Wilkinson pickup

Types of wilkinson pickup

Wilkinson guitar pickups come in several varieties, each tailored to suit different playing styles and tonal preferences. Here are the main types:

• Single Coil Pickups

  These are the most iconic and commonly used pickups. They are known for their bright, crisp sound with lots of high-end frequencies. They are characterized by their low output and strong sensitivity to dynamics and nuances. However, they can be prone to electromagnetic interference, leading to a characteristic hum. Single coil pickups are renowned for their clarity, clean tones, and sharp, cutting sound, making them popular in rock, blues, and pop music. They are often used in the neck and middle positions of Stratocaster-style guitars.

• Humbucker Pickups

  Humbuckers are designed to cancel out the hum typical of single coils by using two coils wired in series and out of phase. They produce a thicker, darker sound with more bass and midrange than single coils. They have a higher output and are less sensitive to interference. They are a common choice for heavier genres like metal and hard rock. This double coil design is often utilized in the bridge and sometimes in the neck position of guitars, such as the Gibson Les Paul.

• Stacked Single Coil Pickups

  These pickups look like humbuckers but are technically single coil pickups stacked on top of each other. They offer a single coil's sound with the hum-cancellation of a humbucker. They provide a bright, clear tone like single coils but with less noise. They are a popular choice for players who want a vintage single coil tone without the hum. They are often used in Telecaster-style guitars.

• Mini-Humbucker Pickups

  These are smaller versions of standard humbuckers. They produce a tone between single coils and full-sized humbuckers with a bit more bite than mini-humbuckers. They have a balanced tone with good clarity and sustain. They are lighter than standard humbuckers and are often used in guitars like the Gibson Firebird and some models of the Epiphone Casino. They are great for rock and blues music.

• P90 Pickups

  P90s are a type of single coil pickup, but they are larger and have a different magnetic structure than standard single coils. They have a gritty, growly sound and more output than typical single coils. They have more bass response and a pronounced midrange. They are prone to hum, like single coil pickups. They are popular in classic rock and punk, offering a raw, edgy tone. They are used in guitars like the Gibson Les Paul Special and the Gibson SG.

Scenarios of Wilkinson pickups 2

Wilkinson Pickups 2 are versatile and can be used in different scenarios. Here are some of them:

• Rock music: Rock music is one of the main application areas of Wilkinson pickup 2. These pickups are known for their powerful and aggressive sound that suits rock music. The high output and pronounced midrange of the pickups give a strong and punchy sound, ideal for heavy riffs and solos. Also, the pickup's clarity and definition at high gain settings make it perfect for rock music.
• Blues music: Another application area of pickup 2 is blues music. The blues is known for its expressive and emotional sound, and these pickups can achieve this sound. They have a warm and smooth tone with a pronounced midrange and slight scoop in the high end. This makes the pickup ideal for blues leads and chord progressions. Also, the pickup's dynamic range allows for subtle variations in playing style.
• Jazz music: Pickups 2 can be used in jazz music. The jazz sound is often described as clean, smooth, and warm, with a slight bite. This sound is perfect for jazz chord progressions and soloing. The neck position of the pickup gives a warm and smooth tone, ideal for jazz rhythm playing. Additionally, the pickup's tonal versatility allows jazz guitarists to achieve different tones.
• Metal music: Another area where pickup 2 can be applied is in the metal genre. The metal sound is often described as heavy, aggressive, and powerful, with a lot of gain and distortion. The high output and pronounced midrange of the pickup give a strong and punchy sound, ideal for heavy riffs and solos. Also, the pickup's clarity and definition at high gain settings make it perfect for metal music.

