Contact pickups: piezo, Nanoflex and ISCHELL explained

Piezo, Nanoflex, ISCHELL… the world of contact pickups can seem complex. Yet the principle is simple: pick up the vibrations of the instrument’s body rather than the airborne sound. The result: a faithful sound with no feedback. Let us break it down.

The piezoelectric pickup: the great classic

The piezo pickup turns mechanical vibrations into an electrical signal. It is the most widespread and most affordable technology. The Shadow SH-711 Universal Piezo Pickup is an excellent example: it sticks onto any instrument and picks up the sound instantly. Ideal for getting started or for amplifying an unusual instrument.

Nanoflex technology

Developed by Shadow, Nanoflex technology uses an ultra-thin sensor film that conforms to the surface of the instrument. The result is more detailed and more natural than a conventional piezo. The Shadow Nanoflex SH-945-NFX Violin Pickup illustrates this finesse: every nuance of the bow is captured with precision.

ISCHELL pickups: the French speciality

ISCHELL is a French brand specialising in contact pickups for all types of instruments. Their strength: pickups designed specifically for each instrument, from the ISCHELL J48A classical guitar pickup to the C2BHP pickup for kora and world instruments. Each model is optimised for the frequency and resonance of the target instrument.

Passive or active?

A passive pickup needs a preamp to get a good signal level. An active pickup (with a built-in preamp or control box) plugs in directly. Shadow pickups with a built-in preamp are the perfect plug-and-play solution for those who want to simplify their amplification chain.

How to choose?

Start from your instrument and how you will use it. For a classical instrument (guitar, violin), choose a dedicated pickup. For a rare or variable instrument, opt for a universal pickup. And if you play in a band or on stage, go for an active model with a preamp. Discover our complete range of microphones and pickups for instruments or contact us for tailored advice.