There are a few reasons why the bridge pickup on a guitar is slanted.
- To increase the output and treble response. The closer the pickup is to the bridge, the closer it is to the thinner part of the string, which produces a brighter sound with more treble. Slanting the pickup allows it to be closer to the bridge across all six strings, resulting in a more consistent sound across the fretboard.
- To reduce feedback. Feedback is a high-pitched squeal that can occur when the amplified sound of the guitar is picked up by the pickups and reamplified. Slanting the pickup reduces the amount of feedback by changing the angle at which the strings vibrate.
- To improve the balance of the sound. The bridge pickup is typically brighter and more aggressive than the neck pickup. Slanting the bridge pickup helps to balance the sound of the two pickups, making it more versatile.
In addition to these reasons, the slanted bridge pickup is also a signature aesthetic feature of many popular guitar models, such as the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster.
Here is a more detailed explanation of each reason:
Output and treble response
The output of a guitar pickup is determined by the strength of the magnetic field that it generates. The closer the pickup is to the strings, the stronger the magnetic field will be, and the higher the output will be. The treble response of a pickup is determined by how well it picks up the high frequencies of the strings. The closer the pickup is to the bridge, the better it will pick up the high frequencies.
By slanting the bridge pickup, guitar manufacturers are able to increase the output and treble response of the bridge pickup without having to move it closer to the strings. This is important because if the pickup is too close to the strings, it can cause the strings to interfere with the magnetic field of the pickup, which can lead to a loss of output and tone.
Feedback
Feedback is a high-pitched squeal that can occur when the amplified sound of the guitar is picked up by the pickups and reamplified. Feedback can be caused by a number of factors, including the volume of the amplifier, the type of pickups, and the angle at which the strings vibrate.
Slanting the bridge pickup helps to reduce feedback by changing the angle at which the strings vibrate. When the strings vibrate at a 90-degree angle to the pickup, they create a stronger signal, which is more likely to cause feedback. Slanting the pickup reduces the angle at which the strings vibrate, which helps to reduce feedback.
Balance of the sound
The bridge pickup is typically brighter and more aggressive than the neck pickup. This is because the bridge pickup is closer to the bridge, where the strings are thinner and vibrate more quickly. Slanting the bridge pickup helps to balance the sound of the two pickups by making the bridge pickup less bright and aggressive.
This makes the guitar more versatile and suitable for a wider range of musical styles. For example, if you are playing a clean sound, you may want to use the neck pickup for a warmer sound. If you are playing a distorted sound, you may want to use the bridge pickup for a brighter and more aggressive sound.
Overall, the slanted bridge pickup is a design feature that offers a number of benefits, including increased output and treble response, reduced feedback, and improved balance of the sound.
