9 best guitar pick ups
Guitar pickups are electromagnetic devices installed on guitars to convert the vibrations of guitar strings into electrical signals, which can then be amplified and turned into sound. These pickups are an essential component of electric and electric-acoustic guitars, allowing them to produce the distinctive tones associated with these instruments.
Here's an overview of guitar pickups and related components:
Types of Pickups:
- Single-Coil Pickups: These pickups use a single coil of wire to detect string vibrations. They are known for their bright and clear tones but may be more susceptible to interference.
- Humbucking Pickups: Comprising two coils wound in opposite directions, humbuckers cancel out interference, resulting in a smoother, noise-resistant tone compared to single-coil pickups. They offer a warmer, thicker sound.
- P-90 Pickups: P-90 pickups are a type of single-coil pickup with a wider coil, providing a compromise between the tone of single-coils and humbuckers.
- Piezo Pickups: Typically used in acoustic-electric guitars, piezo pickups use crystals to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals, providing a natural acoustic sound.
Construction and Components:
- Magnetic Coils: The core component that generates the electrical signal when the strings vibrate near them.
- Magnet(s): Magnets placed beneath the coils, influencing the pickup's magnetic field and affecting its tonal characteristics.
- Pole Pieces: Small magnetic pieces within the coil that directly interact with the strings and contribute to the pickup's tonal balance.
- Wire Windings: Copper wire wound around the coils, influencing the pickup's output and tonal characteristics.
Pickup Covers:
- Pickup covers are often made of plastic or metal and protect the pickup coils and components. They can also influence the tonal properties of the pickup by altering the magnetic field.
Placement and Positioning:
- The position of the pickup on the guitar affects the tonal characteristics.Common positions include the bridge, neck, and middle (in guitars with multiple pickups).
Usage and Applications:
- Guitarists choose pickups based on the sound they desire, which could be a bright, clear tone (single-coils), a warmer, thicker sound (humbuckers), or a natural acoustic tone (piezos).
- Some guitars have multiple pickups, enabling the selection of different pickup combinations for a broader tonal palette.
Guitar pickups play a crucial role in shaping a guitarist's sound, allowing for a wide range of tones depending on the type and configuration of the pickups used.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best guitar pick ups on the market- Turn your acoustic guitar into an acoustic-electric without expensive modifications
- Easy to install: can be clip-on to guitar sound hole and connect the audio input with a standard 1/4" connector
- It will turn your acoustic music more powerful and electric
- Pickup Size: 5.3 x 1.1 x 0.4" ; Cable Length: 10'
- Package Contents: 1 x Guitar Pickup, 1 x Cord
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it work with rocksmith |
Answer: | C7 bulbs, candelabra/E12 base 5-7 watts. |
Question: | Hi can this fit into my Tylor Baby Guitar 3.5" soundhole |
Answer: | The base of the LED bulbs are shorter than regular night light bulbs and/or candle light bulbs so it will not make contact with the metal tab in the candles. |
Question: | where are the tone and volume controls |
Answer: | Yes they are it is a machine brace bottom not a plating of brass the added suction cup makes them even more secure. They work very well with the darken of the evening. |
Question: | Does it work with nylon strings |
Answer: | Hi - According to the box it is 5 feet. We did not need to unravel the cords so I have not seen them extended for myself, but it sounds about right. By the way, I love them in my windows and they all work great. Hope this helps, happy holidays! |
Product features
Easy to use
Easy to install: can be clip-on to guitar sound hole and connect the audio input with a standard 1/4" connector
Specifications
- Cable Length: Approx. 10 feet (3meters)
- Plug: 1/4 inch (6.3mm)
- Size: 5.3 x 1.1 x 0.4" (13.5*2.8*1cm)
- Packaged in a paper box
Product description
Feature:
Cover: Plated brass
Pole-pieces: Dual in line adjustable screw
Bobbin: Plastic
Magnet: Ceramic bar
Base: Brass
Pickup Pole Spacing: N/B 50mm/52mm
Line length: N/B:340mm/300mm
Color:Chrome
Resistance: N/B 7.85K/8.48K
Inductance: N/B 3.65H/3.98H
Size: 85x38x20.4mm/33.46x14.96x8.03in
Package Includes
2x Pickup(Neck+Bridge)
4x Spring & Screw
- This set pickups are black cover with chrome H style frame, pole spacing is about 52mm on the bridge pickup and 50mm on the neck pickup.
