Introduction:
Hey there fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today, we are going to be talking about a very interesting and somewhat controversial topic – guitar pickups and their impact on your tone. Many players tend to focus solely on the type of guitar they are playing, the amp they are using or the pedals in their chain. But, what about the pickups? They are essentially the gateway between your guitar’s strings and the amplifier, and can drastically change the way your guitar sounds. In this post, we will dive deep into the world of guitar pickups, the different types available, and whether they can have an impact on your tone. So, grab your guitar, a cup of coffee, and let’s dive in!
Table of Contents:
1. What are guitar pickups?
2. Types of guitar pickups
– Single-coil pickups
– Humbucker pickups
– P90 pickups
3. How pickups impact your tone
– Magnets
– Coil windings
– Resistors and Capacitors
4. Common misconceptions about pickups
– More expensive pickups equals better tone
– The same pickup will sound the same in every guitar
– Humbucker pickups are only good for heavy music
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ
1. What are guitar pickups?
Before we get into the different types of pickups, let’s first understand what they are and how they work. Guitar pickups are essentially small devices made up of magnets and copper wire, designed to capture the vibrations produced by your guitar’s strings. When you pluck a string, it vibrates, producing a magnetic field which is then captured by the pickup. This magnetic field is then converted into an electrical signal which is sent to your amplifier, producing the sound that we hear.
2. Types of guitar pickups
There are three main types of guitar pickups, each with their own unique sound:
Single-coil pickups:
Single-coil pickups are the most commonly used pickups, found on many popular guitars such as Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters. They are made up of a single coil of copper wire wrapped around a magnetic pole piece, producing a bright and twangy sound. Famous players that are known for using single-coil pickups include Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and John Mayer.
Humbucker pickups:
Humbucker pickups, as the name suggests, “buck” the hum produced by single-coil pickups, making them popular for players who want a quieter sound. They are made up of two coils of copper wire wrapped around separate magnetic pole pieces, producing a warmer and fuller sound. Humbucker pickups are commonly found on Gibson Les Pauls and SGs. Famous players that are known for using humbucker pickups include Slash, Jimmy Page, and Tony Iommi.
P90 pickups:
P90 pickups are a combination of single-coil and humbucker pickups, producing a sound that is somewhere in between the two. They have a single coil of copper wire wrapped around a much larger, wider bobbin, producing a thicker and meatier sound compared to single-coil pickups. P90 pickups are commonly found on Gibson SG Juniors and Specials, as well as the Epiphone Casino. Famous players that are known for using P90 pickups include Johnny Thunders, Neil Young, and Steve Jones.
3. How pickups impact your tone
Now that we’ve covered the different types of pickups, let’s dive a little deeper into how they can impact your tone. There are three main factors that can contribute to the sound of your pickups:
Magnets:
The type of magnets used in your pickups can have a significant impact on the tone. Alnico magnets are the most commonly used, producing a warm and balanced sound. Ceramic magnets are known for producing a brighter and more aggressive sound, while rare earth magnets are known for their clarity and definition.
Coil windings:
The number of windings in your pickup’s coil can have an impact on the output and frequency response. Generally, pickups with more coil windings will have a higher output and a more mid-heavy sound. Pickups with fewer coil windings will have a lower output and a brighter sound.
Resistors and Capacitors:
Resistors and capacitors are used in your guitar’s tone circuit, which affects the overall sound of your guitar. Capacitors can filter out certain frequencies, altering the way your guitar sounds. A smaller capacitor will allow more high frequencies to pass through, producing a brighter sound. A larger capacitor will filter out more high frequencies, producing a darker sound. Resistors can also change the overall tone, with higher value resistors producing a darker sound, while lower value resistors produce a brighter sound.
4. Common misconceptions about pickups
There are a few common misconceptions surrounding guitar pickups that we should address:
More expensive pickups equals better tone:
While it’s true that more expensive pickups may be made with higher quality materials and craftsmanship, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will sound better. At the end of the day, tone is subjective, and what sounds good to one person may not sound good to another. It’s always best to try out pickups for yourself and determine what sounds best to your ears.
The same pickup will sound the same in every guitar:
This couldn’t be further from the truth. Every guitar is different, with variations in the wood, hardware, and overall construction. The same pickup in two different guitars can sound completely different. It’s important to consider the overall construction of your guitar, and how it may impact the way your pickups sound.
Humbucker pickups are only good for heavy music:
While humbucker pickups are commonly used in heavy music, they can be used in a variety of genres. Many players use humbuckers for blues, rock, and even jazz. It all comes down to personal preference and what sounds good to you.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, guitar pickups can have a significant impact on your tone. It’s important to understand the different types of pickups available, and how they can be used to achieve the sound you’re looking for. Remember to experiment with different magnets, coil windings, and resistors/capacitors to find the perfect tone for your playing style. And don’t forget, what sounds good to one person may not sound good to another, so always trust your own ears and preferences!
6. FAQ
Q: Can I switch out my guitar’s pickups myself?
A: Yes, switching out pickups is a relatively easy process and can be done with some basic soldering skills and knowledge. However, if you are not comfortable working with electronics, it’s always best to take it to a professional.
Q: Is it worth upgrading my guitar’s pickups?
A: It really depends on your current pickups and what you are looking to achieve. If you are unhappy with your guitar’s current sound, upgrading the pickups may be worth considering. Just remember, pickups alone won’t completely change the way your guitar sounds. The type of wood and construction of your guitar also play a significant role.
Q: Can I mix and match different types of pickups?
A: Yes, mixing and matching pickups can be a great way to achieve a unique sound. Just keep in mind that different pickups may have different output levels, so you may need to adjust your guitar’s tone circuit to compensate for this.
Q: Will changing my guitar’s pickups void the warranty?
A: It depends on the manufacturer’s policy. Some manufacturers allow for modifications such as pickup changes, while others may restrict it. Always check with the manufacturer before making any modifications to your guitar.
Q: How can I determine what type of pickups are best for my playing style?
A: The best way to determine what pickups are best for you is to play different guitars with different types of pickups. This will give you a sense of the different sounds and which ones you prefer. You can also listen to recordings of your favorite guitarists and see what type of pickups they are using.
Image Credit: Pexels