Guitar PickupsBest Guitar Pickups
Welcome musicians! Today, we're diving into the world of guitar pickups. Whether you're just starting out, looking to upgrade your gear, or simply fascinated by the amazing variety of sounds that these tiny metal wonders can produce, this article is sure to be a treat. Get ready for an engaging exploration of the most popular and versatile guitar pickups on the market.
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Reviews
Lindy Fralin Jazzmaster Stock Pickup Set for Enhanced Clarity and Sonic Punch
I recently had the opportunity to test out the Lindy Fralin Jazzmaster Stock Pickup Set White. This guitar pickup set offers a unique combination of enhanced clarity, definition, and pick-attack, all while providing a well-rounded sound experience. The lows are powerful and clear, while the highs exhibit a smooth, rounded top-end. Single notes have a solid sonic presence without sounding too thin.
What I truly appreciate about this product is its versatility with different outputs. If you're looking for a cleaner tone, go for the Stock output. If you prefer something with more depth and thickness, opt for the +5% Output. The Lindy Fralin pickups have made a significant impact on my guitar playing, and I'm grateful for their affordability and high quality. I'm definitely planning on purchasing more from this brand in the future!
Lace Sensor Drop & Gain Humbucker Set - Enhance Your Guitar Experience
When it's time to bring the heavy metal guitar sound to life, the Drop & Gain humbucker set is one of the best options available. I recently tried it out and couldn't believe how flawlessly it blends punch with crunch, sustain, and fast articulation.
One of the things I loved most is how the neck pickup has a fat, over-wound tone that is sure to put a grin on anyone's face. In addition, the positioning of the humbucker set for both the neck and bridge gives just the right amount of definition to the low end that can sometimes get lost in heavier music.
While using the Drop & Gain set, I did notice that it may not be ideal for those who are looking for the quietest setup, as it does output a bit more noise. However, for those who want to live life in the fast lane of heavy guitar music, it's worth every bit of sound it makes!
Indoor Cat Cage Enclosure with Extra Large Hammock
The Lace Sensor Dually Red-Blue Humbucker White pickups are a dream for guitarists seeking versatility and unique tones. With a wide range of applications, from full humbucker mode to split and parallel configurations, these pickups can cater to various playstyles and genres.
Designed with a bridge position, these humbuckers offer a resistance of 27.2k ohms and a peak frequency of 1570 Hz, ensuring an impressive output for rock and metal aficionados. The pickups' inductance of 10.6 henries provides a substantial punch to the sound, making these perfect for those who appreciate a bold, articulate tone. Overall, the Lace Sensor Dually is a top-tier choice for guitarists seeking a well-rounded, dynamic pickup experience.
Fishman Fluence Modern 7-String Alnico Humbucker Guitar Pickup with Multi-Voice
Fishman Fluence Modern 7-String Alnico Humbucker, Black Plastic is a versatile pickup that changed my life as a guitar player. While it's not as simple as turning a knob, it allowed me to switch pickups on the fly without any noticeable drop in tone quality. The best part is that it's free from the hum, noise, and frustrating inductance issues that make even the best wire-wound pickups unbearable.
The 9-volt or optional rechargeable battery pack provides up to 200 hours of battery life, ensuring that I never run out of power during a live gig. It offers two distinct sounds that are both useful; the modern active sound is full, round, and boosted with exceptional articulation and dynamics, while the clean, crisp neck humbucker tone delivers the crisp sound I've always wanted without the thin, plinky sound I detest.
However, the fishman Fluence Modern 7-String Alnico Humbucker isn't without its drawbacks. It requires a bit of skill to switch between the two voices, which may not be ideal for beginners. Additionally, the plastic casing is not as durable as metal, so it might be prone to breaks if dropped.
Overall, the Fishman Fluence Modern 7-String Alnico Humbucker, Black Plastic offers a powerful, clear sound that is perfect for modern guitar playing, and the ability to switch between voices on the fly makes it an essential tool for any serious guitarist.
Fender Custom Stratocaster Pickup Set with RWRP Middle Position
The Fender Custom '69 Stratocaster pickup set is perfect for those who crave the vintage '60s Strat tone. With its vintage-correct construction and cutting highs with low-end thump, this single-coil pickup set is sure to impress.
