Are Your Guitar Pickups Holding You Back? Upgrade Now!

Guitar pickups are responsible for translating the vibrations of your strings into electrical signals that are then amplified. They are an essential component of any guitar, but not all pickups are created equal. If you’re not getting the tones and sounds you want from your guitar, it might be time to upgrade your pickups.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of guitar pickups, the benefits of upgrading your pickups, and how to choose the right pickups for your playing style. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, upgrading your pickups could be the key to unlocking your guitar’s true potential.

Table of Contents

• Types of Guitar Pickups
• Benefits of Upgrading Your Pickups
• Choosing the Right Pickups for Your Playing Style
• Installation and Maintenance
• Upgrade Your Pickups and Elevate Your Sound
• FAQ

Types of Guitar Pickups

Single-Coil Pickups

Single-coil pickups are the most commonly used type of pickup. They have a bright, clear sound that is particularly well-suited for playing clean or twangy styles of music. They are also great for playing lead lines or cutting through a mix.

However, single-coil pickups can also be prone to picking up unwanted noise and interference, which can lead to a buzzing or humming sound. This is especially true when playing at higher volumes or in environments with a lot of electrical interference. To combat this, some single-coil pickups are designed with noise-cancelling technology.

Hum-Cancelling Pickups

Hum-cancelling pickups are designed to eliminate the buzzing or humming sound that can be caused by interference. There are two main types of hum-cancelling pickups:

• Humbuckers: These pickups use two coils to cancel out the hum caused by interference. They also have a thicker, warmer sound that is ideal for playing heavier styles of music.
• P-90s: P-90 pickups are technically single-coil pickups, but they are designed with wider, flatter coils that help to cancel out hum. They have a more aggressive, biting sound that is well-suited for playing punk or garage rock.

Active Pickups

Active pickups are powered by a battery, which allows them to produce a stronger, more powerful signal than passive pickups. They are particularly well-suited for playing heavy genres of music like metal or hard rock.

Active pickups also have a very distinctive sound that can be described as “tight” or “compressed.” This can be a benefit or a drawback depending on your playing style and the sound you’re trying to achieve.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Pickups

Better Tone

The most obvious benefit of upgrading your pickups is that you will get a better tone. Different pickups are designed to produce different sounds, and upgrading to a higher-quality or more specialized pickup can help you achieve the sound you’re after. Whether you want a bright, twangy sound or a thick, heavy sound, there are pickups that can help you get there.

Less Noise

As we mentioned earlier, some types of pickups are more prone to noise and interference than others. Upgrading to a pickup with noise-cancelling technology can help to eliminate unwanted buzzing or humming sounds, especially when playing at high volumes.

Improved Playability

Upgrading your pickups can also improve the playability of your guitar. Some pickups are designed to be more sensitive to your playing style, which can make it easier to achieve the sound you’re after. Additionally, some pickups are designed with a higher output, which can make it easier to achieve distortion or overdrive without having to crank your amp to the max.

Choosing the Right Pickups for Your Playing Style

Choosing the right pickups for your playing style can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the world of guitar upgrades. Here are some factors to consider when selecting pickups:

Genre

The genre of music you play will have a big impact on the type of pickups you should select. If you play punk or garage rock, you might want to consider P-90 pickups. If you play heavy metal, active pickups might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you play country or rockabilly, single-coil pickups are probably the way to go.

Playing Style

Another factor to consider is your playing style. Do you play a lot of lead lines or solos? You might want to consider a pickup with a higher output. Do you prefer a more subdued tone? A lower-output pickup might be a better fit.

Budget

Of course, budget is always a consideration when upgrading your guitar. There are pickups available at all price points, so think about how much you’re willing to spend before starting your search.

Installation and Maintenance

Once you’ve selected your new pickups, you’ll need to install them in your guitar. If you’re not comfortable with this, it’s best to take your guitar to a professional luthier or guitar tech. They can help you select the right pickups and ensure that they are installed correctly.

After your pickups are installed, it’s important to keep them clean and well-maintained. You can clean your pickups with a soft, dry cloth or a specialized guitar cleaning solution. Be careful not to get any cleaning solution on the windings or magnets of the pickup, as this could damage them.

You should also check your pickups regularly for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, take your guitar to a professional to have it repaired.

Upgrade Your Pickups and Elevate Your Sound

Upgrading your guitar pickups can be a great way to improve your tone, reduce unwanted noise, and make your guitar more responsive to your playing style. By considering factors like genre, playing style, and budget, you can select the right pickups for your needs and take your playing to the next level.

FAQ

Q: Do I need to upgrade both pickups?

A: Not necessarily. You can upgrade just one pickup if you’re happy with the sound of the other one. However, keep in mind that if you only upgrade one pickup, you may notice a difference in volume or tone between the two pickups.

Q: Can I install pickups myself?

A: If you have experience working with guitars and electronics, you might be able to install pickups yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable with this, it’s best to take your guitar to a professional.

Q: How much will it cost to upgrade my pickups?

A: The cost of upgrading your pickups will vary depending on the type of pickups you select and where you purchase them from. You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $300 or more.

Q: Will upgrading my pickups void my guitar’s warranty?

A: It depends on the manufacturer and the terms of your warranty. Some manufacturers may void your warranty if you make modifications to your guitar, while others may not. Be sure to read the fine print before making any upgrades.

Q: Can I return my pickups if I’m not happy with the sound?

A: This will depend on the store’s return policy. Be sure to check the store’s policy before making your purchase.

Q: What’s the difference between passive and active pickups?

A: Passive pickups do not require a battery and produce a weaker signal than active pickups. Active pickups require a battery and produce a stronger signal. Active pickups also have a more defined, compressed sound.

Image Credit: Pexels