Single Coil Pickups (sɪ́ŋgəl kɔ̀yl pɪ́kə̀ps) are a set of magnets that are wound with copper wire to act as transducers of sound that feed a guitar’s signal to an amplifier. Different than double coil pickups, which which have two coils with opposite polarities to reduce electrical and are known as “humbuckers,” single coil pickups are known for their bright and clean tones.

The first pickups were added to steel string guitars were single coil pickups.  Known as the Gibson “Charlie Christian” pickup, the Gibson P-90 pickup was a fat sounding single coil that could simultaneously deliver clear highs.

The sound of single coil pickups are most epitomized by the more modern Fender guitars. From the bell like bite of the Telecaster, the smoother and more versatile Stratocaster to the mellower Jazzmaster  Leo Fender’s single coil pickup design is the most popular single coil pickup for the modern guitar player.