What to Look For in Guitar Pickups

Pickups are one of the most influential factors in a guitar’s tone, and there are so many variables that it can be difficult to find a pickup that is right for you. If you are unsure what to look for then it’s always best to visit a shop where you can test out different options. Luckily there’s also the internet which means you can easily find plenty of examples and get an idea for what is possible. There are plenty of YouTube videos of players testing out their new pickups and many manufacturers’ websites offer clean and dirty sound samples too.

There are two main types of guitar pickup: single coil and humbucker. While there are a few exceptions most pickups fall into either of these categories and the size, type and configuration of magnet/s used in a particular guitar pickup has a huge impact on how it sounds.

Single Coil

Single coil guitar pickups are the most common type of pickup. The name comes from the fact that the metal guitar strings vibrate in a magnetic field created by the magnet and this creates an electrical signal which is passed to the output jack. The type of magnet used, the number of windings around it and the space between each turn has a big influence on how it sounds – the more turns (tighter winds) and less spaces the more ‘punchy’ and ‘clear’ a pickup is.

Humbucker

A humbucking pickup is similar to a single coil but with the addition of an extra magnet and coil. This produces twice the amount of magnetic flux and therefore has much more power. This results in a thicker, fuller sound which is good for bass and midrange, especially when the guitar is pushed into overdrive. Companies like Seymour Duncan and EMG offer a wide range of active humbuckers which are favoured by heavier musicians for their clarity and punch.

The most important aspect of any guitar pickup is the way it responds to the playing style. Single coils are typically twangy and a bit nasal but can sound great when played with distortion or for fast note flurries. There’s also a lot of variation in how a single coil can sound – it all depends on the design, materials and other things.

Soapbar/P90

This is another vintage design and a classic in the guitar world. It has a bright “glassy” character and is great for overdrive but can also handle more subtle sounds very well. It’s also a popular choice for jazz guitarists as it can produce an articulate and incisive tone.

Active guitar pickups are more modern in appearance and function but have a bigger influence on the overall tone than passive models. These have their own power source (normally a 9v battery) that boosts the guitar signal before it’s passed to the output jack, which allows them to be very powerful and detailed but still remain clean when needed.