Ever heard that extra low string on a 7-string guitar and wondered what magic makes it sound so powerful? It’s not just the extra string; it’s also the special pickups that help it sing. But when you start looking for them, it can feel like you’re lost in a jungle of wires and magnets! It’s tough to know which ones will give you that deep, rumbling bass or that clear, bright tone.
Choosing the right 7-string guitar pickups can be tricky. You want pickups that match your playing style, whether you’re shredding heavy metal or exploring new musical ideas. But with so many brands and types, it’s easy to get confused. You might worry about getting a muddy sound or losing the clarity you need. This guide is here to help you cut through the noise and find the perfect fit for your 7-string.
By reading on, you’ll learn what makes 7-string pickups different and what to look for. We’ll break down the important features so you can understand them easily. Get ready to discover the secrets to unlocking the full sonic potential of your extended-range guitar!
Our Top 5 7 String Guitar Pickups Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 7 String Guitar Pickups Detailed Reviews
1. Wilkinson WOHB7 Classical Ceramic 7-String Guitar Humbucker Pickup Neck Bridge Pickups Set for Electric Guitar
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your 7-string electric guitar with the Wilkinson WOHB7 Classical Ceramic Humbucker Pickup Set. This set includes both neck and bridge pickups in a sleek black finish. They’re designed for guitars needing an open-style humbucker. These pickups deliver powerful sound for a variety of music styles.
What We Like:
- These pickups give you the tight bass notes your 7-string needs.
- They also offer a focused sound on the high strings.
- The 4-conductor wiring lets you split the coils for even more sound options.
- They are wax potted to reduce unwanted noise.
- The ceramic magnets provide a strong, clear tone.
- They are designed for both neck and bridge positions.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included screws might not fit all guitars. You may need to use your own.
- These are made in China, which might be a consideration for some buyers.
This Wilkinson pickup set is a solid choice for any 7-string player looking to enhance their guitar’s tone. You’ll get a versatile sound that works well for many playing styles.
2. Seymour Duncan Nazgul High Output Bridge 7-String Humbucker Pickup – Passive Mount – Black
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to unleash some serious power with the Seymour Duncan Nazgul High Output Bridge 7-String Humbucker Pickup. This pickup is built for 7-string guitars and delivers a massive sound. It uses a ceramic bar magnet, which helps create its powerful tone. The pickup comes in a sleek black finish and is designed for passive mounting.
What We Like:
- It gives you a super loud and clear sound.
- It’s great for heavy music like metal.
- The pickup feels really solid and well-made.
- It makes your guitar sound bigger and more intense.
- The black color looks really cool on guitars.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might be too much for players who like softer music.
- Sometimes, high-output pickups can be a little noisy.
This Seymour Duncan Nazgul pickup is a fantastic choice for any 7-string player looking for a powerful and aggressive sound. If you want to add some serious punch to your guitar, this pickup is definitely worth checking out.
3. Fishman Fluence Signature Series Tosin Abasi 7-string Pickup Set – Black
Rating: 9.1/10
The Fishman Fluence Signature Series Tosin Abasi 7-string Pickup Set in Black is a game-changer for any serious 7-string guitarist. These active humbucker-sized pickups are designed to deliver incredible sound versatility. Tosin Abasi, a renowned guitarist, put his signature touch on these, making them special. They offer multiple voices, meaning you get different tones from the same pickup. This set is built for 7-string electric guitars. It’s a premium upgrade that can really transform your instrument’s sound.
What We Like:
- The multi-voice feature gives you a huge range of sounds. You can switch between different tones easily.
- These pickups sound clear and powerful. They handle heavy distortion and clean tones very well.
- Tosin Abasi’s signature design means you get a unique and refined sound.
- Installation is straightforward for most guitarists.
- The black finish looks sleek and professional on any guitar.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a premium product, the price can be a bit high for some budgets.
- The extensive features might take a little time to fully understand and utilize.
If you want to unlock new sonic possibilities for your 7-string guitar, this Fishman Fluence set is an excellent investment. It brings professional-level sound and versatility to your playing.
4. Seymour Duncan Invader Bridge Pickup – 7-String P-Mount – Black
Rating: 8.7/10
The Seymour Duncan Invader Bridge Pickup – 7-String P-Mount – Black is a powerful upgrade for any 7-string guitar. It brings heavy-hitting sound and amazing versatility. This pickup fits right into your guitar without needing to change anything. It’s built tough and sounds fantastic, especially for heavier music styles.
What We Like:
- You can choose between a raw soapbar look or a classic covered humbucker style.
- It uses strong ceramic magnets for super high output and clear, sharp highs.
- It has four wires, letting you split the coils for more sound options.
- The P-mount design means it fits easily without any extra work on your guitar.
- It’s hand-potted to stop unwanted noise and feedback, even with loud playing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The extreme output might be too much for players who prefer cleaner, quieter tones.
- The focused low end and cutting highs might not suit every musical genre.
This pickup is a fantastic choice for guitarists seeking a powerful and adaptable bridge pickup. It delivers a commanding tone that stands out.
5. Artec HBA117 Alnico 5 Magnet Uncovered Humbucker 7-String Electric Guitar Bridge Pickup 18.4K
Rating: 8.5/10
The Artec HBA117 Alnico 5 Magnet Uncovered Humbucker is a powerful pickup designed for the bridge position of your 7-string electric guitar. It features Alnico 5 magnets, which deliver a classic, authentic sound. This pickup produces a thick and full tone, making it ideal for a variety of musical styles, from heavy overdrive and hard rock to smooth, clean blues. The uncovered design gives it a raw, vintage look.