How to Choose Wilkinson Pickups 2

Choosing the right guitar pickup is a complicated process. There are many factors involved that can affect the sound of the guitar. Here are some of the major things to consider when choosing a pickup:

• Magnet type: The kind of magnet used in a pickup is important because it influences the tone and output of the pickup. Alnico magnets, which are made of aluminum, nickel, cobalt, and iron, provide a warm, rounded tone with good dynamic response, whereas ceramic magnets produce a stronger, more aggressive sound with increased output and bass response. Generally, pickups with Alnico magnets have a more vintage sound, while those with ceramic magnets have a modern sound.
• Pickup color: The pickups' color is important, especially in the context of resale. Black pickups are more popular and common, while zebra pickups (black and white) are less common and more expensive. For resale value, it is better to get zebra or white single coil pickups.
• Coil winding: The number of coil winds around the pickup affects its output and tone. More winds produce a stronger signal, and thus the pickup will have a higher output. However, more winds also result in a muddier tone. Less winding results in a clearer tone, but the pickup will have a lower output. Finding a balance between the number of winds is important to ensure the desired tone and output is achieved.
• Output level: The output level of a pickup is an important thing to consider. High-output pickups generate a stronger signal, resulting in more distortion and sustain. They are better for heavy metal and rock music. Low-output pickups produce a clearer, more dynamic sound with more headroom. They are preferred for blues and vintage tones. Choosing the right output level is essential to achieving the desired tone and sound.
• Magnet type: The kind of magnet used in a pickup is important because it influences the tone and output of the pickup. Alnico magnets, which are made of aluminum, nickel, cobalt, and iron, provide a warm, rounded tone with good dynamic response, whereas ceramic magnets produce a stronger, more aggressive sound with increased output and bass response. Generally, pickups with Alnico magnets have a more vintage sound, while those with ceramic magnets have a modern sound.
• Pickup color: The pickups' color is important, especially in the context of resale. Black pickups are more popular and common, while zebra pickups (black and white) are less common and more expensive. For resale value, it is better to get zebra or white single coil pickups.
• Coil winding: The number of coil winds around the pickup affects its output and tone. More winds produce a stronger signal, and thus the pickup will have a higher output. However, more winds also result in a muddier tone. Less winding results in a clearer tone, but the pickup will have a lower output. Finding a balance between the number of winds is important to ensure the desired tone and output is achieved.

Features, Functions, and Design of Wilkinson Pickups

Wilkinson guitar pickups are designed to deliver high performance and sound quality. Some features that make them stand out are:

• Function

  Wilkinson pickups are designed to amplify the sound of the guitar strings by capturing their vibrations and converting them into an electrical signal. They also have shielding to prevent interference and noise, ensuring a clean and clear sound. The pickups are also crafted to fit different types of guitars, ensuring that each model delivers optimal performance.

• Features

  These pickups feature high-quality materials, including Alnico magnets, copper wire, and plastic covers. The Alnico magnets provide warmth and depth to the sound, while the copper wire ensures efficient signal transmission. They also feature adjustable pole pieces, which allow players to customize the pickup's output and tone. Additionally, Wilkinson pickups have a vintage-style design, with aged plastic covers and cloth wire, giving them a classic look.

• Design

  Wilkinson pickups are designed with attention to detail and craftsmanship. They feature hand-wound coils, which provide a unique and personalized sound. The pickups also have a waxed coil to prevent microphonics and feedback, ensuring a clean and clear sound. The vintage-style design adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the guitar, giving it a timeless and classic look.

Q & A

Q: How long do Wilkinson pickups usually last?

A: Normally, Wilkinson pickups can last for a lifetime. But, their lifespan can vary depending on the usage and also on the level of maintenance they get. Usually, these pickups can last for about 20-30 years. With proper care, they can perform well for a very long time. However, they can be affected by wear and tear or exposure to moisture, which can lead to rusting or corrosion. In general, they are made to be durable and can withstand frequent playing and also changes in climate.

Q: Can Wilkinson pickups be repaired if they get damaged?

A: Yes, Wilkinson pickups can be repaired if they get damaged. The repairs are done by experienced technicians who can fix any issues, such as a broken wire or loose pole piece. In some cases, the magnet may need to be replaced, or the wax potting may need to be reapplied. Pickup repairs are less common than other types of guitar repairs, but they can still happen. It's always best to assess the damage and get expert advice on the best course of action.

Q: Are Wilkinson pickups suitable for vintage guitars?

A: Yes, Wilkinson pickups are suitable for vintage guitars. These pickups were designed to replicate the classic tones of vintage pickups. They can be used to replace old or worn-out pickups in vintage instruments. Also, they can provide a similar sound with modern performance and reliability. However, care should be taken when replacing pickups in vintage guitars to avoid damaging the instrument. It is important to use a knowledgeable and skilled technician for the job.