What are pedal steel guitar pickups? They are electromagnetic transducers that convert the vibrations of the strings into electrical signals. These signals are then amplified and sent to a speaker, which produces the sound that you hear.
Editor’s Notes: Pedal steel guitar pickups are an essential part of any pedal steel guitar. They play a major role in determining the sound of the instrument, and they can be used to create a wide variety of tones.
To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together this guide to pedal steel guitar pickups. In it, we’ll discuss the different types of pickups available, their features, and their pros and cons.
Key differences:
| Single-coil pickups | Humbucking pickups | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of coils | 1 | 2 |
| Output | Lower | Higher |
| Hum | More | Less |
| Price | Less expensive | More expensive |
Main article topics:
- The different types of pedal steel guitar pickups
- The features of pedal steel guitar pickups
- The pros and cons of pedal steel guitar pickups
- How to choose the right pedal steel guitar pickups for your needs
1. Type
The type of pickup used in a pedal steel guitar has a significant impact on the sound of the instrument. Single-coil pickups are typically brighter and twangier, while humbucking pickups are warmer and more powerful. Here is a more detailed look at the two types of pickups:
- Single-coil pickups
Single-coil pickups are made with a single coil of wire wrapped around a magnet. They are typically brighter and twangier than humbucking pickups, and they are often used in the neck and middle positions of pedal steel guitars.
- Examples: Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul Junior
- Implications for pedal steel guitar pickups: Single-coil pickups can provide a brighter, more twangy sound that is well-suited for country and western music.
- Humbucking pickups
Humbucking pickups are made with two coils of wire wrapped around a magnet in opposite directions. This design cancels out the hum that is often associated with single-coil pickups, resulting in a warmer and more powerful sound. Humbucking pickups are often used in the bridge position of pedal steel guitars.
- Examples: Gibson Les Paul, Fender Stratocaster
- Implications for pedal steel guitar pickups: Humbucking pickups can provide a warmer, more powerful sound that is well-suited for rock and blues music.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to use single-coil or humbucking pickups in a pedal steel guitar is a matter of personal preference. Both types of pickups have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a particular player will depend on the sound they are trying to achieve.
2. Position
The position of a pickup on a pedal steel guitar has a significant impact on its sound. Pickups that are mounted closer to the neck produce a warmer and fuller sound, while pickups that are mounted closer to the bridge produce a brighter and more articulate sound. Here is a more detailed look at the three main pickup positions:
- Neck position
Pickups mounted in the neck position produce a warm and full sound with a strong low end. This is due to the fact that the strings are thicker and looser near the neck, which results in a lower resonant frequency. Neck pickups are often used for playing rhythm guitar or for creating lead tones with a warm and mellow sound.
Middle position
Pickups mounted in the middle position produce a sound that is a balance between the neck and bridge positions. They have a warmer sound than bridge pickups, but they also have a brighter sound than neck pickups. Middle pickups are often used for playing rhythm guitar or for creating lead tones with a clear and articulate sound.
Bridge position
Pickups mounted in the bridge position produce a bright and articulate sound with a strong high end. This is due to the fact that the strings are thinner and tighter near the bridge, which results in a higher resonant frequency. Bridge pickups are often used for playing lead guitar or for creating rhythm tones with a bright and cutting sound.
Ultimately, the choice of pickup position is a matter of personal preference. Different players prefer different sounds, and there is no right or wrong answer. However, by understanding the different characteristics of each pickup position, players can make informed decisions about where to place their pickups in order to achieve the desired sound.
3. Output
The output of a pickup is an important factor to consider when choosing pedal steel guitar pickups. It is usually measured in millivolts (mV) or decibels (dB), and it refers to the strength of the electrical signal that the pickup produces. Pickups with a higher output will produce a louder signal, while pickups with a lower output will produce a quieter signal.
- Low-output pickups
Low-output pickups typically produce a signal in the range of 50-150 mV. They are often used in vintage-style guitars and are known for their warm, mellow sound. Low-output pickups are also less likely to produce feedback, which can be a problem with high-output pickups.
- Medium-output pickups
Medium-output pickups typically produce a signal in the range of 150-250 mV. They are a good all-around choice for pedal steel guitarists, as they offer a good balance of output and tone. Medium-output pickups are also less likely to feedback than high-output pickups, but they still have enough output to drive a tube amplifier into overdrive.
- High-output pickups
High-output pickups typically produce a signal in the range of 250-500 mV. They are often used in modern guitars and are known for their powerful, aggressive sound. High-output pickups are also more likely to produce feedback, so they are not always the best choice for all players.
