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In electronics, a "pickup" is a device that converts mechanical movement into electrical signals. This is most commonly found in musical instruments, particularly the electric guitar. In this context, the pickup acts as a contact microphone, capturing the vibrations of the strings and transforming them into an electrical signal that can be amplified. This technology allows instruments to be played at higher volumes and in various environments, and musicians can manipulate the sound to create unique timbres. Pickups are also used on other stringed instruments like violins and lutes. The term "pickup" can also refer to the device in a record player that converts stylus motion into electrical voltage.123

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