What We Like:
- Delivers a thick and full sound that works well for rock, blues, and overdrive.
- Uses Alnico 5 magnets for an authentic, classic tone.
- Designed specifically for the bridge position of 7-string guitars.
- Comes with mounting accessories to help with installation.
- The 18.4K resistance offers a strong output.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included screws might not fit all guitars, requiring you to use your own.
- The uncovered design, while classic, might not suit all aesthetic preferences.
If you’re looking to upgrade your 7-string guitar’s bridge pickup with a versatile and classic-sounding option, the Artec HBA117 is definitely worth considering. It offers a great tonal range for many different playing styles.
Choosing the Best 7-String Guitar Pickups: Your Ultimate Guide
So, you’ve got a 7-string guitar and you’re ready to upgrade its sound. Picking the right pickups is like choosing the perfect engine for your car – it makes a huge difference! This guide will help you find the best 7-string guitar pickups for your needs.
What to Look For in 7-String Guitar Pickups
When you’re shopping for 7-string pickups, keep these important things in mind.
Key Features
- Output Level: This is how strong the signal from your guitar is. High-output pickups give a loud, powerful sound, great for heavy music. Lower-output pickups offer a cleaner, more detailed tone, good for jazz or blues.
- Magnet Type: Magnets pull the strings and create the sound.
- Alnico magnets (like Alnico II, Alnico V) offer a warmer, more vintage sound. They have a softer attack.
- Ceramic magnets give a brighter, punchier sound with more bite. They have a sharper attack.
- Pickup Configuration: Pickups come in different types.
- Humbuckers: These are the most common for 7-strings. They use two coils to cancel out noise and produce a thicker, fuller sound. They are perfect for rock and metal.
- Single-Coils: Less common in 7-strings, these offer a brighter, clearer tone but can pick up more hum.
- Active Pickups: These need a battery. They often have a very high output and a clear, defined sound. They are popular for modern metal.
- Pole Piece Spacing: This is the distance between the metal rods (pole pieces) under the strings. Make sure it matches your guitar’s string spacing for the best sound.
Important Materials
The materials used in pickups affect their sound.
- Wire: The wire wrapped around the magnets is usually copper. Different gauges and types of wire create different tones.
- Magnets: As mentioned, Alnico and Ceramic are the main types.
- Coil Forms: These hold the wire. Plastic is common.
- Covers: These protect the pickup and can slightly change the tone. Metal covers can make the sound a bit warmer.
What Makes a Pickup Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things can make a pickup sound amazing or disappointing.
Factors Affecting Quality
- Construction: How well the pickup is made matters. Careful winding of the wire and good soldering lead to a better sound.
- Winding Technique: The way the wire is wrapped around the magnets affects the tone. Hand-wound pickups are often considered higher quality.
- Materials: High-quality magnets and wire contribute to a richer, more dynamic sound.
- Shielding: Good shielding reduces unwanted noise and hum, giving you a cleaner signal.
Who Uses 7-String Pickups and Why?
7-string guitar pickups are designed for players who want more range and depth in their sound.
User Experience and Use Cases
- Metal and Hard Rock Players: These players often use high-output humbuckers. They love the extra low end for heavy riffs and the clarity for fast solos. Active pickups are also very popular for their aggressive tone.
- Progressive and Djent Musicians: These genres often use 7-strings for complex rhythms and extended range. Pickups that offer tight lows and clear highs are essential.
- Jazz and Blues Players: Some musicians use 7-strings for their expanded tonal palette. They might choose lower-output pickups for a warmer, more articulate sound.
- Experimentation: Many guitarists use 7-strings to explore new musical ideas. The extra string opens up new possibilities for chords and melodies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 7-String Guitar Pickups
Q: What is the most important feature to consider for 7-string pickups?
A: The most important feature is often the pickup’s output level and magnet type, as these greatly influence the overall tone and how well it suits your playing style.
Q: Are humbuckers the only option for 7-string guitars?
A: No, while humbuckers are very common, you can also find single-coil and active pickup options for 7-string guitars.
Q: What does “high output” mean for a pickup?
A: High output means the pickup sends a stronger signal to your amplifier, resulting in a louder, more powerful sound that’s great for distortion.
Q: How do Alnico and Ceramic magnets differ?
A: Alnico magnets provide a warmer, vintage tone, while Ceramic magnets deliver a brighter, punchier sound with more attack.
Q: Do I need to worry about pole piece spacing?
A: Yes, it’s important. The pole pieces should line up with your strings to get the best possible sound without losing any notes.
Q: What are active pickups and do I need them?
A: Active pickups use a battery to boost the signal. They often have a very clear and powerful sound, popular for modern heavy music.
Q: Can I use 6-string pickups on a 7-string guitar?
A: Generally, no. 7-string pickups are designed with the wider string spacing of a 7-string guitar in mind. Using 6-string pickups might lead to poor string alignment and uneven sound.
Q: How does the material of the pickup affect its sound?
A: The materials like the wire and magnets directly influence the tone. For example, different types of wire create different levels of brightness or warmth.
Q: What is “noise” or “hum” in guitar pickups?
A: Noise or hum is unwanted electrical interference that can be picked up by your guitar’s electronics. Good pickups are shielded to minimize this.
Q: Where can I find reviews for specific 7-string pickup models?
A: You can find reviews on music gear websites, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to guitar reviews and demonstrations.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!