The LR Baggs Anthem is a premium acoustic guitar pickup and microphone system designed to reproduce more of an instrument's natural acoustic character on stage.

Rather than relying solely on an undersaddle piezo, the Anthem combines LR Baggs' TRU•MIC condenser microphone with the Element undersaddle pickup. The TRU•MIC handles the majority of the guitar's audible character, while the Element reinforces the low frequencies and provides the stability required for live performance.

This example is presented in Mint, unused condition. The original box has been opened only, while the pickup system itself has never been installed or used.

It remains complete in its original packaging with all original contents.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	LR Baggs
Model	Anthem
Type	Acoustic Guitar Pickup / Microphone System
Pickup	Element Undersaddle Transducer
Microphone	TRU•MIC Condenser Microphone
Preamp	Active Soundhole-Mounted Preamp
Controls	Volume, Mix, Phase, Battery Check, Mic Level
Power	9V Battery
Intended Instruments	Steel-String / 12-String Acoustic Guitar
Condition	Mint – Unused
Packaging	Original Box
Installation History	Never Installed
Completeness	Complete with Original Contents
Main Appeal	Natural mic-based acoustic sound with stage-ready feedback resistance

Condition Overview

Mint – Unused / Opened Box Only

This LR Baggs Anthem is presented in Mint Condition.

The system has:

• Never been installed
• Never been used
• Remained in its original packaging
• Retained all original contents
• Only had the outer box opened

This makes it particularly attractive for someone looking for an Anthem system without the wear, adhesive use or installation history normally associated with a pre-owned acoustic pickup.

What's Included?

✔ LR Baggs Anthem System
✔ TRU•MIC Microphone
✔ Element Undersaddle Pickup
✔ Soundhole Preamp / Control Unit
✔ Battery Retention Bag
✔ Mic Adjustment Tool
✔ Original Adhesives / Installation Components
✔ Original Box
✔ Original Boxed Contents

The system is complete with its original contents.

Important Installation Note

The Anthem is an internal acoustic guitar pickup system and requires installation into the instrument.

Installation involves fitting components including:

• Element undersaddle pickup
• TRU•MIC beneath the bridge plate
• Soundhole control unit
• Endpin output jack
• Battery retention system

LR Baggs recommends professional installation.

This is particularly important because correct undersaddle pickup installation, saddle fit and microphone positioning can significantly affect both output balance and amplified tone.

What Makes The LR Baggs Anthem Special?

The Anthem differs from many conventional acoustic pickup systems because a microphone rather than the undersaddle transducer carries the majority of the guitar's tonal information.

Traditional undersaddle pickups are highly practical for live performance but can sometimes produce the compressed or sharp attack often associated with amplified piezo systems.

The Anthem approaches the problem differently.

Its TRU•MIC captures the acoustic character of the guitar from beneath the bridge plate, while the Element pickup provides the low-frequency foundation and helps maintain stability at performance volume.

The result is intended to retain more of the instrument's natural acoustic response while remaining practical on stage.

Key Features & Benefits

LR Baggs TRU•MIC

The patented TRU•MIC mounts to the underside of the guitar's bridge plate.

Rather than simply hanging freely inside the body, its specialised mounting arrangement allows it to capture vibration and acoustic energy from a carefully controlled position.

The system is designed to provide:

• Natural acoustic detail
• Open midrange response
• Clear high frequencies
• Reduced internal body “boxiness”
• Strong feedback resistance
• Improved dynamic response

Element Undersaddle Pickup

The Element pickup sits beneath the saddle.

Within the Anthem system, it plays an important role in supporting the lower-frequency response of the guitar.

This gives the system:

• Solid bass fundamentals
• Consistent string response
• Strong stage performance
• Improved feedback control
• Reliable low-frequency reproduction

Hybrid Microphone + Pickup Design

The Anthem combines the strengths of two different pickup approaches.

TRU•MIC

Provides much of the natural acoustic character, detail and spaciousness.