- Bridge pickup resistance is about 8.48K ohm; Neck pickup resistance is about 7.85K ohm.
- Ferrite & Alnico-V magnet, Neck pickup inductance is about 3.65H, Bridge pickup inductance is about 3.98H.
- Item 100% like the picture shown, great replacement for your broken, dirty or old pickups, to make your guitar look new again!
- Package Includes: 1 pair of guitar pickups; 4 x Mounting screws; 4 x springs.
User questions & answers
Question: | Do they come withthe rings |
Answer: | Yes |
Question: | Are these 4 wires on each for coil splitting |
Answer: | No they are only 2 wire pups |
Product description
Description
The item is a professional and practical sealed humbucker pickups set, which is ideally designed for the bridge and neck positions, and compatible with Gibson Epiphone Les Paul guitars. These excellent quality pickups are designed to duplicate that classic warm sound yet they have slightly more output to give you a bit more crunch for the punch. Great replacement for your broken, dirty or old humbucker pickup!
Features
- Color: mainly black.
- Material: durable copper and hard plastic.
- 100% brand new and high quality Sealed Humbucker Pickups Set.
- Great humbucker pickups set, Gibson Epiphone Les Paul guitars.
- Designed to duplicate that classic warm sound yet they have slightly more output to give you a bit more crunch for the punch.
- Neck pickup is rated at 8.5-9K Bridge pickup is rated at 8.5-9K.
- Triple wax dipped and vacuum sealed to eliminate any unwanted feedback and noise.
- Each pickup includes 4pcs height adjusting screws.
- Great replacement for your broken, dirty or old humbucker pickup!
--------------------------------------------------------
Package Including
1 * Professional Sealed Humbucker Pickups Set for Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Guitars (Black)
8 * Screws
- Color: mainly black. Material: durable copper and hard plastic.
- Great humbucker pickups set, Gibson Epiphone Les Paul guitars.
- Designed to duplicate that classic warm sound yet they have slightly more output to give you a bit more crunch for the punch.
- Triple wax dipped and vacuum sealed to eliminate any unwanted feedback and noise.
- Each pickup includes 4pcs height adjusting screws.
User questions & answers
Question: | Are they marked to designate bridge from bridge and neck |
Answer: | This multi effects guitar pedal is excellent. The chorus is great. I find it to be rather subtle which I prefer. It comes out a bit more when the distortion is engaged.The delay is great. Fairly easy to use and sounds good.Vey nice! |
Question: | Would these pickups work for a b.c. rich mockingbird nj classic? my neck pickup went out and this is a cheaper alternative to sending it in |
Answer: | Of course!Just use a internal cable to connect your phone.It is particularly convenient.I bought this multi effect pedal for my father as a gift. |
Question: | Do they need batteries |
Answer: | Only need to long push foot switch A and B at the same time.I always use this multi effect pedal for my band performance. Easy to use |
Question: | will this pickup improve my epiphone special II |
Answer: | You can short press foot switch A and B at the same time.It will turn to live mode.You can edit the tone you want.Hope my answer can help you |
Product description
Specifications:
Position: Neck pickup & Bridge Pickup Set.
Magnet: Alnico 5.
Pole Pieces: 6 Non-Adjustable Slug Pole Pieces & 6 Adjustable Screws Pole Pieces.
Pickup Pole Spacing: Neck-50mm, Bridge-52mm.
Resistance:
Neck - Total is 7-8k ohms, Single Coil Pickup is 3-4 K ohms.
Bridge - Total is 14-15k ohms, Single Coil Pickup is 7-8k ohms.
Bobbin: ABS Bobbin, White Colors.
Fully Wax Potted and Sealed.
