The Bench

Active vs Passive Pickups?

Active vs. Passive Pickups: Exploring the Differences and Innovations

Guitar pickups are the unsung heroes of an electric guitar’s sound. They convert the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal that can be amplified, shaping the tone and character of the instrument. Among the many different types of pickups, active and passive pickups stand out as two of the most prominent, each with unique characteristics and advantages. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of pickups, the role of active preamps, and take a look at some of the leading brands in the industry like Fishman, EMG, Seymour Duncan, and DiMarzio.

What Are Passive Pickups?

Passive pickups are the traditional choice for electric guitars, having been around since the invention of the electric guitar itself. These pickups do not require an external power source; instead, they generate a signal from the vibration of the guitar’s strings moving through a magnetic field created by a magnet and coil. The signal produced is relatively low in output and depends on the resistance of the coils and the type of magnet used.

The tone of passive pickups is generally characterized by warmth and natural dynamics. They allow for a more “organic” sound, with a broad frequency range that can capture subtle nuances of playing technique. Passive pickups typically have less output than their active counterparts and can sometimes sound darker or less defined, depending on the design.

What Are Active Pickups?

Active pickups, on the other hand, feature a built-in active preamp powered by a battery (usually 9V) that boosts the signal before it is sent to the amplifier. This preamp allows active pickups to produce a higher output, greater clarity, and a more pronounced signal. The added circuitry can also help reduce noise and interference, making active pickups a favorite for high-gain applications like metal and hard rock.

Because of the active preamp, these pickups have a more consistent sound regardless of the guitar’s volume knob settings. They also tend to offer more treble and tighter low-end, which can be particularly useful in achieving a punchy and precise sound. However, the tone of active pickups is often described as more “sterile” or “clinical” compared to passive pickups, with less of the natural warmth and dynamic response that passive pickups are known for.

A Brief History of Active Preamps

The introduction of active pickups and preamps in the electric guitar world began in the 1970s. The goal was to address the limitations of passive pickups, particularly in high-gain settings where passive pickups often struggled with noise and lack of clarity.

The first widely recognized active pickup system was developed by EMG, an American company founded in 1976. EMG introduced its EMG-81 in the early 1980s, a revolutionary active humbucker that was quieter, offered a higher output, and had more precise tone shaping than passive pickups. This pickup quickly gained popularity, especially with metal guitarists seeking a clearer, more powerful sound. The success of EMG paved the way for other brands to explore active pickups, pushing the boundaries of electric guitar tone.

In the 1990s, Fishman further developed the active pickup landscape with its Fluence series, which offered not only active preamps but also switchable voicings, providing players with multiple tonal options from a single set of pickups.

Leading Brands in Active and Passive Pickups

1. EMG: As pioneers of active pickups, EMG remains one of the leading names in the industry. Their active pickups, like the EMG 81 and EMG 60, are renowned for their clarity and high output, making them the go-to choice for many rock and metal players. EMG also offers a wide range of other models, including the EMG 85 and EMG Retro Active series, providing a diverse palette of tones to suit different musical genres.

2. Fishman: Known for innovation, Fishman’s Fluence line of active pickups has garnered attention for its unique ability to switch between different tonal voices. The Fluence Modern humbucker, for example, offers both a “crystal clear” modern tone and a “hot and aggressive” sound, giving guitarists versatility with just a flick of a switch. Fishman’s active pickups have become favorites among professional musicians in a variety of genres.

3. Seymour Duncan: A long-time leader in the pickup industry, Seymour Duncan offers both active and passive pickup options. Their Blackouts active humbuckers are a direct competitor to EMG’s offerings, delivering high-output tones with less noise. Duncan’s extensive selection also includes popular passive pickups like the SH-1 ‘59 and SH-5 Duncan Custom, making the brand a go-to for players seeking both traditional and modern sounds.

