LR Baggs Anthem Vs M80 [Difference & Which is better]

The right pickup can make all the difference in the quality and richness of the tone produced. Two popular pickups in the market are the LR Baggs Anthem vs M80. Both of which offer excellent features and sound quality. Choosing the right one can be quite daunting for musicians.

We’ll be comparing and contrasting the features of LR Baggs Anthem and M80 pickups. We’ll also be discussing which pickup is better for different guitarists’ needs. Whether you’re a professional musician or a passionate amateur, you must know the details of both pickups.

Understanding the differences between these two high-end pickups can help you make an informed decision about which one to choose for your acoustic guitar. So, let’s explore the benefits of each pickup, and find out unique sound!

Main Difference Between the LR Baggs Anthem Vs M80:

a) Acoustic Excellence Performance for LR Baggs Anthem –

LR Baggs Anthem is a popular choice for acoustic guitar players. Who is looking for exceptional sound quality, tone, and ease of use? This pickup system uses a unique blend of a microphone and a piezo pickup to capture of guitar sound. It is delivering excellent tone with unmatched clarity with a natural acoustic sound.

Unlike other pickups that use magnets, the LR Baggs Anthem uses a revolutionary new Tru-Mic technology. That captures the guitar’s sound from the sound hole that is allowing for greater play-ability and interaction with the instrument. Installation is also a breeze, thanks to the Anthem’s simple design and easy-to-follow instructions.

In terms of battery life, the LR Baggs Anthem system uses low-current draw components, ensuring that it will last for up to 170 hours of continuous use.

b) More Focused and Brighter for M80 –

The LR Baggs M80 pickup comes with a high-quality sound & exceptional playability. It features a high-quality Neodymium magnet that is designed to produce a bright and focused tone. That is making it pick for a wide range of acoustic genres.

The M80 also offers superior playability, thanks to LR Baggs’ patented Element technology. Which is designed to capture each string’s full frequency range? The M80 is easy to install and comes with a long-lasting battery. That is providing hours of playing time without the need to swap out batteries regularly.

When compared to the LR Baggs Anthem pickup, the M80 stands out as the better option due to its brighter and more focused sound. As well as, it is ease of use and quickly installation. The M80 pickup is a perfect choice for acoustic guitarists, who are looking for a high-quality pickup that delivers the better tone and play-ability.

c) Natural and Warm Tone for Anthem –

Players prefer the LR Baggs Anthem because of its warm and natural tone. This is in large part due to the Anthem’s advanced microphone and piezo technology. Which captures both the sound of the guitar’s body with the strings themselves? The Anthem also features a powerful neodymium magnet that enhances playability. That makes it easier for players to incorporate a range of techniques into their playing.

While the installation process for the Anthem pickup can be somewhat involved, the benefits it provides in terms of sound, tone, and playability make it well worth the effort. The Anthem uses a single 9-volt battery for power that makes it simple to use and maintain.

Most of the players seeking a rich, organic sound and excellent playing feel from their acoustic guitars. The LR Baggs Anthem is a perfect and the excellent choice.

d) Great for Fingerpicking for M80 –

The M80 pickup is a high-quality choice for guitarists in need of great sound from their fingerpicking. The magnet of the M80 pickup helps to capture every detail of your fingerstyle playing and translates that information into clear, balanced sound with excellent tone. The result is a natural, warm sound that is highly responsive to changes in playing style and dynamics.

The M80 pickup is designed with player comfort in mind that makes it easy to play for extended sessions. Installation and battery replacement are also simple, that makes it an accessible choice for even the most technologically-challenged among us.

When comparing it to the LR Baggs Anthem pickup, the M80 shines in terms of its playability and responsiveness that makes it the clear choice for fingerstyle guitarists seeking a high-quality pickup.

e) Better for Loud Stages for M80 –

While the Anthem is known for its balanced sound and excellent tone shaping capabilities. Other side the M80 is considered to be better suited for loud stages. The M80 pickup features a high-quality neodymium magnet that delivers a punchy and clear sound, even at high volume levels.