Package Included:
1 x Bridge Pickup
1 x Bridge Pickup
4 x Screws
4 x Springs
- Compatible with electric guitar which can be installed humbucker pickup.
- Magnet: Alnico 5 humbucker pickup, 6 non-adjustable slug pole pieces & 6 adjustable screws pole pieces.
- Resistance: Neck pick is 7-8K, bridge pickup is 14-15K.
- Fully wax potted and sealed to eliminate any unwanted feedback and noise.
- Color: white. Come with screws and springs, easy to install.
User questions & answers
Question: | are these marked as to which one is Bridge and which one is neck |
Answer: | Yes. B and N etched in the metal plate on each. I recommend checking the resistance of any pickup upon receipt to make sure it is correct or not open circuit. |
Question: | are the bridge pickups hot enough fir metal like invader pr dragon fire screamer pickups |
Answer: | No |
Question: | Do these come with a wiring diagram |
Answer: | It’s basic wiring takes 5 minutes |
Question: | Does it come in a set of |
Answer: | Yes. The title says "Neck and Bridge Set." so....yeah. |
Product description
With scorching riffs and remarkable stage presence, Zakk Wylde has earned his reputation as heavy metal's premier lead guitarist. From Ozzy Osbourne, Pride and Glory, and now Black Label Society, Zakk has always used EMG Active Pickups. The Zakk Wylde model features the EMG-85 and EMG-81, as used on his signature bullseye Les Paul.
- Zakk Wylde Signature Pickup Set
- Includes both EMG 81 & 85 active pickups
- Long shaft volume and tone controls
- Aggressive tone and sustain designed after Zakk Wylde' s sound
- Solderless install system
User questions & answers
Question: | Does a rechargeable battery work as sufficiently as a standard 9v |
Answer: | Perfectly. Those pickups work from 7v (old worn battery) to 27v (three batteries in series). The more volts, bigger the headroom. One battery 9v is more than enough for a big sound, and it lasts thousands of hours. Just unplug the guitar cable to conserve the battery. But pay attention to your rechargeables: modern eneloop lithium batteries Keep good charge for years when left unused, while old ni-mh units decay within weeks, being used or not. |
Question: | Will these fit in a jackson js32 dinky |
Answer: | They fit into the cavity of my Jackson Soloist with no problem. |
Question: | Will this fit in a Jackson kelly js32t |
Answer: | I don't own a Kelley but fits perfect in my Jackson rhoads. So I would say it will fit. There's a diagram for 2 pot installation in the box. Make sure there's enough room for 9v battery in the pot cavity when you install. |
Question: | Does the zw 81/85 set include the solderless installation kit? i see some buyers saying "yes" and others saying "no |
Answer: | yes. for me it did. It included everything that I needed to install the pickups. maybe others are saying "no" because they bought each pickup separately. I bought them together in one box. I bought them here on amazon. They arrived in one box with zakk wyldes picture on the box. I had to look at one or two videos that I found on youtube to help me with the installation, but it pretty much took me about an hour to install. just remember to measure EVERYTHING! from the height of the original pickups to the height of the volume and tone knobs. |
Product features
EMG Pickups ZW Set
Known the world over as one of the greatest guitar players ever, Zakk Wylde relies on his EMG 81/85 signature humbucker set for his aggressive tone and sustain. This classic setup comes complete with long shaft volume and tone controls for installation in Zakk’s beloved Les Paul or similar styled guitars.
EMG's are easy to install. Each pickup features EMG's own Quik-Connect header and mating cable for quick installation. Every pickup has pre-wired volume and tone controls, battery clip, output jack, and diagrams. All models are designed for direct replacement into most standard instruments.
EMG Pickups Artist Zakk Wylde
Zakk Wylde is best known for his roles as a guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne and founder of heavy metal band Black Label Society. He was also lead guitarist and vocalist in Pride & Glory, who released one self-titled album in 1994 before disbanding. As a solo artist he released Book of Shadows in 1996. Unparalleled master of his instrument; he can rip it up from low 'E' to high 'E' and make it back in one piece without breaking a sweat. An inspiration to every aspiring guitar player and recognized the world over, Zakk does it with soul and with his signature EMG ZW set (81 + 85).