Element Pickup

Provides low-frequency support, direct string information and dependable stage performance.

Together, they produce a much more complete system than either technology would offer alone.

Blend Control

The Mix control changes the balance between the mic-supported Anthem sound and the full-range Element pickup signal.

This is particularly useful because different situations may require different amounts of microphone character.

For quieter performances, more microphone signal can provide a particularly open and natural sound.

At higher stage volumes, moving towards the Element can provide additional feedback resistance and directness.

Master Volume

A conveniently positioned master volume control allows the guitar's amplified output level to be adjusted directly from the soundhole.

There is no need to cut a large control panel into the side of the guitar.

Phase Control

The phase inversion control can help manage troublesome low-frequency resonance and feedback.

Changing phase can sometimes significantly improve stability depending on:

• Stage position
• Monitor placement
• PA system
• Acoustic amplifier
• Room acoustics

Battery Check

An integrated multi-segment battery indicator allows the player to check remaining battery condition before a performance.

This is particularly useful with an internally mounted battery, where accessing the battery may require loosening the guitar strings.

Mic Level Adjustment

The Anthem includes a dedicated mic trim control.

This allows the microphone level to be matched appropriately to the individual acoustic guitar.

Because different instruments naturally produce different amounts of resonance and output, this fine adjustment helps optimise the system after installation.

Discreet Soundhole Controls

The Anthem avoids the large rectangular side-mounted preamp panels found on some electro-acoustic systems.

Its lightweight control section mounts discreetly inside the soundhole.

This provides access to the important controls while avoiding a substantial cutout in the side of the instrument.

Who Is It For?

Gigging acoustic guitarists – Designed to combine natural acoustic character with the feedback resistance required for live use.

Singer-songwriters – Particularly useful for players whose acoustic guitar is central to their amplified sound.

Professional acoustic players – The microphone/piezo hybrid design provides considerably more control than a basic passive pickup.

Fingerstyle guitarists – The microphone helps reproduce subtle dynamics and body resonance.

Strumming players – The Element component adds solidity and definition during more forceful playing.

Players with high-quality acoustics – Particularly attractive when preserving the individual sound of the guitar is more important than simply achieving a usable amplified signal.

Suitable Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Live acoustic performance
• Singer-songwriter gigs
• Folk
• Country
• Americana
• Acoustic rock
• Fingerstyle
• Worship
• Solo performance
• Duo performance
• Acoustic amplifiers
• PA systems
• Audio interfaces
• Studio/live hybrid setups

Anthem vs Conventional Piezo Pickup

A conventional undersaddle system relies almost entirely on direct string pressure passing through the saddle.

That can make it:

• Reliable
• Feedback-resistant
• Consistent

but sometimes less representative of the guitar's natural acoustic character.

The Anthem retains an undersaddle Element pickup but combines it with the TRU•MIC, allowing more of the actual acoustic instrument to form part of the amplified signal.

Anthem vs Soundhole Magnetic Pickup

A magnetic soundhole pickup senses the movement of steel strings in a magnetic field.

The Anthem instead captures acoustic vibration through its microphone and undersaddle system.

The result is aimed much more directly at reproducing an acoustic guitar sound rather than an electric-style magnetic pickup response.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Acoustic Pickup + Microphone System
Brand	LR Baggs
Model	Anthem
Intended Instrument	Steel-String / 12-String Acoustic Guitar
System Type	Undersaddle Pickup + Internal Microphone
Pickup	LR Baggs Element
Pickup Position	Undersaddle
Microphone	LR Baggs TRU•MIC
Microphone Position	Under Bridge Plate
Electronics	Active
Preamp	Yes
Preamp Design	All-Discrete Class-A
Control Location	Soundhole
Master Volume	Yes
Mix Control	Yes
Phase Inversion	Yes
Battery Check	Yes
Mic Level / Trim	Yes
Power Source	9V Battery
Battery Retention	Internal Battery Bag
Professional Installation Recommended	Yes
Installation History	Never Installed
Packaging	Original Box
Condition	Mint / Unused

Power Requirements

The LR Baggs Anthem requires a 9V battery for operation once installed.