The output of a pickup is just one of many factors to consider when choosing pedal steel guitar pickups. Other important factors include the pickup’s type, position, and construction. By understanding the different factors that affect the sound of a pickup, players can make informed decisions about which pickups
are right for their needs.
4. Inductance
Inductance is a measure of how much energy a coil of wire can store in a magnetic field. In the context of pedal steel guitar pickups, inductance affects the pickup’s output level, frequency response, and overall tone. Pickups with a higher inductance will produce a louder output, a warmer frequency response, and a smoother tone. Pickups with a lower inductance will produce a quieter output, a brighter frequency response, and a more articulate tone.
The inductance of a pickup is determined by a number of factors, including the number of turns of wire in the coil, the diameter of the wire, and the type of magnet used. Pickups with more turns of wire, a larger diameter wire, and a stronger magnet will have a higher inductance.
The choice of inductance for a pedal steel guitar pickup is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer the warmer, smoother sound of a pickup with a higher inductance, while others prefer the brighter, more articulate sound of a pickup with a lower inductance. Ultimately, the best way to find the right inductance for your pickup is to experiment with different values and see what sounds best to you.
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between high-inductance and low-inductance pickups:
| High inductance | Low inductance | |
|---|---|---|
| Output level | Louder | Quieter |
| Frequency response | Warmer | Brighter |
| Tone | Smoother | More articulate |
5. Resistance
Resistance is a measure of how difficult it is for electricity to flow through a material. In the context of pedal steel guitar pickups, resistance affects the pickup’s output level and tone. Pickups with a higher resistance will produce a lower output level and a brighter tone, while pickups with a lower resistance will produce a higher output level and a warmer tone.
- DC Resistance
DC resistance is the resistance of a pickup when it is measured with a direct current (DC) signal. DC resistance is a good indicator of the pickup’s output level. Pickups with a higher DC resistance will have a lower output level, while pickups with a lower DC resistance will have a higher output level.
- AC Resistance
AC resistance is the resistance of a pickup when it is measured with an alternating current (AC) signal. AC resistance is a good indicator of the pickup’s tone. Pickups with a higher AC resistance will have a brighter tone, while pickups with a lower AC resistance will have a warmer tone.
The resistance of a pickup is determined by a number of factors, including the number of turns of wire in the coil, the diameter of the wire, and the type of magnet used. Pickups with more turns of wire, a smaller diameter wire, and a stronger magnet will have a higher resistance.
The choice of resistance for a pedal steel guitar pickup is a matter of personal preference. Some players prefer the brighter tone of a pickup with a higher resistance, while others prefer the warmer tone of a pickup with a lower resistance. Ultimately, the best way to find the right resistance for your pickup is to experiment with different values and see what sounds best to you.
6. Magnet
The type of magnet used in a pedal steel guitar pickup has a significant impact on the pickup’s sound. The three most common types of magnets used in pedal steel guitar pickups are ceramic, alnico, and neodymium.
- Ceramic magnets
Ceramic magnets are made from a ceramic material, such as ferrite. They are the most affordable type of magnet, and they produce a bright, powerful sound. Ceramic magnets are often used in high-output pickups, such as those used for rock and metal music.
Alnico magnets
Alnico magnets are made from an alloy of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. They are more expensive than ceramic magnets, but they produce a warmer, more vintage sound. Alnico magnets are often used in low-output pickups, such as those used for jazz and blues music.
Neodymium magnets
Neodymium magnets are made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron. They are the most powerful type of magnet, and they produce a very strong, focused sound. Neodymium magnets are often used in active pickups, which are designed to produce a high output level with minimal noise.
The choice of magnet is ultimately a matter of personal preference. However, the type of magnet used in a pedal steel guitar pickup can have a significant impact on the sound of the instrument.
7. Construction
The construction of a pedal steel guitar pickup, whether open or covered, significantly influences its sound and performance. Let’s explore the key differences between these two types of pickups:
- Open pickups
Open pickups have exposed coils, magnets, and pole pieces. This design provides a brighter, more articulate sound with a stronger attack. Open pickups are often preferred by players who want a vintage or twangy tone. However, they are more susceptible to feedback and noise than covered pickups.
- Covered pickups
Covered pickups have a metal cover that encloses the coils, magnets, and pole pieces. This design provides a warmer, smoother sound with less attack. Covered pickups are also less susceptible to feedback and noise than open pickups. They are often preferred by players who want a more modern or mellow tone.
Ultimately, the choice between open and covered pickups is a matter of personal preference. Both types of pickups have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a particular player will depend on the sound they are trying to achieve.
