These devices, often characterized by their distinctive visual appearance and unique sonic properties, are a type of electric guitar component responsible for transducing string vibrations into an electrical signal. They are prized for their clear, articulate tone that often sits between that of a single-coil and a humbucker, lending themselves well to various musical genres. They are installed on the body of a guitar and connected to the guitar’s electronics, which allows the signal to be amplified and shaped.
Their appeal lies in their ability to deliver a bright, harmonically rich sound with a detailed response, offering a tonal palette that deviates from more conventional magnetic pickup designs. Historically, these components emerged as an alternative to standard pickups, providing guitarists with a broader range of tonal options. This type of device has been used by many players across genres to forge signature sounds.
