Here's something that effects tone...

[Dr.K]

...but rarely gets asked, "Are the pickups mounted to the pickguard, pickup rings, or body"?

It's just a thought I had, because I feel that it does make a difference, but I don't recall it being asked.

 

[AlexR]

Re: Here's something that effects tone...

Some say it does, but I can't think of logical (physics related reasons) why a electrical/magnetic based transducer should be affected by physical movement...especially the small movements that the springs/pickguard flex would induce.

 

[Chris of Arabia]

Re: Here's something that effects tone...

Some say it does, but I can't think of logical (physics related reasons) why a electrical/magnetic based transducer should be affected by physical movement...especially the small movements that the springs/pickguard flex would induce.

The only reason would be that it allows the pickups to move in relation to the string itself. Given how small some of those string movements might be (esp. at higher frequencies), that may prove to be significant as a part of the overall resonance of the guitar. Tricky one to try and prove though.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Here's something that effects tone...

Some say it does, but I can't think of logical (physics related reasons) why a electrical/magnetic based transducer should be affected by physical movement...especially the small movements that the springs/pickguard flex would induce.

Three reasons. One is the pickup moving relative to the string. Second one is pickup microphonics. Third one is the acoustic interaction between the pickguard and the body. Call it unbelievable, if you wish...

 

[blueman335]

Re: Here's something that effects tone...

Some say it does, but I can't think of logical (physics related reasons) why a electrical/magnetic based transducer should be affected by physical movement...especially the small movements that the springs/pickguard flex would induce.

We know that the guitar's wood tonal characteristics and design (solid, hollow, or semi-hollow) make a audible difference in the amplified tone, so the way a PU is mounted will transfer more, or less, string vibration thru the wood to the PU. Direct body-mounted PU's will have the most wood influence. Those mounted in a large plastic pickguard over a large cavity will have the least. Ring mounts will be somewhere in between.

 

[uOpt]

Re: Here's something that effects tone...

My guess is that it definitely does. Movement of pickup relative to string counts and it doesn't matter whether the string or the pickup moves.

I have a suspicion that it makes an audible difference whether a Strat pickguard is convex or concave (aka if it is lifted off the wood a tiny bit around the pickups that counts).