Slanted pickups are electric guitar pickups that are installed at an angle, rather than being parallel to the body of the guitar. This is most commonly done with the bridge pickup, but it can also be done with the neck pickup, or both pickups.
There are a few benefits to slanting pickups. First, it can help to improve the balance of the instrument’s tone. When the pickup is further from the bridge and closer to the neck, it gets more of the string’s vibration, which results in a warmer and bassier sound. Slanting the pickup helps to compensate for this, bringing the treble strings closer to the pickup and the bass strings further away. This results in a more even and balanced tone across all strings.
Second, slanting the pickup can help to improve the clarity and definition of the high strings. When the pickup is parallel to the body of the guitar, the treble strings can sometimes sound thin and harsh. Slanting the pickup helps to focus the magnetic field on the strings, which results in a clearer and more articulate sound.
Finally, slanting the pickup can also help to improve the overall sustain of the instrument. When the pickup is further from the bridge, the strings vibrate more freely, which results in longer sustain. Slanting the pickup helps to achieve this without sacrificing the clarity and definition of the high strings.
Some popular guitar models that come with slanted pickups include the Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, and PRS Silver Sky. These guitars are known for their well-balanced and versatile tone, which is due in part to the use of slanted pickups.
Here is a more detailed look at the benefits of slanting pickups:
- Improved tone balance: Slanting the bridge pickup helps to compensate for the fact that the bass strings vibrate more strongly than the treble strings. This results in a more even and balanced tone across all strings.
- Clearer high strings: Slanting the bridge pickup also helps to improve the clarity and definition of the high strings. This is because the slanted pickup focuses the magnetic field on the strings more effectively.
- Improved sustain: Slanting the bridge pickup can also help to improve the overall sustain of the instrument. This is because the strings vibrate more freely when the pickup is further from the bridge.
Slanted pickups are a great way to improve the tone, clarity, and sustain of your electric guitar. If you are looking for a way to upgrade your instrument, consider installing a slanted pickup.
