'quack' or harsh transient response often associated with piezo pickups. It provides a warmer, more body-sensitive tone through its magnetic and 3D sensor technology.
Does the M80 pick up percussive hits on the guitar body?: Yes, the 3D body sensor is specifically designed to capture the acoustic energy of the guitar top. This makes it excellent for percussive playing styles where the player taps the body.
What is the price range for the L.R. Baggs M80?: The M80 is generally positioned as a premium product, with a typical retail price in the UK of approximately £345. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Can I use the M80 with nylon string guitars?: No, magnetic pickups like the M80 require steel strings to function. The magnetic field reacts to the movement of ferrous metal, so it will not produce a signal with nylon or gut strings.
Does the M80 have built-in volume control?: Yes, the pickup includes an easily accessible volume control wheel located on the body of the unit. This allows for quick adjustments while playing without reaching for an amplifier.
How does pick choice affect the sound of the M80?: While the M80 captures the body resonance, the initial attack is still influenced by the plectrum. Using a Dunlop Big Stubby 1.00mm will provide a sharper attack, while a Dunlop Standard Felt Pick will result in a much softer, muted transient.