Guitar pickups are the heart of your instrument’s sound — transforming string vibrations into the tones you love. Whether you're after the warm, rich tones of a Humbucker or the bright, crisp clarity of a single-coil pickup, understanding the different types can make a big difference to your playing.
Curious to find out which one suits you best? Read on for all you need to know.
What are pickups on a guitar?
Let’s start with the basics — what do guitar pickups actually do? They’re the connecting link between your strings and your amp. Pickups are small devices mounted on your guitar's body, responsible for capturing the vibrations of your strings and converting them into an electrical signal. This signal then travels through your amp, producing the sound you hear.
Guitar pickup types
Okay, so we know pickups are an essential electric guitar component, helping produce sound, but why are there different varieties, and what are the differences?
The diversity in pickup types allows guitarists to craft specific tones and styles. As we’ll go on to explore in more detail, single-coil pickups offer a bright, clear sound perfect for genres like blues and rock, while Humbuckers deliver a thicker, warmer tone ideal for jazz or heavy rock.
Some pickups are designed to reduce noise, while others enhance certain frequencies. These differences mean you can choose the right pickup to match your musical style, playing technique, and personal preference.
How do they differ? Well, pickups differ mainly in their design, which affects the sound they produce.
Single-coil guitar pickups
These guitar pickups use a single magnet wrapped in a coil of wire, which captures the string vibrations and converts them into an electrical signal. This design gives single-coil pickups their signature clarity and punch, allowing each note to ring out distinctly.
They’re the go-to choice for genres like blues, country, and some rock genres where clarity is key. However, the simplicity of the single-coil design also means they’re more susceptible to picking up electrical interference, leading to a characteristic hum — especially at higher volumes or in high-gain settings.
Humbucker guitar pickups
Humbuckers were born to solve the hum problem that single-coil guitar pickups can sometimes bring. The name “Humbucker” says it all—they’re designed to “buck the hum” by using two coils wired together in opposite directions.
This clever design cancels out unwanted noise, leaving you with a thicker, more powerful sound that’s perfect for genres like rock, metal, and jazz. With their warm, smooth tones and boosted midrange and bass, Humbuckers give your guitar a rich, full-bodied voice that’s hard to beat. If you’re after a robust, noise-free tone that can handle anything from sweet jazz to roaring rock, Humbuckers are your best bet.
Another cool feature of Humbuckers is their ability to be coil split. This is achieved by wiring in a certain way to either a switch or push-pull potentiometer and “splitting” the two coils so that only one is in use. As a result, you have the ability to transform a humbucker to a single coil in one motion, meaning you can shred throes solos with a treble boost or use your instrument across multiple genres with this modification.
P90 guitar pickups
P90 pickups are often described as the middle ground between single-coils and Humbuckers. They have a single-coil design but with a wider, flatter coil that produces a sound thicker and more robust than standard single-coils — yet not as dark as Humbuckers.
While they might still pick up a bit of noise, their unique character and versatility have made them a beloved choice for guitarists looking for that extra bit of attitude in their tone. For those who want that warm, vintage tone you need not look any further. These pickups are capable of a wide variety of sounds, but are really well suited to classic rock, surf, and even doom metal.
The latest Tony Iommi signature model has two P90s as standard — and that should tell you all you need to know about this classic design!
What’s the difference between active and passive guitar pickups?
Now that we’ve explored single-coil, Humbucker, and P90 pickups, you might be wondering how active and passive pickups fit into the mix. These guitar pickups might look alike, but they’re actually quite different and bring their own unique flavours to your sound.
Passive guitar pickups
Passive pickups are the classic choice you’ll find in most guitars. They work by using a magnetic field to capture the vibrations of your strings and turn them into sound. It’s a simple, tried-and-true design that offers a wide range of tones, from bright and jangly to warm and rich.
Passive pickups are great at capturing the subtle nuances of your playing, making them ideal for dynamic styles. However, because they don’t have an onboard power source, they can sometimes be a bit noisy or lose some signal, especially with long cables or in high-gain settings.
Active guitar pickups
Active pickups, on the other hand, have a bit more going on. They include a built-in preamp powered by a battery, which boosts the signal right at the source. This gives you a higher output and a more consistent tone. The result? Active pickups are a popular choice for genres like metal or modern rock, where a clean, powerful sound is key. They’re also great at reducing noise, even with high gain.
The biggest benefit to ‘active circuitry’ is the ability to introduce more tonal options onboard the guitar itself, particularly useful on bass guitars. Switching between smooth, thick funk into a slap solo can be as easy as turning a pot.
However, some players feel that active pickups can sound a bit too polished or lack the natural warmth of passive pickups.
In the end, it’s all about what suits your style and sound best!
Why might you need to replace your guitar pickups?
Replacing your guitar pickups can be a fantastic way to shake things up and get the most out of your instrument. Here’s why you might consider making the switch:
Sound upgrade: If you’re chasing a new sound or want to fine-tune your tone, fresh pickups can help you achieve that dream sound. Whether you’re looking for more warmth, clarity, or bite, there’s a pickup out there to match.
Wear and tear: Over time, even the best pickups can start to degrade. If you’re noticing a drop in clarity or a weak signal, new pickups can restore that vibrant sound.
Damage: Accidents happen, and pickups can get damaged. Replacing faulty guitar pickups can fix issues like unwanted noise or a lack of output.
Genre shift: If you’re trying out a new genre, your current pickups might not cut it. For example, swapping single-coil pickups for Humbuckers could give you that heavy, noise-free sound you’re after.
Guitar refresh: A pickup upgrade can breathe new life into an older guitar, making it feel like new and enhancing its overall sound.
If you’re considering a pickup change, a skilled guitar technician can offer expert advice and top-notch guitar services to ensure the perfect fit for your needs. Replacing your pickups is an exciting way to personalise your gear and keep your music evolving with your style.
Need new pickups? Contact Alchemy Instruments for guitar services and repairs
As an experienced luthier and guitar tech in Cardiff, I offer personalised guitar services and repairs tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to upgrade, replace, or simply explore your options, I’m dedicated to finding the perfect pickups for your sound and ensuring your guitar performs at its best.
Take a look at my guitar services and price list, and feel free to get in touch to discuss replacing your guitar pickups.
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