Can You Mix and Match Guitar Pickups? Testing Custom Sounds

Mixing guitar pickups can customize your electric guitar’s sound. It’s an asset for any guitar player chasing a unique tone as it sets their sound apart.

Pickups shape your guitar’s sound. Different models offer distinct tones. So, it goes without saying that understanding pickup compatibility matters.

The good news is that your many options allow for experimentation with guitar pickups. By mixing and matching, you can tailor your setup to your style.

Understanding Guitar Pickups

Electric guitarists get unique sounds from pickups. Let’s explore pickup types, their impact on tone, and the role of pickup outputs.

Types of Guitar Pickups

There are two primary types of guitar pickups: single coil and humbuckers.

• Single Coil Pickups: Bright, sharp sounds. They consist of a single coil of wire wrapped around a magnet. Used in Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters, for instance;
  
  
• Humbuckers: Two coils eliminate hum and produce a thicker tone. They have two coils of wire wrapped around magnets. Found in Gibson Les Pauls and a whole other range of guitars.
  

How Pickups Influence Tone

Each pickup type makes for a distinct sound:

• Single Coil: Bright and clear, good for crisp styles. Some players describe the sound as ‘twangy’ or ‘chime-like’;
  
  
• Humbuckers: Warmer, powerful, great for distortion. This makes them ideal for rock, metal, and blues genres.
  

Pickup Outputs and Their Roles

The output level of a pickup can also affect its tonal qualities:

• Low Output Pickups: Clean and articulate tone, suited for jazz, country and blues;
  
  
• High Output Pickups: Powerful, good for heavy distortion. Well-suited for more aggressive playing. Perfect for rock and metal.
  

Mix and Match Fundamentals

Compatibility Basics

Pickups must be compatible in impedance and design. Otherwise, your pickups might produce an uneven output or tone. Ensure that the output levels are similar and designed for the same type of guitar. And that the pickup’s type (single-coil, humbucker, or active) can coexist without interference.

Strategies for Mixing Pickups:

• Define your desired tone;
  
  
• Consider pickup positions;
  
  
• Match impedance for balanced sound.
  

Strategies for Mixing Pickups

Here are some tips for mixing and matching your guitar pickups effectively:

1. Define your desired tone: Before mixing pickups, know what sound you’re going for and how the pickups will complement each other;
   
   
2. Consider pickup positions: Try arranging the pickups in different positions (neck, middle, bridge). Mixing a humbucker with a single coil might work better at the bridge than the neck position;
   
   
3. Matching impedance for a balanced sound: Your pickups must have similar impedance values to avoid output level and sound imbalances.

Pickups must be compatible
in impedance and design

Technical Considerations

Consider electrical impedance, pot values, wiring and pickup polarity when mixing.

Electrical Impedance

Match impedance to avoid volume and tone imbalance. The resistance of the coils wound around the pickup determines the electrical impedance. Different values can create a unique sound.

That said, some players like the unique sounds that different impedance values create.

Pot Values and Wiring

Adjust pots for the desired sound. Check wiring compatibility.

Adjust the potentiometers (or ‘pots’) for your desired sound. Most electric guitars, like the Telecaster, use 250k or 500k pots. The pot value affects the amount of treble being bled off. Higher values allow more high-end frequencies to come through.

You might need to fine-tune your pots to get the desired sound. Check the wiring compatibility with the new pickups.

Pickup Polarity

Pickup polarity refers to the alignment of the magnetic poles within the pickups. Ensure the pickups’ polarity is aligned correctly. If not, they can be out of phase, producing a weak sound. You can check polarity with a compass or magnetic material.

To ensure that your pickups are in phase:

1. Check the manufacturer’s documentation;
   
   
2. Do a polarity test with a compass or a small magnetic material.

Popular Guitar Pickup Combinations

Many guitarists mix pickups for a unique sound. Consider these combinations:

• Single Coil and Humbucker (HSS): Versatile, combining warmth and clarity;
  
  
• Telecaster Combos: Mix bridge and neck pickups for the iconic Tele sound;
  
  
• P90s with Single Coils or Humbuckers: Balance P90 snarl with clarity or warmth.

Single Coil and Humbucker (HSS)

The HSS configuration, which stands for Humbucker-Single-Single, is quite popular. It gives you the best of both worlds – the warmth and thickness of a humbucker in the bridge position and the crisp and clear tone of single coils in the middle and neck positions. 

Telecaster Bridge and Neck Combos

The bridge pickup offers a bright, cutting tone, and the neck pickup produces a smooth and thick sound. Some players mix it up with different pickups, like a hot Telecaster bridge pickup with a single-coil pickup (or even a P90) in the neck position.

P90s with Single Coils or Humbuckers

P90s produce a beefed-up single-coil tone. A perfect choice if you want more tonal options without switching to humbuckers. Pairing P90s with single-coil pickups or humbuckers is a common combination.

