Guitar Pickups & Parts

Choosing the right pickup for your electric guitar

The electric guitar pickup is the component that converts string vibration into an electrical signal. It defines the tonal character of your instrument. There are three main pickup families: single coils, humbuckers (dual coil) and P90s. Each type has its own sonic signature suited to specific musical styles. Whether you play blues, rock, metal or jazz, your choice of electric guitar pickups will directly shape your sound. ADP Guitar Parts offers a wide selection of professional-grade guitar pickups for every model: Stratocaster, Telecaster, Les Paul, Jazzmaster and many more.

The different types of guitar pickups

Single Coil Pickups

Single coil pickups are the oldest and most iconic electric guitar pickups. Built from a single coil of wire wound around magnets, they deliver a bright, clear and articulate tone with excellent note definition.

Tonal characteristics: Snappy attack, present mids, crystalline highs. Ideal for an authentic vintage sound.

Musical uses: Blues, funk, classic rock, country, surf music. Perfect for clean rhythm playing and expressive solos.

Typical guitars: Fender Stratocaster (3 single coils), Fender Telecaster (2 single coils).

Pros: Exceptional clarity, preserved playing dynamics, fast response to touch and nuance.

Cons: Sensitive to electromagnetic interference (hum/buzz), lower output than humbuckers.

Humbucker Pickups (Dual Coil)

Invented by Gibson in the 1950s, humbuckers use two coils wired out of phase to cancel hum. This construction gives them a powerful, warm and thick tone with more sustain.

Tonal characteristics: Round mids, deep lows, smoothed highs. A massive, dense sound, perfect for overdrive and distortion.

Musical uses: Rock, hard rock, metal, jazz, blues rock. Excellent for heavy riffs and sustained solos.

Typical guitars: Gibson Les Paul, Gibson SG, PRS, modern metal guitars.

Pros: No hum, high output, rich and full tone, excellent with distortion.

Cons: Less clarity and definition than a single coil, can sound "too round" for some styles.

P90 Pickups

P90s sit in a unique spot between single coils and humbuckers. Technically they are wide single coils with a fatter coil and different magnets, delivering a gritty, characterful tone.

Tonal characteristics: Aggressive mids, present lows, biting highs. More body than a classic single coil, but more clarity than a humbucker.

Musical uses: Blues rock, garage rock, punk rock, grunge, indie rock. The pickup for guitarists who want character.

Typical guitars: Gibson Les Paul Junior, Gibson SG Special, some Epiphone models.

Pros: Outstanding versatility, unique and recognisable tone, an excellent compromise between single coil and humbucker.

Cons: Slight hum (single coil design), can be too aggressive for softer styles.

How to choose your electric guitar pickups

By musical style

Blues and Funk: Go for Stratocaster-style single coils. Their clarity and dynamic response are perfect for fingerstyle nuances and funky rhythm playing. Telecaster pickups also work well, with a twangier character.

Classic Rock and Hard Rock: Humbuckers are the go-to choice. Their power and sustain allow for massive riffs and expressive solos. A Gibson PAF set or equivalent (Tonerider Generator) is ideal.

Metal and High-Gain styles: Choose high-output humbuckers (active or passive). Modern models stay clear even under heavy distortion. Perfect for palm muting and fast solos.

Blues Rock and Garage: P90s are perfect. Their natural bite adds character without losing definition. Excellent for crunchy tones and vintage overdrive.

Jazz: Opt for mellow humbuckers (Gibson 490 type or equivalent). Their round, warm tone pairs beautifully with clean amps and chorus/reverb effects.

By guitar model

Stratocaster: Classic SSS configuration (3 single coils) or HSS (bridge humbucker + 2 single coils) for more versatility. Stratocaster pickups deliver the authentic Fender sound.

Telecaster: 2 single coils (neck + bridge). The Telecaster bridge pickup has a unique, very bright and cutting tone. Essential for country and rock.

Les Paul: 2 humbuckers (neck + bridge). The iconic rock configuration. The neck pickup delivers warm tones, the bridge pickup aggressive ones.

Jazzmaster / Jaguar: Specific wide single coils. Rounder than a Stratocaster, perfect for indie rock and surf.

SG / Modern guitars: Humbuckers or P90s depending on style. Check your cavity dimensions before ordering.

Complete your project with our guitar bodies and our necks

By experience level

Beginner: Start with versatile pickups such as modern humbuckers (Wilkinson, Tonerider Surfari). They are forgiving of playing imperfections and work across several styles.

Intermediate: Tailor your sound to your style. If you mainly play blues, invest in good single coils. If you lean towards rock, go for quality humbuckers.

Expert: Explore high-end pickups (Dreamsong, Duesenberg, TV Jones). These pickups offer subtle tonal nuances and premium construction that makes the difference in the studio or on stage.

Frequently asked questions about guitar pickups

What is the difference between a Humbucker and a Single Coil?

A single coil has one coil and produces a clear, bright tone, but can pick up hum. A humbucker uses two coils wired out of phase to cancel that noise and deliver a more powerful, warmer tone. The single coil favours clarity, the humbucker favours power and noise-free operation.

Can you replace a Single Coil with a Humbucker?

Yes, there are several options. You can fit a single-coil-sized humbucker (same footprint) without any modification, or install a full-size humbucker by modifying the pickguard and routing the cavity. The HSS configuration (Humbucker-Single-Single) on a Stratocaster is very popular for added versatility.

Which pickup for playing metal?

For metal, choose a high-output humbucker in the bridge position. They deliver precise attack, tight lows and clarity even under heavy distortion, perfect for palm muting and fast solos.

How do you install a guitar pickup?

Installation requires a few basic tools: screwdriver, soldering iron, wire cutters. Steps: remove the strings, take off the pickguard, desolder the old pickup, solder the new pickup's wires (hot, ground, sometimes shield), screw the pickguard back on and adjust the pickup height. If you are not comfortable with soldering, take it to a guitar tech or luthier.

The best guitar pickup brands

Tonerider: A British brand known for its excellent value for money. Tonerider pickups deliver authentic vintage tones (Alnico II Classic) as well as modern ones, with professional construction. Perfect for upgrading a guitar without breaking the bank.

Duesenberg: A high-end German brand. Duesenberg pickups are fitted to their premium guitars and are available as replacement parts. Rich tone and flawless construction for demanding guitarists.

Dreamsong: French boutique guitar pickups. Each pickup is hand-wound to custom specifications. For purists seeking a unique tone and an artisanal approach.

TV Jones: The world reference for Gretsch-style Filter'Tron pickups. If you own a Gretsch or are chasing that signature rockabilly/country sound, TV Jones is the obvious choice. Vintage construction and guaranteed authentic tone.

Wilkinson: Specialist in affordable parts with professional-grade quality. Wilkinson pickups are fitted to many mid-range guitars and offer remarkable versatility. Ideal for custom build projects.