The RWRP middle position allows for hum-canceling operation, while the Alnico V magnets offer a focused, dynamic response. Additionally, the enamel-coated coil wire and authentic cloth wire bobbin contribute to its classic sound. However, some users may find the price point a bit high, but the investment guarantees a quality pickup set with a timeless sound.
Tonerider Alnico II Classic Vintage Humbucker Guitar Pickups
The Tonerider Alnico II Classic Vintage Bridge Humbucker with a Zebra finish is a delightful addition to any guitarist's collection. This humbucker truly shines with its vintage output Alnico II magnet, offering a unique and authentic sound reminiscent of classic late '50s tones. The pickup's scatter wound design adds an extra touch of charm, providing crystal clear and noise-free sound.
Equipped with a 4-conductor wiring system with an individual ground shield, this humbucker ensures a smooth and dependable connection. The wiring guide, screws, and springs included make installation a breeze for any player. Whether you're looking to enhance your guitar's tone or recreate the sweet sound of classic PAF humbuckers, the Tonerider Alnico II Classic Vintage Bridge Humbucker with Zebra finish is a superb choice for any music enthusiast.
Guyker Double Coil Neck and Bridge Pickups for LP 6 String Electric Guitar (Bronze)
Experience the perfect blend of classic warmth and punchy crunch with the Guyker Guitar Humbucker Pickups Set. Designed for six-string electric guitars, these high-quality double coil neck and bridge pickups feature height adjusting screws for customizable sound. They're compatible with LP SG style guitars and similar instruments, making them a versatile upgrade.
The pickups are triple wax dipped and vacuum-sealed to eliminate unwanted feedback and noise, ensuring a pure, powerful sound. This calibrated set is an excellent replacement for broken, dirty, or old humbucker pickups, giving your guitar a professional touch.
With their fully wax potted and sealed design, these Guyker pickups are both practical and reliable, making them the go-to choice for guitar enthusiasts.
Kent Armstrong Grinder Humbucker Black Guitar Pickup
I recently had the chance to try out the Kent Armstrong Grinder Humbucker Black pickup, and let me tell you, it's a real game-changer. This humbucker design delivers a quality distortion sound that's perfect for high-gain applications. The enhanced bass response with punchy mids and highs offer excellent attack and string definition, making it an all-around great pickup.
One of the things I love about it is the 4-conductor wiring, which allows for coil splitting, series/parallel, and phase inversion. It's versatile, letting you tweak the sound to fit your preferences. Plus, the black exposed coil appearance gives it an edgy look that fits perfectly with any guitar.
While the pickup may not have a long history, it's clear that Kent Armstrong has put a lot of thought and care into designing it. The sound quality is truly exceptional, and it's a pleasure to play with. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician, this Kent Armstrong Grinder Humbucker Black is definitely worth a try.
Alnicov Guitar Single Coil Pickups Set for Electric Guitar
As an avid guitar enthusiast, I recently stumbled upon Alnicov's Guitar Single Coil Pickups Neck & Bridge Set in Copper Pickup for Electric Guitar with Mounting Screws. The first thing that caught my eye was the promise of durability with the cooper base and metal cover. I couldn't wait to give it a try in my daily life.
Installing the pickups was a breeze with the easy-to-install feature, which included four mounting screws for each pickup. The installation process was straightforward and didn't require any additional tools - a major plus in my book.
Once I plugged in my guitar and started strumming, I immediately noticed the warm and rich tone these copper pickups provided. They added a new dimension to my playing that I wasn't expecting, and I found myself experimenting with different sounds and techniques.
However, the single coil design did introduce a bit of hum when I played chords or sustained notes. While it wasn't overly disruptive, it was noticeable and something I had to account for while recording or performing.
In conclusion, the Alnicov Guitar Single Coil Pickups Neck & Bridge Set Copper Pickup for Electric Guitar with Mounting Screws proved to be a versatile and durable addition to my guitar setup. While the hum caused by the single coil design was a slight drawback, the ease of installation and the unique tone provided by these pickups made them worth the investment.
