Gibson and Baggs have introduced HiFi DNA, a new acoustic guitar pickup system the companies describe as their most advanced effort yet to close the gap between studio and live amplified tone. The system is now available on Gibson acoustic guitars across the Modern and Original Collections through Gibson.com and Baggs.co, with a standalone version for retrofitting other guitars planned for later release.
According to the companies, HiFi DNA uses a dual sensor platform paired with two independent Class A preamps, each dedicated to its own sensor before the signals are blended. Gibson and Baggs say this architecture avoids the signal interference common in traditional summed pickup designs, preserving clarity and dynamic range while offering gain before feedback comparable to Baggs’ Element Under Saddle Pickup.
Baggs founder Lloyd R. Baggs said the dual-preamp approach had long been known to the company but was not previously feasible at scale, and that the new design captures more of the guitar’s natural character. Gibson Acoustic’s Robi Johns said the pickup addresses a problem he has worked on since the 1970s: reproducing an acoustic guitar’s full timbre on stage. Old 97’s frontman Rhett Miller is quoted saying the system’s feedback resistance is useful when switching between solo and full-band performances.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Libby Coffey, primeprgroup.com.