Product description
Seymour Duncan 11108-21-B Distortion Mayhem Set
The Seymour Duncan Mayhem Set consists of one Duncan Distortion SH-6b Bridge and SH-6n Neck Humbucker Pickups. The Duncan Distortion Bridge is a high-output humbucker that produces well-balanced rock and metal tones. It incorporates a large ceramic magnet and hot coil windings. You also get rich upper midrange harmonic contents along with the bridge humbucker. Easily create hard-hitting rhythms and searing lead tones. Meanwhile, the Duncan Distortion Neck Pickup works to match the high-output bridge version. It is hot enough to simultaneously produce smooth solo tones under high gain and bell-like clean tones. The Mayhem Set features four-conductor lead wire for diverse wiring options. Both pickups are vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance.
TECHNICAL SPECS:
Also Comes With:
Blucoil Right-Angled Pedal Patch Cables (2-Pack)
These cables interconnect your effects pedals while ensuring efficient and transparent signal transfer. The oxygen-free copper (OFC) cables make sure that no EMI and RFI noises are muddling your signals.
Blucoil 10-FT Straight Instrument Cable
The Blucoil 10-foot instrument cable interconnects your electronic musical instruments (e.g., guitars, bass, keyboards) to a preamp or amplifier's unbalanced input. It features 1/4" male to 1/4" male straight mono plugs. The metal Neutrik connectors ensure reliable durability and improved contact integrity. The cords are protected with conductive PVC shielding, which cancels out electronic and radio frequency interference.
Get this bundle today and receive 4-Pack of Blucoil Thin Celluloid Guitar Picks!
- DELIVERS POWERFUL SOUNDS - The Distortion Mayhem Set consists of Seymour Duncan's matched pair high-output ceramic humbuckers installed on a guitar's neck and bridge. It incorporates a ceramic magnet and hot coil windings to deliver dynamic tones.
- PRODUCES WELL-BALANCED TONES - Both of the pickups offer rich upper-midrange harmonics and tight low strings. The Distortion Mayhem Set creates hard-hitting crunch rhythms and blazing leads.
- YIELDS SMOOTH, CLEAN TONES - The Seymour Duncan Neck Pickup is hot enough to produce fluid solo tones and bell-like clean sounds simultaneously.
- OFFERS MULTIPLE WIRING OPTIONS AND SQUEAL-FREE PERFORMANCE - This set uses a large ceramic bar magnet and 4-conductor lead wire for diverse wiring options. Both pickups are vacuum wax potted to ensure zero squeals.
- INCLUDES - Seymour Duncan 11108-21-B Distortion Mayhem Set (SH-6b Bridge and SH-6n Neck Humbucker Pickups). 2-Pack of Blucoil Right-Angled Patch Cables for Effects Pedals. Blucoil Premium 10-FT Instrument Cable with 1/4" Straight Connectors and PVC Shield for Guitars and Amps. 4-Pack of Blucoil Thin Celluloid Guitar Picks (Assorted Colors).
User questions & answers
Question: | what 11108-21-B means? i cancelled my order just because of this extra numbers. im not sure if im buying a legit or fake products |
Answer: | The "11108-21-B" is the manufacturer part number for the Seymour Duncan Mayhem Set. The Mayhem Set and other accessories in this bundle are all original. |
Question: | Are these pick ups potted |
Answer: | The Mayhem Pickup Set is vacuum wax potted for squeal-free performance. |
Product description
Now available in EMG Metal Works Finishes and EMG’s Solderless Installation System components, the JH Set consists of the JH-N (neck) and the JH-B (bridge). Both were patterned after the pickups James had used for 30 years, but the end result was a completely different animal. The JH-N has individual ceramic poles and bobbins that feature a larger core and are taller than the 60. This produces more attack, higher output, and fuller low end in the neck position. The JH-B uses the same type of core but has steel pole pieces, unlike the 81 that uses bar magnets. This produces the familiar tight attack with less inductance for a cleaner low end. Metal Works consists of six stainless steel cap options for any of EMG's active or passive humbucker pickups. These U.S.A made caps are available in Gold, Chrome, Brushed Gold, Brushed Chrome, and Brushed Black Chrome. These striking new designs offer players and instrument builders a broader range of premium cap options. All the power and clarity of EMG electronics, now with a modern classic look.
