Guitar Pickups
Guitar Pickups
Guitar pickups are the transducers that capture the string vibration and convert it into an electrical signal that can be amplified. The history of guitar pickups dates back to the early 20th century, when guitar amplifiers were first developed. Over the years, various types of pickups have been developed, each with its own unique tonal characteristics.
The two main types of pickups are single-coil pickups and humbucker pickups. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright, twangy tone and are commonly used in country and pop music. They were first used on the Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars, two of the most famous electric guitar models ever made. Examples of tracks that feature single-coil pickups include “Apache'” by The Shadows, and “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple.
Why Were Guitar Pickups First Used?
Humbucker pickups, on the other hand, are known for their warm, smooth tone and are commonly used in rock, blues, and jazz music. They were first introduced by Gibson in 1955 and were designed to eliminate the hum that was present in single-coil pickups. Examples of tracks that feature humbucker pickups include “All Right Now” by Free, “While my guitar gently weeps” by The Beatles, and “The Last Time” by Rolling Stones.
P-90 pickup
Another type of pickup is the P-90 pickup, which is a single-coil pickup with a thicker coil that provides a fat, punchy tone. The P-90 was first used on the Les Paul guitar and was later used on several other models. Examples of tracks that feature P-90 pickups include “The House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals, “Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones, and “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum.
In addition to these traditional types of pickups, there are also several other types of pickups that have been developed in recent years, such as active pickups and piezo pickups. Active pickups are powered by a battery and are known for their high output and clarity. Piezo pickups are transducers that use piezoelectric crystals to convert string vibrations into an electrical signal. These pickups are commonly used in acoustic-electric guitars and are known for their natural, acoustic tone.
Guitar Pickups
Guitar pickups play a crucial role in shaping the sound of an electric guitar. Different types of pickups provide different tonal characteristics and have been used on some of the most famous tracks in the history of popular music. Whether you prefer the bright twang of a single-coil pickup, the warm hum of a humbucker, or the fat, punchy tone of a P-90, there is a pickup out there that will suit your musical style and taste.
The ten best guitar pickup
- Seymour Duncan SH-1 ’59 Model Humbucker Pickup – This pickup is known for its warm, smooth tone and is commonly used by players in the blues, rock, and jazz genres. Some notable players who use this pickup include Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Joe Bonamassa, and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin.
- DiMarzio PAF Pro Humbucker Pickup – This pickup is known for its classic, vintage tone and is commonly used by players in the hard rock and heavy metal genres. Some notable players who use this pickup include Steve Vai, John Petrucci of Dream Theater, and Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big.
- Fender Custom Shop Texas Special Single-Coil Pickup – This pickup is known for its bright, twangy tone and is commonly used by players in the country and pop genres. Some notable players who use this pickup include Roy Buchanan, Buddy Holly, and Brad Paisley.
- EMG 81/85 Humbucker Pickup Set – This pickup is known for its high output and clarity, and is commonly used by players in the heavy metal and hard rock genres. Some notable players who use this pickup include Zakk Wylde of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society, James Hetfield of Metallica, and Kirk Hammett of Metallica.
- Gibson ’57 Classic Humbucker Pickup – This pickup is known for its warm, smooth tone and is commonly used by players in the blues, jazz, and rock genres. Some notable players who use this pickup include B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin.
- Seymour Duncan SH-5 Duncan Custom Humbucker Pickup – This pickup is known for its high output and versatility, and is commonly used by players in the hard rock, metal, and shred genres. Some notable players who use this pickup include Eddie Van Halen, John Petrucci of Dream Theater, and Steve Morse of Deep Purple.
- Lace Sensor Blue-Silver-Red Pickup Set – This pickup is known for its bright, versatile tone and is commonly used by players in the pop, country, and rock genres. Some notable players who use this pickup include Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, and Brad Paisley.
- Gretsch G5420T Electromatic Single-Coil Pickup – This pickup is known for its bright, twangy tone and is commonly used by players in the country and rockabilly genres. Some notable players who use this pickup include Brian Setzer of Stray Cats, Eddie Cochran, and Danny Gatton.
- TV Jones Power’Tron Pickup – This pickup is known for its fat, punchy tone and is commonly used by players in the rockabilly, country, and rock genres. Some notable players who use this pickup include Brian Setzer of Stray Cats, Joe Strummer of The Clash, and George Harrison of The Beatles.
- Dimarzio Evolution Humbucker Pickup – This pickup is known for its high output and versatility, and is commonly used by players in the metal, hard rock, and shred genres. Some notable players who use this pickup include Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big, and Marty Friedman of Megadeth.
These are just a few of the many guitar pickups available on the market, and each has its own unique tonal characteristics. Ultimately, the best pickup for you will depend on your playing style, musical taste, and the sound you’re trying to achieve.