No external power supply is required.

The system switches on when an instrument cable is connected to its output jack, so the cable should normally be unplugged when the guitar is not being amplified to conserve battery life.

Installation Compatibility

The Anthem is designed primarily for steel-string and 12-string acoustic guitars.

The Element undersaddle pickup is designed to accommodate common acoustic saddle widths and string spacings.

Because acoustic guitars vary considerably in:

• Saddle slot dimensions
• Bridge construction
• Internal bracing
• Endpin configuration
• Available internal clearance

compatibility should be checked before installation.

Professional fitting is recommended.

Unused Installation Components

One particular advantage of this example is that the system has never been installed.

Internal pickup systems often rely on:

• Adhesive mounting pads
• Cable retainers
• Bridge-plate mounting
• Endpin installation
• Undersaddle fitting

Buying an unused example means these components have not already been fitted to another instrument or subjected to previous installation work.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The LR Baggs Anthem remains an excellent choice for acoustic players who want their amplified sound to retain more of the character of the actual guitar rather than relying exclusively on an undersaddle piezo.

The combination of the TRU•MIC and Element pickup gives it the natural detail of an internal microphone alongside the low-frequency solidity and stage reliability of an undersaddle transducer.

This particular example is especially attractive because it is effectively unused stock in opened packaging: the box has been opened, but the system itself has never been used or installed and remains complete with its original contents.

For anyone already considering an Anthem installation, this represents an opportunity to purchase a pre-owned example without inheriting previous installation wear.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Pre-owned equipment should be represented according to its actual individual condition.

In this case, although the packaging has been opened, the pickup system itself remains unused and uninstalled, and all original contents are present.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience selling new and pre-owned musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Pre-owned equipment individually assessed
• Condition and included accessories clearly described
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

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Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this LR Baggs Anthem in?

It is in Mint, unused condition.

Has it ever been fitted to a guitar?

No. It has never been installed.

Has it ever been used?

No. The pickup system has never been used.

Why has the box been opened?

The outer box has simply been opened. The contents remain unused and complete.

Does it come in the original box?

Yes. The original box is included.

Are all of the original components included?

Yes. The system is complete with its original contents.

What pickups are included in the Anthem system?

It combines an LR Baggs TRU•MIC internal microphone with an Element undersaddle pickup.

Is the Anthem active?

Yes. It uses an active onboard preamp.

What controls does it have?

The soundhole-mounted controller provides Volume, Mix, Phase, Battery Check and Mic Level adjustment.

What does the Mix control do?

It changes the balance between the microphone-supported Anthem sound and the full-range Element pickup signal.

What does the phase control do?

It reverses signal phase and can help reduce feedback or unwanted low-frequency resonance in some live environments.

Does it have a battery indicator?

Yes. It includes a multi-segment battery check.

What battery does it use?

It requires a 9V battery.

Does it need an external power supply?

No. It operates from its internal 9V battery once installed.

Is it suitable for steel-string acoustic guitars?

Yes. The Anthem is designed for steel-string acoustic guitars, including compatible 12-string instruments.

Is it suitable for nylon-string guitars?

This standard Anthem system is principally specified for steel-string and 12-string acoustic guitars. Compatibility with another instrument type should be checked with an experienced installer.

Does fitting the Anthem require cutting a large hole in the side of the guitar?

No large side-mounted preamp panel is required. Its controls mount discreetly at the soundhole, although fitting the undersaddle pickup and endpin jack still requires professional installation work.

Does it need professional installation?

LR Baggs recommends professional installation.

Where is the microphone fitted?

The TRU•MIC mounts underneath the guitar's bridge plate.

Where is the Element pickup fitted?

The Element transducer sits under the saddle.

Is this the Anthem SL?

No. This listing is for the full LR Baggs Anthem, which includes the adjustable Mix control.

Can I part-exchange other equipment?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of musical instruments and equipment.