Pickup Configurations
& Loaded Pickguards
An assortment of different pickup configurations gives you the flexibility to
customize the fundamental tonal palette of your SolidBody. Our proprietary
pickup designs include mini and full-size humbuckers (available in either
high-definition or high-gain versions), vintage alnico humbuckers, and silent
single coils. Not only can you choose your preferred pickup configuration,
but you can also easily swap out your pickups with our solderless, “plug
& play” loaded pickguards, allowing you to change the tonal personality of
your SolidBody any time you like, in a matter of minutes.
2 Mini Humbuckers (HD or HG)
Mini humbuckers take up less sonic space than full-size humbuckers, making them a great choice for a band with multiple instruments. They have
plenty of grind and punch without getting in the way of the mix. On stage,
they have a little more cut and presence.
2 Full-size Humbuckers (HD or HG)
Full-size humbuckers have a heavier, dirtier tone than the minis for more of
a rock edge. For years, players have relied on this combination to deliver
the warm, sweet sound of the neck pickup and the bite of the bridge. The
HG version is full of presence and is engineered to hit the front of the amp
harder than the HD for a heavier, crunchy tone.
2 Full-size Vintage Alnico Humbuckers
The vintage alnicos are our modern version of a traditional PAF-style covered
pickup. They feature a fat, round sound with a warm bottom end. Traditionally, guitars with two humbuckers have a 3-way switch. Our 5-way switching
system adds both a parallel and series option for a broader tone palette.
3 Single Coils
Another classic electric sound. “Little Wing,” “Sultans of Swing,” and “
Another Brick in the Wall” are examples of single coil gold. Our silent single
coils capture all the character of the single coil sound without the buzz and
other sonic noise. The bridge pickup sounds great overdriven, yet has lots of
sparkle and clarity when played clean. Our switching allows each pickup to
be selected individually and also provides two combined pickup positions.
1 Full-size HG Humbucker
Some players just want to plug in, turn up, and rock out. If you like to ride
the volume knob for more nuance, turning down the volume controls a little
and hitting the amp in different ways will yield all kinds of colors and flavors
at different levels. Pulling up the volume pot will split the coil.
2 Single Coils/1 HG Humbucker
Born out of the guitar player culture of swapping pickups, this combo is a
popular and versatile setup. If you like to quickly switch between the slam
of a humbucker and the wisp of a single coil, the “single single hum” configuration will get it done. Perfect for a player who wants access to multiple
tones with one guitar.
1 HD Mini Humbucker/1 Single Coil
This setup throws a nod to Keith Richards and other great blues players
like Albert Collins. A 3-way switch allows you to toggle between the modern sound of our high definition mini and the spank of our noiseless bridge
single coil. Great for cutting, groovy, rhythmic chording.
3 HD Mini Humbuckers (HD or HG)
The three-mini setup is reminiscent of the ’60s Firebird 7 but with Taylor’s
own sonic imprint. Positions 1 and 5 (Neck and Bridge) deliver a smooth
and driving front edge, with great distortion and clean sounds available at
the flick of a switch. Both positions drive the front end of an amp really well.
Positions 2 and 4 capture a thick single coil vibe, and make great choices
for blues rhythm or lead. The real gem of this configuration is Position 3,
the middle pickup alone. It sparkles and drives at the same time; it’s really
transparent and thick. With a trem, this setup suits any style or tonal flavor.
L-R: 2 Mini Humbuckers (HD or HG), 3 Mini Humbuckers (HD or HG), 2 Full-size Vintage Alnico Humbuckers, 1 Mini Humbucker (HD) & 1 Single Coil TAYLOR GUITARS | 2011 GUITAR GUIDE
L-R: 2 Full-size Humbuckers (HD or HG), 3 Single Coils, 2 Single Coils &
1 Full-size Humbucker (HG), 1 Full-size Humbucker (HG)
L-R: Pickguard colors - Parchment, Black Pearloid, White Pearloid,
Black, Tortoise
