Single coil and double coil pickups are the two most common types of electric guitar pickups. Each type of pickup has its own unique sound, and choosing between the two can be a difficult decision for guitarists of all levels.
What are single coil pickups?
Single coil pickups are constructed with a single coil of wire wrapped around a magnet. They are known for their bright, clear sound, with a lot of high frequency response. Single coils are also very responsive to the player’s touch, making them ideal for expressive playing.
What are double coil pickups?
Double coil pickups are constructed with two coils of wire wrapped around magnets, in opposite polarity. This design cancels out hum and noise, while still producing a full, rich sound. Double coils are often used in high-gain music, such as rock and metal, but they can also be used for a variety of other genres.
Here is a comprehensive comparison of single coil and double coil pickups:
Characteristic | Single coil | Double coil —|— Sound | Bright, clear, with a lot of high frequency response | Full, rich, with more emphasis on the mid-range and low frequencies Noise | More susceptible to hum and noise | Less susceptible to hum and noise Output | Lower output | Higher output Responsiveness | Very responsive to the player’s touch | Less responsive to the player’s touch Versatility | Well-suited for a variety of genres, including clean, blues, and rock | Well-suited for high-gain music, such as rock and metal, but can also be used for a variety of other genres Popular guitars | Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, Rickenbacker 330 | Gibson Les Paul, Gibson SG, PRS Custom 24
Which type of pickup is right for you?
It really depends on your personal preferences and the type of music you play. If you are looking for a bright, clear sound, then single coils are a good choice. If you are looking for a thicker, fuller sound, then double coils may be a better option. If you are looking for a versatile pickup that can produce a wide range of tones, then consider a guitar with both single coil and double coil pickups.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between single coil and double coil pickups:
- The type of music you play: If you are playing high-gain music, then double coils are a good choice. If you are playing clean or blues music, then single coils may be a better option.
- Your personal preferences: Do you prefer a bright, clear sound, or a thicker, fuller sound? Do you want a pickup that is responsive to your touch, or one that is less so?
- The type of guitar you have: Some guitars are better suited for single coils, while others are better suited for double coils. For example, a Fender Stratocaster is a great guitar for single coils, while a Gibson Les Paul is a great guitar for double coils.
- Your budget: Double coil pickups are generally more expensive than single coil pickups. However, there are many affordable double coil pickups available on the market.
Ultimately, the best way to decide whether single coil or double coil pickups are right for you is to try out different guitars and pickups and see which sound you prefer.
