The term “hotter pickup” refers to a pickup with a higher output level. This means that the pickup produces a stronger signal, which can drive the amplifier harder and produce a louder sound.
There is a common misconception that hotter pickups are also brighter. However, this is not necessarily the case. The brightness of a pickup is determined by a number of factors, including the type of pickup, the type of magnet, the winding configuration, and the inductance.
In general, single-coil pickups are brighter than humbucker pickups. This is because single-coil pickups have fewer windings, which gives them a higher inductance. Inductance is a measure of how much a pickup opposes the flow of current. A higher inductance pickup will be more sensitive to high frequencies, which results in a brighter sound.
Humbucker pickups have more windings and a lower inductance than single-coil pickups. This gives them a warmer, more mellow sound. However, humbucker pickups can also be bright, depending on the type of magnet and winding configuration.
For example, humbucker pickups with alnico magnets are generally brighter than humbucker pickups with ceramic magnets. Alnico magnets have a softer sound, while ceramic magnets have a brighter, more aggressive sound.
Additionally, humbucker pickups with a parallel winding configuration are generally brighter than humbucker pickups with a series winding configuration. A parallel winding configuration produces a brighter, more transparent sound, while a series winding configuration produces a warmer, more full-bodied sound.
So, to answer the question, hotter pickups are not necessarily brighter. The brightness of a pickup is determined by a number of factors, including the type of pickup, the type of magnet, the winding configuration, and the inductance.
Here are some additional tips for choosing brighter pickups:
- Choose a single-coil pickup over a humbucker pickup.
- Choose a pickup with alnico magnets over a pickup with ceramic magnets.
- Choose a pickup with a parallel winding configuration over a pickup with a series winding configuration.
- Raise the pickup height.
- Use a brighter amp setting.
By following these tips, you can choose and set up your pickups to get a brighter sound.