White Ceramic Humbucker Pickup for Electric Guitar Neck
The FLEOR Dual Hot Rail Humbucker Pickups offer a hot dual rail blade humbucker pickup for electric guitars. These pickups feature ceramic magnets and 57mm steel rail pole pieces, providing a resistance range of 14-15k ohms. With an output line of one 4-core cable that can be switched to a single, the humbucker pickup is easy to install, accompanied by screws and springs.
The pickups have a brass base plate and come in a white color, fully wax-posted and vacuum-sealed for optimal sound quality. While the rating is average at 3.0, these humbucker pickups deliver a solid sound with a suitable sustain and a Gibson-like vibe, making them a decent choice for those seeking high-quality, yet affordable pickups for their electric guitar.
Railhammer Hyper Vintage Neck Pickup Chrome
As a Railhammer Hyper Vintage Neck Pickup user, I've been seriously impressed with its performance. This pickup offers an open and percussive tone, with crystal-clear chimey highs and well-balanced mids.
It really shines when you engage with it, standing up to heavy chords without ever losing clarity or low-end punch. Its ability to handle different styles, from blues to metal, is a major selling point for me.
It's true that it might be a bit more expensive than some other humbucker pickups, but in terms of sound quality and versatility, I believe it's worth the extra investment.
Alnico II Classic Vintage Guitar Humbucker Pickup
The Tonerider Alnico II Classic Vintage Bridge Humbucker in black offers a touch of classic warmth and sustain, making it perfect for guitars that need more depth and tone. The Alnico II magnets provide a unique and flute-like sound that sets it apart from standard PAF humbuckers. These pickups are ideal for bridge positions and can be paired with AC2N-DB for a well-rounded set.
The Tonerider Alnico II Classic Vintage Bridge Humbucker boasts a vintage voice that offers a distinctively warm and rich sound. The 4-conductor wiring with an independent ground shield ensures clear and balanced tones, while the glossy black bobbin cover provides crystal clear sound. These pickups are designed to work well in various guitar positions, providing a versatile and authentic sound that fans of vintage tones are sure to appreciate.
Although the Tonerider Alnico II Classic Vintage Bridge Humbucker offers excellent value for money, some users have noted a slight increase in noise compared to other high-end pickups. However, this issue is generally not a deal-breaker and should not deter potential buyers from considering these pickups for their guitar setup.
In conclusion, the Tonerider Alnico II Classic Vintage Bridge Humbucker in black is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a classic, warm, and vintage tone. With its authentic late 50's sound, these pickups are sure to add depth and warmth to your guitar's output, making them an excellent investment for any guitar enthusiast.
Golden Telecaster Bridge and Neck Pickups with ABS Plastic Bobbin
I recently installed the FLEOR Alnico 5 Neck and Bridge Pickup Golden edition for my Telecaster-style electric guitar. This set of pickups stood out to me because of their unique features, such as the magnet being Alnico 5 and the bobbin being made from ABS plastic.
One feature that stood out to me in a positive way was the pole spacing. With the neck at 50mm and the bridge at 55mm, it provided a more accurate tonal response and balance between the pickups. The cable, which is 2 conducts, is also a great addition, making it easy to connect and use.
On the downside, I found that during the installation process, I encountered minor difficulties with the screws and springs provided. It would be helpful if the manufacturer included clearer instructions for installation. However, overall, these pickups have made a noticeable improvement in the tonal quality of my guitar.
Buyer's Guide
Are you in search of the perfect guitar pickups to enhance your guitar's sound? Look no further! In this buyer's guide, we will delve into the essential features, considerations, and advice for choosing the right pickups for your electric or acoustic guitar. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision and choose the perfect pickups to elevate your playing experience.
Types of Guitar Pickups
Before diving into the world of guitar pickups, it's crucial to understand the different types of pickups available. The two primary categories are magnetic and non-magnetic. Magnetic pickups are further divided into single-coil and humbucker types. Non-magnetic pickups include piezoelectric and optical pickups.
Important Features to Consider
When selecting guitar pickups, keep the following features in mind to ensure you get the best fit for your playing style and preferences:
- Output level, which affects the overall volume and brightness of the pickups. 2. Coil windings, which influences the pickups' response and harmonics. 3. Magnet type, which affects the strength and clarity of the pickups' output. 4. Pickup configuration, which determines how the pickups are wired and used.