Single-coil designs enhance the guitar’s playability and express you with its sound. Installation is easy, with a plug-and-play setup that requires no modifications to the instrument.

Overall, while the LR Baggs Anthem is a great all-around pickup for any player. The M80 may be a better choice if you frequently play on loud stages. It requires a pickup that can keep up with the volume.

f) Separate Controls for Mic and Pickup for Anthem –

When comparing the LR Baggs Anthem vs M80 Pickup, the LR Baggs Anthem stands out with its separate controls for mic and pickup. This feature allows for more precise sound customization, giving players greater control over their tone.

The Anthem’s mic utilizes a flexible goose-neck design and adjustable pole pieces to achieve a natural sound with minimal noise. Its individually shielded magnetic pickup ensures optimal playability. While a sound hole mounted control unit offers easy access to controls for volume, mix, and phase.

In terms of tone, the Anthem is exceptional, delivering a warm tone with crisp high-end response and a deep low-end punch. Installation is simple and requires minimal modification to the guitar, while battery life is impressive, providing up to 170 hours of play time.

Overall, the LR Baggs Anthem’s separate controls for mic and pickup make it a standout choice for players who value sound customization and versatility.

g) Increased Clarity and Definition for M80 –

Clarity and definition is one of the features of M80. The pickup is built with a new type of magnet, the Rare Earth neodymium. Which provides a stronger magnetic field and a more robust signal? That results in greater sound clarity and detail.

This improved sound quality is especially evident in the high-end frequencies and results in a more vibrant and balanced tone. Another noteworthy aspect of the M80 is its playability. It is highly responsive to nuanced playing and provides a high level of dynamic range. That makes it an excellent choice for expressive musicians looking to showcase their skills.

Installation of the M80 is straightforward, and it utilizes a 9-volt battery for power, which lasts for approximately 1,000 hours. While the LR Baggs Anthem is a great pickup, those finding the increased clarity and definition, as well as improved play-ability, may prefer the M80.

h) Ideal for Singer-Songwriters for Anthem –

The Anthem, in particular, is well-suited to singer-songwriters who play acoustic guitars. Its unique design combines a mic and a pickup, allowing you to capture the full range of your guitar’s sound.

The Anthem uses LR Baggs’ TRU-MIC technology to deliver a natural and rich sound. Acoustic resonance is difficult to achieve with traditional pickups; the sound is warm and balanced.

The Anthem also has a lower magnet pull, improving the playability of your guitar. The installation process is straightforward. Overall, if you’re looking for a pickup that provides exceptional tone, playability, and ease of use for singer-songwriters, the LR Baggs Anthem is an ideal choice.

i) Perfect for Rock Sounds for M80 –

The M80 Pickup designed for the rock sound. It delivers a consistent, natural output. Using a unique approach called the “Dynamic Body Sensor” (DBS). It provides a more focused and clear sound compared to other pickups. The M80’s dual-coil design offers a wider pickup range. That is capturing both the string and body resonances at one time.

The active magnet design provides ample headroom without distortion. Need to ensure that every note played comes out with a balanced tone. The pickup’s compact size ensures easy installation without affecting the playability or balance of the instrument. With a battery life of over 1,000 hours, the M80 is highly reliable and can deliver its signature sound in diverse environments.

When compared to the LR Baggs Anthem pickup, the M80 stands out in its design and the natural tones it generates. That makes it the perfect fit for rock musicians who want a rich and powerful sound for their performances.

In conclusion, both the LR Baggs Anthem vs M80 pickups are capable of delivering perfect sound quality. The LR Baggs Anthem pickup is known for its versatility and ability to produce a warm and natural sound with its blend of microphone and piezo technologies.

The M80 pickup is praised for its balanced and transparent sound and that is perfect for musicians who value tone accuracy. These two pickups depend on personal preference and the type of music being played.

It is recommended to try out both pickups and make an informed decision based on the specific needs & preferences of the player.

Last Updated on July 9, 2023 by Perry Garner