Question about pickup sounds...

What pickups make what sounds? This is probably a dumb question, but I am really curious. For example, what would put out a grungy sound like Nirvana? Or does it have anything to do with the pickups?

Of course pickups have something to do with the sound. However, so does string gauge, tuning, pick gauge, guitar, amp/settings, and the way you play.

I find the best way to describe pickup sounds is to look at their specs. For example, on the Seymour Duncan website they show the specs of all their pickups, such as "output". Which I find the most useful. Output shows how your pickup is going to act. I bought the "hot rails" for telecasters based purely on the specs and I love it. It is the highest output pickup they make, I beleive, and thats what I wanted.

Originally Posted by: SlightlyInsaneWhat pickups make what sounds? This is probably a dumb question, but I am really curious. For example, what would put out a grungy sound like Nirvana? Or does it have anything to do with the pickups?

Pickups make a big difference in tone, but what you're thinking of probably has more to do with amp settings and distortion.

http://www.kurtsequipment.com/

Lots of stuff on there about guitars, amps, and effects Kurt used. It should help you get that "grungy" sound.

for grunge... forget about the pickups. stock ones will do fine. its mostly about the settings on the amp, as said.

Ok, thanks. I was just curious. (beginner) Haha.