4. DiMarzio: Known for its extensive range of passive pickups, DiMarzio has also ventured into the active pickup world. The DiMarzio Super Distortion and DP100 are classics in the passive realm, providing fat and powerful tones. For active pickups, DiMarzio introduced the D Activator series, which offers the output and noise-reduction benefits of active pickups while still maintaining some of the warmth and dynamics of passive designs.

Which Pickup is Right for You?

The choice between active and passive pickups ultimately depends on your musical style and tonal preferences. If you’re a player who wants a broad, organic sound with a bit of warmth, passive pickups are an excellent choice. Their dynamic response to playing style and ability to “breathe” with subtle nuances make them ideal for genres like blues, jazz, and classic rock.

On the other hand, if you’re seeking high-output, clarity, and the ability to cut through a dense mix, active pickups might be a better fit. Their noise-canceling features and boosted output make them perfect for aggressive styles like metal, where precision and high-gain performance are essential.

Conclusion

Both active and passive pickups have their place in the world of electric guitars, and many musicians end up using both depending on the genre or performance context. While EMG helped pioneer active pickups in the '70s, Fishman, Seymour Duncan, and DiMarzio have continued to innovate, creating pickups that cater to all types of players. Whether you prefer the raw, natural tone of passive pickups or the powerful, pristine clarity of active pickups, there’s a pickup out there that can help you achieve your ideal sound.

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I want to use a different tuning. What gauge should I use?

Recommended String Gauges for Different Tunings

The string gauge you choose becomes even more important when tuning your guitar to alternate or lower tunings, as the tension on the strings changes significantly. Whether you're tuning to a half-step down for a subtle shift in tone or all the way down to Drop B for heavy, menacing riffs, selecting the right string gauge will ensure that you get the best performance in terms of both tone and playability.

Below are some common tunings and the recommended string gauges to go with them, keeping in mind how they interact with high-gain amplifiers for optimal tone and tuning stability.

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1. Standard Tuning (E A D G B e)

• Recommended Gauge: .009–.042 or .010–.046

In standard tuning, lighter string gauges like .009–.042 are common, especially for players who prioritize fast playing and bending. They provide a bright, snappy tone, and are easy on the fingers. If you prefer a bit more stability and a thicker tone, a slightly heavier gauge like .010–.046 is ideal.

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2. Half-Step Down (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb eb)

• Recommended Gauge: .010–.046 or .010–.052

When tuning a half-step down, you’re essentially lowering your pitch slightly, which can result in a warmer tone. Lighter gauges like .010–.046 work well, providing enough tension to keep the strings tight while maintaining the tone's brightness. If you want a deeper sound and more stable tuning, a heavier gauge like .010–.052 may be better for added fullness and sustain.

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3. Drop D (D A D G B e)

• Recommended Gauge: .010–.046 or .011–.048

Drop D tuning drops the low E string to D, which can lead to a looser feel with lighter gauges. A .010–.046 set is common for this tuning as it provides a good balance of comfort and tone. However, if you like a bit more tension and depth in the low end for heavier riffs, upgrading to a .011–.048 set will give you better control and sustain, especially when playing with high gain.

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4. Drop C (C G C F A D)

• Recommended Gauge: .011–.052 or .012–.056

For Drop C tuning, where you tune two whole steps down from standard E, you'll want a heavier string gauge to maintain proper tension and ensure that the strings feel tight enough for playability. A .011–.052 gauge will provide a solid, controlled tone, giving you enough tension in the lower registers for clear note articulation and sustain. If you prefer a beefier sound and more stability in your tuning, a .012–.056 set would provide extra mass and tension for the heavier sound required in genres like metal or hardcore.

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5. Drop B (B F# B E G# C#)

• Recommended Gauge: .012–.056 or .013–.062

Drop B tuning is very popular in heavier styles like metalcore and death metal. To maintain clarity and avoid floppiness in the low end, you'll need a heavy gauge string set. A .012–.056 gauge is the standard recommendation for Drop B, giving you solid tension without compromising on tone. For players who tune even lower or prefer a tighter feel, a .013–.062 set is ideal, providing enough tension to keep the strings firm and the tone thick and defined.