8. Size
The size of a pedal steel guitar pickup, whether standard or mini, can significantly impact its sound and performance. Standard-sized pickups are the most common type, and they offer a full, rich sound with a strong low end. Mini pickups are smaller in size, and they produce a brighter, more articulate sound with a tighter low end.
- Standard-sized pickups
Standard-sized pickups are typically around 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. They are the most common type of pickup used on pedal steel guitars, and they offer a full, rich sound with a strong low end. Standard-sized pickups are a good choice for players who want a traditional pedal steel guitar sound.
- Mini pickups
Mini pickups are typically around 2 inches long and 0.5 inches wide. They are smaller than standard-sized pickups, and they produce a brighter, more articulate sound with a tighter low end.
Mini pickups are a good choice for players who want a more modern pedal steel guitar sound.
Ultimately, the choice of pickup size is a matter of personal preference. Both standard-sized and mini pickups have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a particular player will depend on the sound they are trying to achieve.
9. Shape
The shape of a pedal steel guitar pickup, whether round, square, or blade, significantly impacts its sound and performance. Each shape offers unique tonal characteristics that cater to specific musical styles and player preferences.
- Round pickups
Round pickups are the most common type of pickup used on pedal steel guitars. They have a warm, full sound with a strong low end. Round pickups are a good choice for players who want a traditional pedal steel guitar sound.
- Square pickups
Square pickups have a brighter, more articulate sound than round pickups. They are often used in modern pedal steel guitars, as they provide a more cutting sound that is well-suited for rock and country music.
- Blade pickups
Blade pickups are the smallest and thinnest type of pickup. They have a very bright, articulate sound with a tight low end. Blade pickups are often used in lap steel guitars, as they provide a clear and defined sound that is well-suited for slide playing.
Ultimately, the choice of pickup shape is a matter of personal preference. Each shape offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a particular player will depend on the sound they are trying to achieve.
10. Material
The material used in the construction of pedal steel guitar pickups significantly influences their sound and performance. The three most common materials used are steel, nickel, and cobalt. Each material imparts its own unique tonal characteristics, catering to specific musical genres and player preferences.
Steel pickups are known for their warm, vintage sound with a strong low end. They are often used in traditional pedal steel guitars, as they provide a classic country and western tone. However, steel pickups can be prone to corrosion and may not be the best choice for players who need a pickup that can withstand heavy use.
Nickel pickups offer a brighter, more articulate sound than steel pickups. They are often used in modern pedal steel guitars, as they provide a more cutting sound that is well-suited for rock and country music. Nickel pickups are also more resistant to corrosion than steel pickups, making them a good choice for players who need a durable pickup.
Cobalt pickups are the most expensive type of pickup, but they offer the best sound quality. They have a very clear, articulate sound with a strong low end. Cobalt pickups are often used in high-end pedal steel guitars, as they provide the ultimate in tone and performance.
Ultimately, the choice of pickup material is a matter of personal preference. Each material offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a particular player will depend on the sound they are trying to achieve.
The following table provides a summary of the key differences between steel, nickel, and cobalt pickups:
| Material | Sound | Durability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Warm, vintage sound with a strong low end | Prone to corrosion | Affordable |
| Nickel | Brighter, more articulate sound than steel pickups | More resistant to corrosion than steel pickups | More expensive than steel pickups |
| Cobalt | Very clear, articulate sound with a strong low end | Most durable type of pickup | Most expensive type of pickup |
11. Brand
The choice of pickup brand is a critical decision for any pedal steel guitarist, as different brands offer unique tonal characteristics and features that can significantly impact the overall sound of the instrument. Three of the most renowned and respected brands in the industry are EMG, Seymour Duncan, and DiMarzio, each with its own distinct approach to pickup design and manufacturing.
- EMG
EMG pickups are known for their active circuitry, which provides a high output level and a wide frequency response. This makes them an excellent choice for players who want a modern, aggressive sound with plenty of sustain and clarity. EMG pickups are also very consistent from pickup to pickup, which makes them a good choice for players who need a reliable and predictable sound.
- Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan pickups are known for their vintage-inspired designs and their ability to capture the classic sounds of the past. They offer a wide range of pickup models, from single-coils to humbuckers, each with its own unique tonal character. Seymour Duncan pickups are a good choice for players who want a traditional sound with a modern twist.
- DiMarzio
DiMarzio pickups are known for their innovative designs and their ability to create unique and distinctive sounds. They offer a wide range of pickup models, including active and passive pickups, as well as a variety of specialized pickups designed for specific genres and playing styles. DiMarzio pickups are a good choice for players who want a pickup that will give them a truly unique sound.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a pickup brand is to try out different models and see what sounds best to you. However, the information provided above can help you narrow down your choices and find the brand that is most likely to meet your needs.
