4. Replacement Pickups
Just like many car enthusiasts, guitarists love to tinker and fine tune the different models they own - visually and technically enhancing them. One of the main things changed to make a guitar more personalized are the pickups. By using different combinations and wiring set-ups you can create a sound all your own. To meet this demand there are various manufacturers who offer an incredible range of 'aftermarket' pickups.
Important tips for making the right choice
Some pickups on the market are specifically aimed at those whose guitars are equipped as standard with single coil pickups but who want to install a powerful and low-noise humbucker. Normally this would be an issue since the pickup cutouts in the body must be enlarged. Additionally if the humbuckers need to be mounted in the original pick-guard, it too must be cut to fit.
But theres an easier way!
- There are now so-called reverse wound reversed polarity pickups (RWRP) offered by almost all pickup manufactures. They were developed specifically for use in the middle position of guitars with a triple single coil set-up. The coils of RWRP pick-ups are wound, as you might imagine, the other way around and the magnets used are polarized the other way around from those on standard pickups. If you combine them with 'normal' single coils in the bridge or neck position, then you get the humbucker effect - marked by reduced noise and increased power. And the best part: When used alone a RWRP pickup behaves like an ordinary single coil.
A reverse wound, reversed polarity (RWRP) pickup.
- The second most common method of providing a single coil guitar with the benefits of a humbucker is to stack two humbucker coils one on top of the other. This simple trick succeeds in keeping the format of a normal single coil pickup - despite presence of a second coil. These 'stacked' variants provide the same sound as normal humbuckers but fit into the single-coil spaces without the need for body work.
A stacked humbucker in single coil format.
By the way: Although this type is mostly used to create full-fledged humbucker sounds, there are also stacked pickups which deliver vintage single coil sounds. And thanks to their humbucker base, they do so without any humming noises. What more could you want!
- The next option for a humbucker in single coil format is one with parallel mini-coils. They have the same dimensions as a normal single coil making them really easy to switch out.
So you've picked a new 'motor' for your guitar and already purchased it but what now? Will you try and switch the pickups out yourself or do you plan on taking it to a professional? In our online guide we've put together what we consider the most important information about pickup installation to help you decide. Take a look and then make your decision!