- James Hetfield Signature Pickup Set
- "Stealth" looking set
- Active tone with the clarity and punch of a passive pickup
- Familiar tight attack with less inductance for a cleaner low end
- Solderless install system
User questions & answers
Question: | Hi, I've seen on emg website that is available two models of this item, for strato and for les paul. Which one is available in your store |
Answer: | Hello Rodrigo, These are only available in the Black Nickel finish (shown) and only available in standard humbucker size. They are available in Short (Strat) or Long (Les Paul) shaft versions. Short (Strat) reference is intended for Strat bodies ONLY if your Strat has a humbucker configuration. Les Pauls require a slightly longer shaft due to the curved raised Les Paul top. Hope that helps ProAudioLand |
Question: | Does this kit have everything i need for a gibson les paul |
Answer: | It does and fits nicely |
Question: | Hi, i want this set for an ex 50 ltd guitar, should it fit in? thank you |
Answer: | These should fit fine, it looks like the LTD EX50 is using standard sized guitar humbuckers. Not sure about the battery fit. Make sure that there is room in the electronics cavity if you are not willing to route for a separate battery compartment. |
Question: | will they work with an esp ltd ec |
Answer: | These are designed to replace standard humbuckers, so if your guitar is equipped with standard humbucker pickups these will fit. These may not work if your guitar has mini-humbuckers or P90's, check your pickup cavity for dimensions before ordering. |
Product features
EMG Pickups JH "HET" Set
In early 2009, James Hetfield contacted EMG Pickups president Rob Turner and presented him with a challenge: to create a stealth looking set that captures the clarity and punch of a passive pickup and still retains the legendary active tone that molded a generation.
Now available in EMG Metal Works Finishes and EMG’s Solderless Installation System components, the JH Set consists of the JH-N (neck) and the JH-B (bridge). Both were patterned after the pickups James had used for 30 years, but the end result was a completely different animal. The JH-N has individual ceramic poles and bobbins that feature a larger core and are taller than the 60. This produces more attack, higher output, and fuller low end in the neck position. The JH-B uses the same type of core but has steel pole pieces, unlike the 81 that uses bar magnets. This produces the familiar tight attack with less inductance for a cleaner low end.
Metal Works consists of six stainless steel cap options for any of EMG's active or passive humbucker pickups. These U.S.A made caps are available in Gold, Chrome, Brushed Gold, Brushed Chrome, and Brushed Black Chrome. These striking new designs offer players and instrument builders a broader range of premium cap options. All the power and clarity of EMG electronics, now with a modern classic look.
EMG Pickups Artist James Hetfield
James Hetfield is probably one of the most recognized figures in the world of rock and metal, being the co-founder, main songwriter, and vocalist/rhythm guitar player for Metallica.
Hetfield has been a major endorser of ESP guitars since the 1980s, and is best known for playing custom-made Explorer-style guitars with the EMG-81 inthe bridge and the EMG-60 in the neck and most recently collaborated with EMG founder Rob Turner on his signature EMG-JH Set. Hetfield's main guitar from the early days was a Gibson Flying V, used almost exclusively until about 1984 when he switched to the Gibson Explorer model.
