In the diverse world of electric guitars, the classic design of two single-coil or two humbucker pickups, sometimes with a single additional middle pickup, is the norm. However, the absence of guitars with three humbucker pickups raises intriguing questions about the design and practicality of such instruments. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this relative rarity and explore the few guitars that have dared to challenge convention.
The Traditional Pickup Layout:
The typical electric guitar design includes two pickups, usually a combination of single-coil and humbucker pickups, placed in the neck and bridge positions. This layout offers a versatile range of tones, with the neck pickup delivering warmth and the bridge pickup providing brightness and bite. The middle pickup, often a single-coil, adds tonal variations and tonal balance.
Challenges of Three Humbuckers:
While it’s technically possible to design a guitar with three humbucker pickups, several challenges and considerations arise:
- Physical Space: Humbucker pickups are larger than single-coils, and fitting three of them into a guitar body while maintaining proper spacing and aesthetics can be challenging. This can result in a crowded and potentially uncomfortable layout.
- Weight: The addition of three humbuckers can significantly increase the guitar’s weight, potentially making it uncomfortable to play for extended periods.
- Tonal Complexity: Three humbuckers can create a complex tonal palette that may be overwhelming for some players. Balancing and blending the pickups effectively can be a daunting task.
- Wiring Complexity: Wiring a guitar with three humbuckers is intricate, involving numerous pickup selectors, coil-splitting options, and tone controls. This complexity can be overwhelming for both players and guitar builders.
Guitars with Three Humbuckers:
Despite these challenges, a few guitar manufacturers and custom builders have ventured into the realm of three-humbucker guitars. Here are a couple of noteworthy examples:
- Gibson Les Paul Custom: The Gibson Les Paul Custom is one of the most famous guitars with three humbuckers. Known as the “Black Beauty,” this iconic instrument features three humbuckers, each with its own volume and tone control. It offers a vast tonal range, from warm and jazzy to biting and aggressive, thanks to its versatile pickup configuration.
- PRS (Paul Reed Smith) 513: PRS introduced the 513 model, featuring three single-coil-sized humbuckers. This guitar offers an array of tonal options with its five-way blade switch and two mini-toggles, allowing players to select from various single-coil and humbucking combinations.
Custom-Built Options:
For players seeking a guitar with three humbuckers, custom builders and luthiers offer the flexibility to design and create instruments that meet specific tonal and aesthetic preferences. Custom-built guitars can incorporate three humbuckers in unique layouts and configurations.
In Conclusion:
The absence of guitars with three humbucker pickups in the mainstream market is primarily due to design challenges, tonal complexity, and the established popularity of the two-pickup layout. While such guitars are relatively rare, iconic models like the Gibson Les Paul Custom and PRS 513 have demonstrated the potential of three-humbucker guitars in delivering a wide range of tones. Custom-built options also provide players with the opportunity to explore this unconventional design and create instruments tailored to their preferences. In the world of electric guitars, innovation and experimentation are always welcome, and it’s possible that we may see more three-humbucker guitars emerge as players continue to push the boundaries of guitar design and tonal possibilities.
