How to Determine if Electric Guitar Pickups Sound Good
Understanding Guitar Tone from the 60s to Today
I started playing guitar in the early 60s as a young teen. Back then, the guitars and pickups that were considered cheap and lacking in tone are now prized by vintage collectors and fetch hefty prices. The quality of pickups is subjective and largely a function of your own talent and ability to coax the best out of them. It's also influenced by the era and musical style you prefer—the importance of a pickup depends on your perspective and skill.
For instance, my favorite pickups, sourced from various boutique makers, can be obtained for less than $40, including Gretsch Blacktops. My bass guitars range from a $35 model to a $7,000 Fender Custom Shop, with my love for the cheaper model rooted in its versatile sound and how it complements my playing style.
Testing Pickup Performance
Whether you're looking to buy new or are curious about your existing pickups, there are several tests you can perform to determine their sound quality. One critical method is to plug the guitar into a guitar tuner or an amp and remove the strings. Tapping the pole pieces of the pickup with a screwdriver while the pickup selector is set to that pickup, with the volume and tone controls fully up, can indicate if the pickup is providing a signal.
A guitar's tone is nuanced and dependent on several factors including the guitar itself, wiring, controls, capacitors, jack cable, amp, and any effects pedals in the signal chain. The player is a crucial element as well. If the pickups are microphonic, they may squeal or create excessive muffle or brightness, and in such cases, they should be avoided. However, beyond this, it's largely a matter of personal preference.
Adjusting Humbucking Pickups
Humbucking pickups can sometimes benefit from adjustments to their clarity. Lowering the height of the pickup and raising the height of each of the pole pieces (each pole piece has a screw) can make a significant difference. In fact, raising the pole pieces for the DGB and high e strings more can emphasize mid and high frequencies, particularly if you're considering an upgrade. I often adjust the D and G strings the most to achieve the tone I desire.
If you're unsure about making such adjustments, it's worth experimenting to find the perfect sound. Often, small changes can lead to substantial improvements in tone.
Ultimately, the key to determining if pickups are good is to plug them in, listen to the sound, and see if it resonates with your musical style and playing ability. Keep in mind that pickups are just one part of the equation—your guitar's overall tone is a combination of all the factors mentioned.