Product description
If you have been wanting to try putting a piezo in your builds, but haven't been sure where to start, this is the kit for you! This is a kit of the parts and components you need to add an electric piezo pickup to your cigar box guitar. This is a perfect resource for the new builder who wants to try adding electronics to their build, or for the more experienced builder who just wants a one-stop-shop option for all of the parts they need. Best of all we include our own "how-to" sheet with this kit, which includes a detailed wiring diagram and step-by-step instructions for correctly installing these components into your cigar box guitar. This kit contains the following items: 20mm Murata Piezos with pre-wired leads; 500KOhm Bourns Guitar Volume Potentiometer; 1/4" Long-shaft Neutrik Phone Jack; Volume potentiometer knob (styles may vary depending on availability); 2ft. Red 22-gauge hook-up wire; 2ft. Black 22-gauge hook-up wire; 2-page How-To Sheet
- Great beginner kit for cigar box guitar and other homemade instrument builders
- All of the parts you need to electrify your special build so you can plug it into an amplifier
- Long-shaft Neutrik mono jack good for getting through cigar box sides
- Includes detailed how-to instructions and wiring diagram
- The high-quality parts in this kit have been used by thousands of builders around the world
User questions & answers
Question: | Will the Pickup kit work on the one string cbg |
Answer: | Yes, it will work as a pick up for as many strings as you have, one to six.....Depending on the location of the pickup better in some spots over others.... I always tried to locate the pickup under the fret board close to the bridge.... On a one string Canjo try under the can....Hope this helps, John Robbins |
Question: | will this work on a nylon string guitar |
Answer: | Hi Cindy, yes a pickup will work on nylon strings .... Best put under the bridge close to the surface.... Good luck with your project. John R |
Question: | Does it require soldering |
Answer: | It's hard to get good mechanical connections (twisting wires) so for that reason soldering is recommended..... You will be happier with the results...Even when soldering GOOD mechanical connection are required..... Thanks, John Robbins |
Question: | Is it recommended to use both pickups in one cbg |
Answer: | I did. Provides more depth to the sound. I placed one just outside the base string on the underside of the cigar box top. I embedded the other one in a cutout in the bridge centered under the strings on the bridge. If you have two... use them. Some people use more than that.... The wiring is simple, examples on the web... |
Product description
The Seymour Duncan Woody HC Hum-Canceling Soundhole Pickup uses Stack technology to deliver full-bodied tone without noise or hum. If you have to play near neon signs or fluorescent lights, the Woody HC is the Seymour Duncan pickup to get for your acoustic guitar.
- Transducer: Magnetic
- Placement: Soundhole
- Jack: 1/4" male
- Color: Maple
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it have a lot of noise since you can't put a feedback plug in the guitar? Also, can i plug it directly into my Line6 amp(4 electric guitar |
Answer: | Feedback would depend on your situation, proximity to speakers, size of room, volume level, etc. I never use feedback plug because that's never an issue for us. Yes, you can plug into any amp or preamp. It doesn't have a lot of volume by itself being a passive pickup, so I would recommend plugging into an amp or preamp if going directly into a system. |
Question: | Has anyone compared this to the "XL" version, is it worth the price difference |
Answer: | The XL is only different in that it has adjustable pole pieces to balance your string outputs. These lower cost "portable" pickup solutions are not EVER the best sounding, BUT if you purchase an external acoustic guitar PRE-AMP you will find the resulting sound competes with the $300-$400 acoustic/electric guitar setups which always employ a built-in preamp. Then the only drawback as I see it would be esthetics. That's the tradeoff for using a temporary or portable pickup. In my considered opinion a preamp is a must. AND as with all acoustic guitar setups, use an amplifier Fender, Fishman, AER, Marshall, Boss, etc designed for acoustic guitar. Reason being that, Electric Guitar Amps are not generally designed to amplify sounds over 5KHZ. An acoustic guitar should run through an amp designed to reproduce 7KHZ+ faithfully! No acoustic pickup sounds very good running through an electric guitar amplifier. Conclusion. Want this or any pickup on your acoustic to shine; Buy the pickup of your choice, an in-line external preamp and an Acoustic Guitar Amplifier. You may have to drop about $1000 in the long run, but you'll have a lifetime of LOUD Acoustic Guitar Joy my friend! |
Question: | Can I use it on the little Martin Lxk |
Answer: | The Woody HC is designed to fit "into standard 3.75" (94mm) to 4" (100mm) sound holes." If the Martin has a sound hole within this range, it should fit. Instructions are included it the packaging. If you don't know the sound hole dimensions, check with Martin. |
Question: | Can this be installed and easily removed when needed? thanks |
Answer: | Yes, it is very easy to install and remove. |
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