pickup
A transducer on an electric guitar or bass that converts string vibrations into electrical signals.
In Depth
Pickups use magnets wrapped with coils of copper wire to sense string movement and generate a small electrical current. Single-coil pickups produce a bright, clear tone with characteristic hum. Humbuckers use two coils to cancel electromagnetic interference, producing a thicker, warmer sound. The type, position, and quality of pickups are the primary determinants of an electric guitar's tone. Pickup selection is one of the most common modifications guitarists make to their instruments.
Leo Fender designed the Telecaster's pickups in 1950 without any formal engineering training; he was a radio repairman who taught himself electronics from library books.