HUMBUCKER Meaning and
Definition
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A humbucker is a type of electric guitar pickup that is specifically designed to reduce or eliminate the unwanted electrical interference known as hum or noise. It is a dual-coil pickup consisting of two single-coil pickups wound in opposite directions, which are then connected in series or parallel configuration.
The construction of a humbucker pickup involves two sets of magnetized poles, attached to the pickup’s metal baseplate, with a metal cover to shield the coil. These components work together to cancel out the electromagnetic hum caused by external sources such as lights, transformers, and other electrical devices.
The main advantage of a humbucker pickup is its ability to produce a thicker, fuller, and cleaner tone compared to the traditional single-coil pickups. By canceling out the hum, the humbucker pickup offers a quieter signal with fewer unwanted noises, allowing the player to achieve a more pristine and articulate sound.
Additionally, humbuckers are known for their higher output, providing a stronger and fatter sound ideal for genres like rock, blues, and metal. They also have a darker and warmer tonal character due to the increased bass response and reduced treble frequencies.
Overall, the humbucker is a crucial component of an electric guitar, ensuring a more noise-free and sonically rich tone, making it a popular choice for many guitarists seeking a versatile and dependable pickup solution.
Common Misspellings for HUMBUCKER
- gumbucker
- bumbucker
- numbucker
- jumbucker
- uumbucker
- yumbucker
- hymbucker
- hhmbucker
- hjmbucker
- himbucker
- h8mbucker
- h7mbucker
- hunbucker
- hukbucker
- hujbucker
- humvucker
- humnucker
- humhucker
- humgucker
- humbycker
Etymology of HUMBUCKER
The word "humbucker" originated in the field of electric guitars and refers to a specific type of pickup used in these instruments. The etymology of the term comes from the combination of two words: "humbucking" and "pickup".
The term "pickup" refers to the device that converts the vibration of the guitar strings into an electrical signal. It was first used in the early 1930s when electric guitars started gaining popularity. The initial pickups, known as "single-coil pickups", were susceptible to a phenomenon called "hum". Hum occurs when the pickup detects electromagnetic interference from various sources, such as lights, appliances, or even other electrical devices.
To address this issue, engineers and inventors began experimenting with designs that would minimize or eliminate the hum.