Considerations for Your Guitar
It's essential to consider the type of guitar you have when choosing pickups. For electric guitars, the pickup setup can drastically change the tone and feel of your instrument. Factors like guitar body material, scale length, and bridge type all play a role in determining which pickups will best suit your guitar. Acoustic-electric guitars have different pickup requirements, focusing on the piezo or optical sensors' positioning and the blend control to balance the acoustic and electronic sounds.
General Advice and Tips
- Experiment with different types of pickups to find the perfect fit for your playing style and preferences. 2. Listen to pickup demos online or from your local guitar store to get a better understanding of each pickup's sound. 3. Consider upgrading the wiring and components of your guitar to ensure optimal performance with your new pickups. 4. Be open to trying different pickups combinations, like blending single-coil and humbucker pickups, to explore new tonal possibilities.
FAQ
Guitar Pickups: Understanding the Mechanics and Varieties
Ever wondered how your guitar produces sound when you strum it? The answer lies in guitar pickups! These electromagnetic devices help transform the mechanical vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal, which can then be amplified and played through speakers or headphones. Found attached to the guitar's body near the strings, pickups are essential components in the creation of music.
There are two main types of pickups: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups are known for their bright and clear sound, making them popular picks for rock, country, and blues music. These pickups consist of one coil of wire wrapped around a pole piece, creating a smaller magnetic output that can sometimes be susceptible to electrical noise. On the other hand, humbucker pickups have two coils of wire wrapped around the pole pieces, resulting in a larger magnetic output and a thicker, heavier tone. Widely used in rock, heavy metal, and blues music, humbuckers offer the advantage of a strong and powerful sound as well as the elimination of noise common in single-coil pickups.
Expanding Your Instrument's Sound with Pickup Choices
Looking to diversify your guitar's sound to match different genres and styles of play? Pickups play a significant role in achieving the desired sound. Installing pickups for existing guitars usually involves drilling new holes, wiring them to suitable inputs, and mounting them properly. Due to the diverse nature of guitars, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a professional guitar technician to execute the installation process with precision.
It is crucial to consider the type of pickups you want to install, as specific mounting hardware or adjustments to the pickguard or control knobs may be required. Additionally, if your guitar already has pickups installed, you might need to remove them before installing new ones. Always consult your guitar's owner's manual or reach out to a qualified technician for any pertinent instructions relevant to your guitar model.
Top-Notch Brands for Guitar Pickups: DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan, Lace Sensor, and More
A wide range of guitar pickup manufacturers delivers high-quality pickups catering to diverse applications. Top-tier brands include DiMarzio, Seymour Duncan, Bare Knuckle, Kent Armstrong, and Lace Sensor. They offer a multitude of pickup models with unique specifications and tonal characteristics tailored to various genres and playstyles.
It's always a good idea to conduct thorough research on the pickups you're interested in, reading reviews from fellow guitarists who have used them. Seeking guidance from knowledgeable guitar technicians or music store staff members can also prove invaluable in the selection process.
Swapping Pickups Between Guitars: A Complicated Task with Helpful Advice
While it's sometimes possible to swap pickups between different guitars, this task can become complex depending on the guitars involved. Compatibility must be ensured, as guitars with different pickguard layouts or control knobs may require modifications to the plates. Additionally, adjustments to pickup heights might be necessary for optimal performance.
Swapping pickups between different guitars can be a challenging task, and it is highly recommended to consult with a qualified guitar technician who can evaluate the compatibility of the guitars and provide the best approach. Trying to swap pickups without proper knowledge or skill might result in damage to the guitars or unsatisfactory performance.
Test Drive Different Guitar Pickups Before Making a Purchase
The best way to get hands-on experience with different guitar pickups before purchasing is to visit a local guitar shop or music store. Many stores offer diverse pickups from various manufacturers, allowing you to play and compare them side by side. This personal experience can assist you in determining the right pickup for your playing style and desired sound.
Another option is to consult with experienced guitarists in your local music community or online forums. They may offer recommendations or provide insights into the performance and characteristics of the pickups. Watching YouTube demos and reviews of pickups can also provide a visual and auditory experience of the pickups in action.
As an Amazon Affiliate I receive compensation from qualified purchases at no cost to you.
