The Pros and Cons of Single Coil Pickups: A User’s Perspective
The quest for the perfect guitar tone has been a lifelong pursuit for many musicians, and at the heart of this quest are the pickups. While humbuckers have become the go-to choice for many due to their superior noise cancellation and fuller sound, single coil pickups still hold a special place in the hearts of many guitarists, including myself. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of single coil pickups, drawing from both technical and personal experiences.
Historical Context and Early Innovations
Single coil pickups were first used to amplify the guitar, and they have played a significant role in the development of electric guitar technology. They were invented in the 1920s and continue to be popular today due to their unique sound. Seth Lover, inventor of the humbucker, patented his combination of two single coil pickups in 1957. These pickups cleverly canceled out potential hum and provided a richer, more nuanced sound.
Noise Issues of Early Single Coils
Early single coil pickups were prone to producing unwanted electrical hum. This issue was particularly evident in instruments like the 1963 Fender guitar I owned, which generated significant hum from its single coil pickups. In contrast, my 1965 Fender Electric XII, with its split single coils, produced minimal unwanted noise. Similarly, my 1964 Gibson ES-330 with single coil P-90s had a noticeable 60-cycle hum, which I considered a minor trade-off given the feedback issues of the lightweight guitar when played through two Fender amps and six speakers on stage. However, modern single coil pickups, such as those found on a 10-year-old Fender Stratocaster and a 15-year-old Squire Telecaster with P-90s, do not seem to have the same hum noise problem, at least not to me.
Modern Single Coil Pickups and Tone
As a user of both single coil and humbucker pickups, I have observed that modern single coil pickups are clearer and have better note definition. The ability to produce a bright, clear sound is one of the advantages of single coil pickups. The use of the appropriate amplifier can further enhance this clarity and definition. Another advantage is the versatility of single coil pickups, which can produce a range of tones, from the quack tone of a Fender Stratocaster to the more subtle and nuanced tones of other models.
The Role of Humbuckers and Single Coils in Modern Guitars
In recent years, many guitar manufacturers have started offering both single coil and humbucker pickups in their models. For instance, Fender guitars, which were traditionally single coil, now offer double coil humbuckers. Similarly, single coils like the P-90 are offered on many Gibson models. The P-90 single has experienced a resurgence in popularity and is widely regarded as a favorite sound by many modern guitarists. I personally prefer single coil pickups, particularly P-90s, for their unique tone and versatility.
Tone and Versatility
From a technical standpoint, the sound produced by each type of pickup is a significant difference. Single coils tend to produce a brighter, clearer sound, often with a more pronounced attack, while humbuckers provide a thicker, rounder sound. However, many modern guitars feature circuitry that can switch between single coil and humbucker tones, allowing for a wide range of sound possibilities. For example, the "Les Paul button" on a Fender Stratocaster allows the guitar to produce humbucker-like sounds with the right single coil pickup selection.
User Preferences and Practical Considerations
The choice between single coils and humbuckers often comes down to personal preference and the genre of music being played. Cover band musicians, for instance, might prefer single coil Strats due to their perceived versatility in generating a wide range of tones. Some musicians even swap guitars between single coil and humbucker pickups depending on the song. On the other hand, dedicated Gibson players might stick to humbuckers for their rich and full-bodied sound. Today’s effects pedals can further enhance the range of sounds achievable with single coil pickups, making them a valuable choice for guitarists looking to explore different tones.
Conclusion
While single coil pickups are not without their drawbacks, such as noise issues in early models, they continue to be a popular choice among guitarists due to their unique sound and versatility. Whether you prefer the clarity and tone of single coil pickups or the rich, full-bodied sound of humbuckers, both have their place in the world of electric guitars. As a user of both types of pickups, my experience has shown that the noise problems associated with single coils have largely been resolved, and the advantages of each type of pickup are best experienced firsthand.