Pick-ups - The Sound Transmitters

The string vibration which is transmitted to an amplifier is the basis of a pick-up . Yet, there are big differences. The thumb rule is: The higher the output is, the better the pick-up fits for distorted sounds. Pick-ups with low output power create fresh clean sounds. Here a short overview:

Single Coil

Very dynamic, brilliant sound with a crispy responsiveness. Typical representatives are the models for the classic Fender guitars. Disadvantages are often the too low output power and the sensitivness for side noises. A speciality is the P90 from Gibson: Larger coils with more windings create a higher output and a more powerful, rough tone that is used in Blues as well as in Punk. Yet, they are very sensitive towards interspersion.

Humbuckers

The English name derives from "to buck the hum". Side noises are clearly minimized and at the same time the sound is fuller and fatter than single coils. The output is also higher, but the responsiveness less crispy. Typical representatives are the legendary Gibson PAF (Patent Applied For) with a lower output and comparably thin tone and the Seymour Duncans SH-4 with a cleraly larger output and a high gear amid. Humbuckers are also delivered as single-coils or with paralell-ordered coils. Some double-coils have the possibility to turn off one coil which enables additional sound varieties.

Active Pick-ups

Pick-ups with integrated preamps have the advantage that they have a very high output and no side noise sensitivity at all. They are favoured for non-distorted hiFi-sounds and super fat heavy-metal tunes. The outrider was the EMG-model which became popular through heavy-metal icons like Metallica. A disadvantage is definetly the battery power supply.

Pick-ups are used for guitars in different combinations and abbreviated with different codes: SSS, for example, stands for three single coils, HSH for one humbucker each at the neck and at the bar with a single coil in the middle.

Controller and Switches

Guitar pick-ups are activated by switches. Keep in mind that the switches are well-accessible and flexible, ´cause what do you need a variety of sound effects for, if you can´t use them? The controller (potentiometer, short: poti) has special functions. Volume controllers can also vary the distortion level of an oversteered amplifier through the end-volume of the guitar what becomes a creative tool - that´s if you work without sound loss and with a consistant regulation channel. The latter also applies for volume controllers which need a frequental adjustment if neccessary.

Some potis offer a switch function, for example, an off-switch for one of the single coils of the humbucker. So called push-and-pull potis turn off by pressing the switch. Push-and-pull potis offer better "switchability", ´cause you simply have to push or pull the switch.