Overwound vs Underwound

Low wind PAF style humbucker bobbin

Overwound and underwound pickups refer to the amount of wire wound around the pickup's coil. This winding affects the pickup's output, tone, and sensitivity.

Overwound pickups have more wire wound around their coil than traditional pickups. This increases the output and often results in a hotter, more aggressive tone. They typically produce more midrange and bass response. They can provide more sustain and can drive an amplifier more easily into overdrive or distortion. Popular for genres like hard rock, metal, and blues where a powerful and aggressive tone is desired.

Underwound pickups have fewer windings around the coil compared to standard pickups. This results in a lower output and a cleaner, clearer tone.

Underwound pickups often have a more vintage sound, with emphasis on higher frequencies and a more dynamic range. They are less likely to drive an amplifier into overdrive, making them suitable for cleaner styles of playing. Preferred by some players for genres like jazz, classic rock, and country where clarity and dynamics are important.

Choosing between overwound and underwound pickups depends on the player's preference, playing style, and the desired tone. Some players may even opt for a mix, using overwound pickups in the bridge position for added punch and underwound pickups in the neck position for smoother tones.