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6. Drop A (A E A D F# B)

• Recommended Gauge: .013–.062 or .014–.068

In Drop A tuning, where you're tuning down a full step from Drop B, you'll want a heavier string gauge to ensure the strings don’t feel too loose or floppy. A .013–.062 gauge is often the best choice for this tuning, as it provides sufficient tension for clear articulation in the lower frequencies while allowing for some flexibility when bending strings. For players who want even more control and stability, a .014–.068 set offers the tension needed to maintain proper tuning stability, especially during aggressive playing.

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7. Drop A# (A# F A# D# G A D)

• Recommended Gauge: .014–.068 or .015–.070

Similar to Drop A, Drop A# requires heavy strings for optimal tension, but since the tuning is even lower, the strings need to be even thicker to avoid them feeling too loose. A .014–.068 set will provide a tight feel and maintain good tuning stability. If you're playing even lower tunings or prefer extra stiffness in the strings, a .015–.070 set will give you the extra mass and tension required for heavy riffs and sustained notes without losing clarity.

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8. C Standard (C F A# D# G C F)

• Recommended Gauge: .012–.056 or .013–.060

In C Standard tuning, you drop the entire guitar down two whole steps from standard tuning. You’ll need strings with enough thickness to maintain a tight feel and proper tension. A .012–.056 set is a good starting point for most players, providing a balance between tension and playability. If you’re looking for more low-end response and a beefier tone, consider a .013–.060 set for added warmth, sustain, and low-end presence.

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9. B Standard (B E A D F# B)

• Recommended Gauge: .013–.062 or .014–.070

B Standard tuning is common for extremely heavy styles such as doom metal or deathcore. To avoid floppiness and ensure clear note articulation, heavier gauge strings are essential. A .013–.062 gauge provides enough mass and tension for the lower tunings, delivering tight, full, and articulate notes with good sustain. If you want even more stability and extra power in your sound, a .014–.070 set is the best choice for maintaining definition in the low-end and keeping the strings under tension during aggressive playing.

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10. Drop G (G D G C F A D)

• Recommended Gauge: .014–.070 or .015–.072

Drop G tuning, used primarily in extremely heavy genres, requires very thick strings due to the extreme drop. A .014–.070 set will provide enough mass and tension for clear note articulation and tuning stability at this extreme low register. If you prefer even more control and the ability to crank up your gain, a .015–.072 set will offer maximum tension, keeping the low-end tight and defined while preventing the strings from feeling too loose.

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General Tips for Choosing String Gauge in Alternative Tunings

• Tighter Tension: When tuning down to lower tunings (e.g., Drop C, Drop B, Drop A), heavier gauges prevent the strings from feeling too loose, keeping them firm for clearer tone and better articulation, especially when using high-gain amps.

• Low-End Clarity: Lower tunings, especially in genres like metal and doom, often require strings with good low-end presence to ensure the notes don’t become muddy. Heavier gauge strings help produce clear, defined lows, making your riffs and chugs stand out.

• Playability vs. Tone: Lighter gauge strings offer easier playability and faster bends, but they may not hold up well under low tunings or aggressive playstyles. Heavier gauges, though harder to play, produce a fuller, richer tone and are ideal for heavy, down-tuned riffs.

• Consider Your Playing Style: If you’re doing a lot of lead playing or fast solos, you may want a lighter gauge for speed and bendability. For rhythm and chugging, heavier gauges provide more stability and punch.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right string gauge for your guitar's tuning is crucial for getting the best performance out of your instrument, especially in high-gain situations. Lighter gauges provide ease of playability but may lack the tightness and clarity needed for low tunings and aggressive playing. Heavier gauges, on the other hand, give you more stability, power, and tonal depth, making them perfect for lower tunings and genres that demand precision and power.

By selecting the appropriate string gauge for your preferred tuning, you can ensure that your guitar responds well under high gain, maintains tuning stability, and delivers the tone you’re looking for.

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