How Much Voltage Does a Guitar Pickup Produce?

The answer to this question is: it depends. Typical output might be 100–300 millivolts. But different guitar pickups yield varying voltage levels based on their construction and materials. Factors such as the pickup winding, magnet type, and placement all contribute to the differences in output voltage.

Guitar pickups convert the mechanical energy of the vibrating strings into electrical signals. They are then sent to an amplifier to produce the desired sound. Electric guitar pickups generate output voltage levels that significantly influence the tone and quality of the output.

As a result, a luthier can achieve a wide range of nuances in the final tone by adjusting and combining these parameters. The output voltage in a guitar pickup impacts how amplifiers perceive your guitar. This makes it a critical component of your guitar setup.

That’s why understanding the voltage a guitar pickup produces is essential for you as a guitarist.

Wanna know more? Keep reading!

Electrical Characteristics

Voltage and Output Level

The output voltage is a crucial factor in electric guitar pickups as the voltage the pickup produces affects the output level. This, in turn, impacts the sound and response of the guitar.

The output voltage typically varies depending on several factors. You can think of the pickup construction, magnets used, and the number of wire turns in the coil.

Generally, higher output levels result in a stronger signal and a more aggressive tone. 

For instance, a guitar with low-output pickups might sound cleaner and produce a softer signal when played. A guitar with high-output pickups can deliver a heavier and more powerful sound.

In general:

• Active pickups (like EMGs) generally have higher output voltages, around 10mV, than passive pickups due to their onboard preamp and battery power;

• Passive pickups have lower output voltages, ranging from around 2mV to 8mV, depending on factors like the number of coil windings;

• Brands like Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, and Lindy Fralin offer passive pickups with varying output levels based on the pickup model and specifications;

• Higher output passive pickups may reach 8mV, while vintage-style pickups have lower outputs around 2-4mV;

• Output also depends on the guitar, amp, and playing dynamics, which affect coil induction.

Impedance and Resistance

Another important aspect related to electric guitar pickups is their impedance. This includes input and output impedance.

It plays a significant role in the performance and interaction between the guitar and the amplifier. Most commonly, the DC resistance determines the output impedance of a guitar pickup.

You can measure it in ohms (Ω). The impedance of most pickups falls somewhere in between 6k and 20k ohms.

The impedance value may affect the sound in various ways. For example, a higher impedance pickup can have a more excellent treble response. A lower impedance pickup might result in a smoother and warmer tone. 

Capacitance and Tone

Capacitance is another important characteristic of electric guitar pickups. It affects the guitar’s frequency response and tone. The materials used in the pickup and its surrounding components influence capacitance values. The same goes for the type and length of the connecting cables.

One common guitar capacitance application is through the tone control circuit. This typically includes a capacitor connected to a potentiometer. This allows you to adjust your signal’s high frequencies to cut or boost.

A potentiometer is a variable resistor that has three connections. One connection is adjustable, allowing the resistance between the other two connections to change. This adjustable resistor can create an adjustable voltage divider.

By turning the tone control knob, you can adjust the capacitor’s effect on the signal. This ultimately shapes the sound and character of your guitar.

Understanding Guitar Pickups

Essentials of Pickups

A pickup is a transducer. It converts the mechanical vibrations of the guitar’s strings into an electrical signal. This signal can then be amplified and processed to produce the desired sound. The main components of a pickup are magnets and a coil of wire wrapped around them.

How Pickups Generate Signal

The magnet in a guitar pickup creates a magnetic field around the strings to generate a signal. When you play a note, the vibrating string disturbs this magnetic field. This induces a voltage in the coil. This voltage is passed through your guitar’s electronics and sent to your amplifier.

Pickups can be classified into two main categories: passive and active. 

Passive pickups are the more common and traditional type. They consist of magnets and a coil. 

Active pickups are powered by an external power source. They use extra electronics for signal amplification and processing.

Amplification and Output

From Pickup to Amplifier

The pickups are crucial in converting the string vibrations into an electrical signal. These signals, which come in the form of voltage, vary depending on the type of pickup and its position. The guitar pickup voltage is then sent to your amplifier.

Effects of Pickup Placement and Selection

Different pickups produce different voltage output levels. Some generate a low output, while others provide a higher output. The pickup position also plays a significant role in the resulting sound. 

There are usually three main pickup positions on a guitar:

1. Neck pickup: Located near the neck, it produces a warm, mellow sound with less treble;
   
   
2. Middle pickup: A balanced position offers a blend of neck and bridge pickups;
   
   
3. Bridge pickup: Placed near the bridge. It produces a bright, trebly sound with more harmonics.
   

You can adjust the pickup system on your guitar to find the perfect combination of sound and output.

Active vs Passive Pickups

There are two main categories of pickups: active pickups and passive pickups. 

Passive pickups are the traditional type. They usually have a more extensive dynamic range and generate a higher output voltage. They are powered by the guitar’s string vibrations and do not need an external power source.

Active pickups use a preamp and are powered by an onboard battery. They generally produce a low output voltage, which results in a lower noise level. Active pickups also have a more compressed sound. They are usually better for modern music genres like metal.

Types of Guitar Pickups

Several electric guitar pickups cater to different musical needs, offering various tonal options. The most common types include:

• Single-coil pickups: They have a single, tightly wound coil. It creates a bright and clear sound. They’re popular in many genres, particularly blues, surf, and country. But due to their simple design, they can be susceptible to noise and hum from electrical interference;

• Humbucking pickups or humbuckers: They consist of two coils. Each coil’s polarity and winding direction are located opposite the other. This design helps to cancel out electrical noise and hum. It gives them a quieter performance and a warmer, thicker tone. They’re popular in genres like rock, metal, blues and jazz.

• Magnetic pickups: These pickups use magnets to create a magnetic field around the strings. They pick up changes in the field as the strings vibrate. They’re often found on acoustic guitars, but you can also use them on electric guitars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a guitar pickup?

A guitar pickup is a transducer that captures the vibrations of the guitar strings and converts them into an electrical signal. This signal is then sent to an amplifier to produce sound.

What are the types of guitar pickups?

There are several types of guitar pickups including single coil, humbucker, active, passive, neck, and bridge pickups. Each type has its own output voltage and unique tone characteristics.

How does a guitar pickup work?

A guitar pickup consists of a coil of wire wound around a magnet or magnets. When the guitar strings vibrate, they create a changing magnetic field around the pickup, inducing an electric current in the coil, which is then sent to the amplifier.

What is the difference between single coil and humbucker pickups?

A single coil pickup has one coil, producing a bright, clear sound with a lower output level. In contrast, a humbucker pickup uses two coils to cancel out the hum and provide a higher output voltage and a more powerful sound.

How does the impedance of a guitar pickup affect its performance?

The impedance of a pickup, along with other factors such as dc resistance, inductance, and capacitance, determines the output signal and its interaction with the tone controls and amplifier input impedance.

What role does a pickup’s pole piece play in its function?

The pole pieces on a pickup help to balance the output signal across the strings. This provides consistent volume and response for each string.