The positioning of pickups in an electric guitar is a crucial factor in shaping the instrument’s tone and playability. One common question that arises in the world of guitar customization and setup is whether pickups should be angled. Angling pickups is a technique where the pickups are not parallel to the strings but instead slanted or tilted. In this comprehensive article, we will explore the considerations, advantages, disadvantages, and scenarios in which angled pickups may be desirable.
The Purpose of Angled Pickups
The primary purpose of angling pickups is to achieve specific tonal characteristics and address nuances in the guitar’s design and setup. Here are some key reasons why guitarists choose to angle their pickups:
- String Balance: Angling pickups can compensate for differences in string thickness, tension, and magnetic pull. This can result in a more balanced output across all strings, reducing the need for individual string adjustments on the amplifier or pedalboard.
- Enhanced Tonal Variation: Angling pickups can introduce tonal variations across the strings. By positioning a pickup closer to the bridge on one side and closer to the neck on the other, guitarists can achieve a blend of warm, mellow tones from the neck side and brighter, sharper tones from the bridge side.
- Reduction of Unwanted Overtones: Some guitarists angle their pickups to reduce the prominence of unwanted overtones or harmonics, particularly in the bridge position. This can lead to a cleaner and more focused tone, especially when using high-gain settings.
Advantages of Angled Pickups
- Improved String-to-String Balance: Angled pickups can help achieve a more balanced output across all strings, reducing the need for constant adjustments during live performances or recording sessions.
- Tonal Versatility: Angled pickups offer tonal versatility, allowing guitarists to access a broader range of sounds and timbres by blending the characteristics of different pickup positions.
- Reduced Microphonics: In certain cases, angling pickups can help reduce the likelihood of microphonic feedback by altering the magnetic field’s interaction with the strings.
Disadvantages and Considerations
- Non-Traditional Look: Angling pickups can alter the guitar’s appearance, which may not be aesthetically pleasing to some players.
- Intonation Challenges: Angled pickups can pose intonation challenges, particularly if the angle is extreme. This may require adjustments to the bridge saddles to maintain accurate intonation.
- Setup Complexity: Achieving the desired angle may require professional setup and potentially permanent modifications to the guitar, such as routing the pickup cavity or altering the pickguard.
Scenarios for Angled Pickups
Angled pickups are not a one-size-fits-all solution and are most commonly associated with specific guitar models or playing styles:
- Fender Stratocaster: Many Stratocaster models feature slanted single-coil pickups. These angled pickups contribute to the Strat’s signature tonal characteristics, string balance, and tonal versatility.
- Telecaster Bridge Pickup: Some Telecaster players choose to angle the bridge pickup to achieve a warmer tone on the bass strings and a brighter tone on the treble strings.
- Customization: Guitarists who seek unique tonal options or want to address specific tonal issues may choose to angle pickups as part of a customized setup.
Conclusion
The decision to angle pickups in an electric guitar should be based on your specific tonal preferences, playing style, and the characteristics of your instrument. While angled pickups can offer advantages like improved string balance and tonal versatility, they also come with considerations such as aesthetics and setup complexity. Whether you choose angled or parallel pickups, experimenting with different configurations and understanding how they affect your guitar’s tone can lead to a more personalized and satisfying playing experience.
