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pickup

musical instrument device
Also known as: contact microphone

Quick Summary

A pickup, in the context of musical instruments, is an electromagnetic device that converts the vibrations of a string into electrical signals. These signals are then amplified, allowing the instrument to be heard at a louder volume.123

The first electric guitar was invented in 1931 by George Beauchamp and Adolph Rickenbacker. This instrument, nicknamed the "Frying Pan," became the first widely recognized electric guitar and played a significant role in the development of popular music throughout the 20th century.1

Key components of an electric guitar include the body, headstock, neck, strings, frets, pickups, and control knobs. The pickups are crucial for translating string vibrations into electrical signals that can be amplified. The electric bass, a similar instrument, also uses pickups to convert string vibrations into electrical energy.134

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