Carter Steel Guitars Presents:
PEDAL STEEL GUITAR ILLUSTRATED
Pedal Steel Guitar
Parts Function Map -- DESCRIPTIONS
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Question:
What Are PICKUPS and How Do They Work?
Answer:
Pickups are devices which convert the mechanical motion of a guitar string into an electrical signal.
They do this by using magnets and coiled wire.
When the string moves back and forth in the magnetic field, an electrical signal is induced into the pickup coil.
That electrical signal is proportionate to the amount of movement of the string.
Since the vibrations of the string also are influenced by any overtones which are added by the other components of the pedal steel guitar, the total shape of the string vibration will reflect those influences, as well.
All of that again will be transmitted as an electrical signal to the volume pedal and then to your amplifier.
For more detailed information, most any physics book or magnetic theory book will explain exactly how an electrical signal can be induced into a coil by crossing a magnetic field with a piece of wire. Also, here are a few other references.
- "Ask Bud!" Article: Differences between Pickups
- "Ask Bud!" Article: Pickups Wound to Certain Resistances
- Tonal Descriptions and Comparisons of Various Pickups
