Do Guitar Pickups Age? Assessing Lifespan, Wear and Sound
Guitar enthusiasts often wonder if their pickups get old and sound different. They do. Some players think old pickups sound better, but this isn’t always true. Many things can make a guitar pickup last longer or change how it sounds.
Pickups can get old from normal wear and tear or around too much hot or cold air or humidity. The materials they’re made of and how they’re put together can make them sound different over time.
If parts inside get rusty or break down, that can change the sound, too. So consider these things when looking at how old pickups sound and work.
Some guitarists like how old pickups sound. They are convinced they have a richer and warmer sound. But old pickups don’t necessarily sound better. It all depends on the pickup.
Keep reading to learn more!
Key Takeaways
- Aging in guitar pickups can be due to wear and tear or exposure to environmental factors;
- The pickups’ sound quality and performance might vary, depending on the materials and construction used;
- Some older pickups may sound better, but this is only might be true for some pickups.
Factors Influencing Pickup Aging
Magnet Degradation
Pickups can change as they get older. One reason is magnet degradation. In other words, the magnets inside can get weaker.
Magnets generate a magnetic field. It interacts with the guitar strings to produce sound. As time goes by, this magnetic field can become less strong. If the magnets aren’t as strong, your pickups’ sound will change.
Winding Decay
Another thing that can make guitar pickups wear out is if the coil inside starts to break down (winding decay). The coil is a wire wound around the magnets.
If the wire’s cover (protective enamel) degrades, you can get unwanted feedback and noise. Or the pickup might simply stop working. This also changes how the guitar sounds.
Corrosion and Rust
Pickups can also get old if they get rusty or corroded. Especially the metal parts, such as the pole pieces and the outer shell of the pickup.
Rust can make the pickups not work as well by reducing the contact between the strings and the pickup. This can change how your guitar sounds.
In short, pickups usually get old because of magnetism problems, coil problems, and rust. If you take care of your guitar, you can help your pickups last longer and sound better.
Do Guitar Pickups Get Better with Age?
Myths and Truths
Some guitar players think old pickups sound better. This might be because the magnets age and wire windings change over time. But people have different opinions, and what they hear can differ for each person.
Studies and other information show that a pickup’s build quality, used materials and production techniques are more important than its age.
Pickups usually get old because of
magnetism problems, coil problems, and rust
Characteristics of Aged Pickups
Some guitar players like the sound of old pickups because:
- Magnet aging: The magnets can get weaker. This change can alter the magnetic field, which changes the sound;
- Wire windings: As pickups age, the wires can move or get old, which also changes the sound.
But if you’re wondering if old pickups sound better, remember other things matter too, like:
- The type of materials used;
- How well the pickup is made;
- How you like to play, and what sounds good to you;
- How the guitar is set up and played.
Whether you like old pickups or not is up to you. Try different ones to see what you like best.
How to Maintain Pickups
Proper Cleaning and Storage
Take care of your guitar to make it last. Clean it with a soft cloth after you play to keep it from getting rusty.
Keep your guitar in a case when you’re not playing it, and keep it away from too much sun, humidity, and hot or cold air. If you’re cleaning it a lot, you can cover the pickups with tape to protect them.
Impact of Regular Use
By playing your guitar a lot the pickups can wear out over time. Be gentle with your guitar, and be careful when you change the height of the pickups. Don’t over-tighten the screws.
Pickups can last long if they’re made well and you take care of them. Choose good brands for the best chance of having pickups that last.
Get Help from a Professional
It’s a good idea to take your electric guitar to a professional sometimes. They can fix and improve your axe. Think of pickup adjustments, fretwork, and setup improvements.
They can also tell you if you need new parts. Going to a pro can help your pickups stay good and make your guitar last longer.
Replacing or Upgrading Pickups
When to Replace a Pickup
If your guitar doesn’t sound as good as it used to, it might be time for new pickups. If the sound isn’t clear or loud enough, consider getting a new one.
Choosing New Pickups
When you need a new pickup, think about what kind you want. There are different kinds, like single coil pickups, humbucker pickups, and P-90 pickups. And they all sound different.
- Single-coil pickups produce a bright and clear tone but can be noisy due to their sensitivity;
- Humbuckers sound warm and full and don’t pick up much noise;
- P-90s offer a mix of single-coil and humbucker sounds with more versatility.
Think about what music you play and what sound you want. Listen to how different pickups sound and read what people say about them.
This way, you can make a well-informed decision on your new set of pups.
Installation Tips
When you have a new pickup, here’s how to put it in:
- Disconnect the strings: Remove the guitar strings to access the pickups;
- Take pictures: Take pictures of the original wiring before you start;
- Learn to solder: Knowing how to solder wires is crucial for a successful installation;
- Take your time: Installing pickups takes patience. Take your time to do it right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes pickups last?
Pickups last depending on what they’re made of, how they’re made, and how you take care of them. Keep them away from temperature extremes and humidity to make them last longer.
Do I need to change pickups often for optimal performance?
You don’t have to change pickups unless you want a different sound. Good pickups can last for years if you take care of them. This is both true for passive pickups and active pickups. In some cases, their sound can even improve with age.
Can pickups sound better as they get older?
Yes, sometimes pickups sound better as they age. This is because the materials settle and get a special sound. Vintage pickups are very popular for their warm sound.
Do magnets in pickups get weaker?
Yes, over time, the magnets in pickups can weaken, making the sound warmer and softer. But how fast this happens depends on the magnet and how you take care of it.
How does wear and tear change my guitar’s pickups’ sound?
Wear and tear can make the parts inside the pickup, such as the coils, magnets, and wiring, not work as well. This can change the sound. Taking care of your guitar and fixing it when needed can help keep the sound good.
Will an old pickup sound vintage?
An old pickup might sound vintage, but not always. It depends on how it’s made and taken care of. Some old pickups don’t change much, while others get a special vintage sound.