FAQs about Pedal Steel Guitar Pickups
This section addresses frequently asked questions about pedal steel guitar pickups to provide comprehensive information and clarify common misconceptions.
Question 1: What are the main types of pedal steel guitar pickups?
Answer: The two main types of pedal steel guitar pickups are single-coil and humbucking pickups. Single-coil pickups offer a brighter, twangier sound, while humbucking pickups provide a warmer and more powerful tone.
Question 2: How does the position of a pickup affect its sound?
Answer: The position of a pickup on the guitar’s body significantly influences its sound. Neck pickups produce a warmer and fuller tone, middle pickups offer a balanced sound, and bridge pickups deliver a brighter and more articulate sound.
Question 3: What is the difference between active and passive pickups?
Answer: Active pickups utilize a preamp to boost the signal output, resulting in a higher gain and a wider frequency response. Passive pickups, on the other hand, rely solely on the magnetic field generated by the coils, providing a more natural and vintage sound.
Question 4: How can I choose the right pickup for my pedal steel guitar?
Answer: Selecting the right pick
up involves considering factors such as the desired sound, pickup type, position, output level, and brand. Experimenting with different combinations and consulting with experienced players or pickup manufacturers can aid in finding the optimal choice.
Question 5: What are some common pickup brands for pedal steel guitars?
Answer: Well-known and respected brands in the pedal steel guitar pickup market include EMG, Seymour Duncan, and DiMarzio. Each brand offers a range of pickup models with distinct tonal characteristics and features.
Question 6: How do I maintain my pedal steel guitar pickups?
Answer: Regular maintenance of pedal steel guitar pickups involves cleaning them with a soft cloth and ensuring proper height adjustment to optimize their performance and longevity. Avoiding excessive moisture and handling the pickups with care also contributes to their upkeep.
In summary, understanding the different types, characteristics, and applications of pedal steel guitar pickups is crucial for achieving the desired sound and maximizing the potential of the instrument.
Transition to the next article section: “Additional Resources for Pedal Steel Guitarists”
Tips for Pedal Steel Guitar Pickups
Optimizing the sound and performance of pedal steel guitar pickups requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Here are some valuable tips to guide you:
Tip 1: Experiment with Pickup Placement
The position of a pickup along the guitar’s body significantly influences its sound. Experiment with different pickup positions to find the sweet spot that complements your playing style and desired tone. For instance, neck pickups offer a warmer, fuller sound, while bridge pickups provide a brighter, more articulate tone.
Tip 2: Consider Pickup Type and Output
Choosing the right pickup type and output level is crucial. Single-coil pickups produce a brighter, twangier sound, while humbucking pickups deliver a warmer, more powerful tone. Additionally, consider the output level of the pickup, as higher output pickups provide a louder signal and may require adjustments to your amplifier settings.
Tip 3: Pay Attention to Pickup Height
Adjusting the height of your pickups can fine-tune their sound and performance. Raising the pickup closer to the strings increases its output and magnetic pull, resulting in a brighter, more aggressive tone. Conversely, lowering the pickup reduces its output and magnetic pull, producing a warmer, mellower sound.
Tip 4: Explore Pickup Combinations
Many pedal steel guitars feature multiple pickups, allowing you to explore various pickup combinations. Experiment with blending different pickups to create unique and versatile tones. For example, combining a neck and bridge pickup can provide a balanced sound with both warmth and clarity.
Tip 5: Maintain Your Pickups
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your pedal steel guitar pickups. Clean your pickups regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and debris. Additionally, check the pickup connections and wiring for any loose contacts or damage, and address them promptly.
Summary:
By following these tips, you can fine-tune your pedal steel guitar pickups to achieve the desired sound and enhance your playing experience. Remember to experiment with different pickup configurations and settings to discover the tonal possibilities that best suit your musical style and preferences.
Conclusion
Throughout this exploration, we have delved into the intricacies of pedal steel guitar pickups, shedding light on their types, characteristics, and impact on the instrument’s sound. Understanding these nuances empowers guitarists to make informed decisions when selecting and utilizing pickups to achieve their desired tonal palette.
The journey of exploring pedal steel guitar pickups is an ongoing pursuit, as advancements in technology and evolving musical styles continue to shape their design and application. Experimentation and collaboration among musicians, luthiers, and pickup manufacturers will undoubtedly lead to further innovations and sonic possibilities in the world of pedal steel guitar.
