An electromechanical device for amplifying the vibrations from guitar strings. Pickups can consist of ferromagnetic poles wrapped with copper coils for amplifying the vibrations of steel-based strings or piezoelectric crystals which amplify vibrations of the guitar bridge or body. These are both distinguished from microphones.
Questions tagged [pick-ups]
165 questions
38
votes
3 answers
Why is the bridge pickup on a Stratocaster angled?
I've always wondered why the bridge pickup of a Stratocaster was angled. Is it cosmetic, or does it make a difference in the sound?
Joe
27
votes
4 answers
In phase, out of phase pickups
What is the purpose of having guitar pickups out of phase with each other?
Jon
16
votes
8 answers
H-S-H vs H-H what can do one and can't another?
I'm seeking a guitar to elicit the rich fat heavy sound. So as I understand a guitar with the H humbucker (double coil) pickup is what I need for that. But there is a wide range of layouts for the guitars. Some of them have S single (single coil)…
rook
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13
votes
1 answer
Effect of nickel cover on Telecaster bridge pickup?
Traditionally telecaster guitars have the neck pick-up covered in a nickel/chrome cover, and the bridge pickup left with exposed pole pieces.
What is the origin/logic of the nickel cover?
What effect would it have if the same pick-up was used with…
gingerbreadboy
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13
votes
4 answers
What does the distance between a pickup and strings do for the sound?
What does the distance between a pickup and strings do for the sound? Should active and passive pickups be treated differently?
brian
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13
votes
6 answers
Acoustic/Electric Guitars
So I was going to get a new acoustic. I really want to start getting into acoustics but I don't want to lose the ability to jam with friends who are on drums/bass, and have their own electrics plugged in. Does it make sense to get an…
slandau
12
votes
5 answers
Do active pickups not work correctly with wireless systems?
I am considering buying a wireless guitar setup - transmitter connects to a guitar's output, receiver connects to an amp's input. This is, essentially, the system we see in modern times that allows a professional rock star to run and jump all over…
user12998
12
votes
3 answers
What do I need to start playing violin amplified?
I play acoustic violin, but would like to start playing amplified sometimes. But when I start looking into equipment, I get lost in options. Piezos? Microphones? DI boxes? Pre-amps? Speaker systems? Amplifiers? I'm struggling to get a handle on…
Karen
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11
votes
4 answers
Violin Pickup that will sound like natural violin?
I have been looking for years for a violin piezo pickup (or any other that is feedback-safe guaranteed), that won't ruin the violin sound.
All the PUs I've been experimented with over the last decade (some more, some less) were nasal, nylonish, and…
Shimmy Weitzhandler
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11
votes
4 answers
What's the difference between alnico and ceramic pickups?
What's the difference? Is the gain on ceramic bigger or not?
PS: I don't know what to say, but I only ask for those pickups difference in general.
seseorang
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11
votes
8 answers
Can I wind my own pickups?
I want to know this to see if I can do some modifications to my guitar tone but I don't want to screw the pickups...
is there any guide arround?
Luiscencio
10
votes
2 answers
How can an electric bass/guitar without pick ups work?
I have seen electric guitars and basses that don't have any pick ups. For instance, here is an image of two Line 6 electric basses that have no pick ups:
How do these instruments work if they have no pickups?
Shevliaskovic
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10
votes
6 answers
humbucker vs two single-coils
I have a Squire Strat that I've been fiddling with off and on for a while. My coil selector has two positions of particular interest: neck+middle, middle+bridge. Now, if I use any one of the three coils I definitely hear both the clarity and the…
draeath
10
votes
2 answers
How can I keep my low end level constant across my strings?
I'm a bassist. I play a Warwick Corvette std 5 string with MEC pickups. I use D'addario strings.
Ok now my problem, I play in a band and we play progressive thrash metal (kinda like Metallica meets Led Zepplin) and I have serious trouble keeping the…
Kyle Sevenoaks
10
votes
5 answers