Customizing Tone and Output

Balance your pickups’ outputs to avoid volume issues when customizing tone and output. Here’s how:

• Use pickups with similar outputs;
  
  
• Adjust pickup height;
  
  
• Use pots with different values;
  
  
• Explore tone control variations with dual controls, onboard preamps, and blend pots.
  

Balancing Pickup Outputs

Balance the output levels when mixing and matching your pickups. This is to ensure you don’t experience differences in volume when switching between them. 

Install them carefully and adjust them for an optimal sound. Like this:

• Choose pickups with similar output levels;
  
  
• Follow the manufacturer’s wiring diagram;
  
  
• Adjust the pickup height: Higher positions for lower output pickups and lower positions for higher output pickups;
  
  
• Use volume pots with different values for each pickup to help regulate the levels;
  
  
• Try using several pickups to find the perfect balance.

Below, you’ll find a more detailed explanation.

Tone Control Variations

Beyond balancing output levels, you can also experiment with tone controls. Here are some ideas for tone control variations:

• Dual Tone Controls: If your instrument has only one tone control, consider adding a second one to adjust the tone for each pickup;
  
  
• Onboard Preamps: An onboard preamp circuit can provide additional EQ and gain control options for your pickups. This makes it easier to dial in your desired tone.
  
  
• Blend Potentiometers: Use blend pots to mix the signals from two pickups.

Installation and Setup

Installing Mixed Pickups

To install mixed pickups, follow these steps:

1. Remove the strings and pickguard;
   
   
2. Unscrew your pickups and disconnect the wires;
   
   
3. Solder the new pickup connections. Follow the wiring diagram for the mix you’re aiming for.
   
   
4. Reinstall the pickguard and restring your guitar.
   

For detailed installation instructions, check out the guitar setup guide.

Adjusting for Optimal Sound

Now, make tweaks to optimize your mixed pickup setup:

• Setup: Make sure your guitar is properly set up for playing. Adjust the truss rod to get the right neck relief, and set the string action and intonation as needed;
  
  
• Pickup Height: Tweak each pickup’s height to balance the output volume. Different pickups may need different heights for the best sound;
  
  
• Fine-tuning: Experiment with the pickup selector and volume/tone controls. Make small tweaks until you’re happy with the sound.
  

Brands and Manufacturers

Mixing pickups from different brands can work. Research brands

Notable Pickup Manufacturers

Research brands like Fralin Pickups, Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, EMG, Lace Sensor, and Lollar Pickups for their unique sounds.

Each of them has a signature sound. Experiment and listen. That’s all there is to it. Trust your ears to find the right pickup combination.

Choosing the Right Brand for Your Style

When figuring out the right guitar pickup, keep your playing style and musical taste in mind. 

Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Learn about the brands: What tone do they strive for? What about the output and the materials used?
   
   
2. Match the pickup to your tone goals: Different pickup types fit different styles. Some produce heavier, distorted sounds, and others may produce excellent, clean tones.
   
   
3. Test Before You Invest: Try out different pickups and make up your mind.
   

Practical Tips for Players

Plain and simple: Experiment with pickup positions and consult a professional for complex modifications.

Experimenting with Pickup Positions

The position of your pickup affects the sound. This is because it picks up the vibrations from the strings at different points along their length. This influences the bass, mid-range, and treble.

To make the most of your experimentation:

• Try different pickup combinations;
  
  
• Install pickups in unconventional positions, such as adding a middle pickup to a two-pickup guitar;
  
  
• Get the best of both worlds by pairing a single-coil pickup with a humbucker or a P90;
  
  
• Experiment with different pickup heights and angles.
  

When to Consult a Professional

Taking your guitar to a professional might be wise if you’re considering adding extra pickups or routing for new pickup cavities. The same goes when unsure about soldering, wiring, or grounding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when blending humbuckers with other pickups?

Match the output and tone when mixing humbuckers with other pickups. Ensure they have a similar volume to avoid a drop-off when switching. Different characteristics can make a versatile sound.

Are there compatibility issues with active and passive pickups? 

Active and passive pickups can be complex to mix. Active pickups need power; passive do not. Mixing may cause volume and wiring issues. It’s simpler to stick to one type.

How do pickup configurations affect my guitar’s tone? 

Pickup configurations shape your guitar’s tone. Single coils are bright; humbuckers are warm and thick. Mixing them offers tonal variety. Pickup placement affects tone, too.

Can I replace just one pickup in my guitar? 

Yes, you can replace one pickup. Mixing pickups creates new tones. Be ready to adjust the volume for mismatched outputs. Experiment to find your sound.

What are the best practices for mixing pickups from DiMarzio and Seymour Duncan? 

When mixing DiMarzio and Seymour Duncan pickups, ensure they’re compatible in output, tone, and wiring. Read product info and reviews. Try different combinations for a unique sound. Your preference decides the best match.