What makes the Alumitone 'current-driven' instead of 'voltage-driven'?

Traditional pickups use thousands of wire wraps to create voltage, whereas the Alumitone uses a primary aluminium loop to generate current. This current is then transformed into a signal by two small micro-coils, resulting in a cleaner signal path.

Do I need a battery for the Lace Alumitone 7-String Humbucker?

No, this pickup is a completely passive design. Despite its high output and broad frequency response, it does not require a 9V battery or any active electronics to function.

How does the Alumitone 7-String handle low-frequency notes?

It is specifically designed to recreate the deep lows of extended-range guitars with high clarity. The current-driven design prevents the 'muddy' or muffled sound often found in high-output 7-string pickups.

Does this pickup sound like a single coil or a humbucker?

It is designed to offer the best of both worlds. It provides the bite and punch of a humbucker with the broad, transparent frequency response usually associated with a single-coil pickup.

What is the benefit of the black anodized finish?

Beyond its sleek modern aesthetic, the anodized finish provides a durable, corrosion-resistant surface. It integrates well with the hardware of modern metal or progressive-style guitars.

Will this pickup increase my guitar's sustain?

Yes, because the Alumitone uses less magnetic mass than traditional pickups, there is less 'string pull.' This allows the guitar strings to vibrate longer, naturally increasing sustain.

Is this pickup suitable for high-gain metal?

Yes, its punchy character and high level of note definition make it excellent for high-gain applications. It helps maintain clarity even when using heavy distortion on the lower seventh string.

Can the Alumitone be used for clean jazz or blues tones?

Absolutely. The wide frequency range and warmth of the pickup make it highly versatile. It can produce crisp, hi-fi clean tones that are well-suited for jazz, fusion, and blues.

How does the weight of an Alumitone compare to a standard humbucker?

The Alumitone is significantly lighter than a standard humbucker. The reduction in copper and magnets reduces the overall weight of the guitar, which can be beneficial for long performances.

Is the installation process different from regular pickups?

The installation is standard for a passive pickup, requiring basic soldering to pots and switches. However, due to its low resistance, it is often recommended to use specific pot values for the best frequency response.

Does the Alumitone 7-String produce much hum?

The design is inherently low-noise. Because it is a humbucking design and uses unique current-driven technology, it is highly resistant to 60-cycle hum and electromagnetic interference.

What is the typical price for the Lace Alumitone 7-String in the UK?

The typical price range for this specific pickup model is approximately GBP 119. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific shipping costs.

Gear article

Lace Sensor Alumitone 7-String Humbucker

The Lace Sensor Alumitone 7-String Humbucker is a passive, current-driven guitar pickup designed for extended-range instruments. It deviates from traditional voltage-based pickup architecture to provide a wide frequency response and increased sustain without the need for active circuitry.

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Background and Technology

The Alumitone series represents a significant departure from standard pickup design. While the majority of traditional humbuckers rely on thousands of turns of fine copper wire to generate voltage, Lace Pickups utilizes a current-driven architecture for the Alumitone line. This design significantly reduces the weight of the unit and alters the electromagnetic interaction with the guitar strings. The 7-string variant was specifically engineered to address the unique harmonic requirements of extended-range guitars, which often struggle with clarity in the lower registers.

Construction and Design

The Alumitone 7-String Humbucker features a striking 'Black Anodized' aesthetic, distinguishing it from the plastic-covered look of conventional pickups. Because the design uses aluminium rather than traditional copper coils, the pickup is lighter and operates with a lower resistance. This construction allows for a broader frequency spectrum to be captured, effectively bridging the gap between the characteristics of single-coil and humbucking designs.

Sonic Character

The primary sonic advantage of the Alumitone 7-string is its clarity and 'bite.' It is designed to provide the punch associated with a humbucker while maintaining the transparent, wide-band response typically found in single-coil pickups.

Key sonic attributes include: * Wide Frequency Range: Captures deep lows and crisp highs simultaneously. * Increased Sustain: The reduced magnetic pull on the strings allows them to vibrate more freely. * Warmth: Despite its high-tech appearance, the pickup is voiced to retain a natural warmth suitable for various genres.

Compatibility and Comparison

As a passive pickup, the Alumitone does not require a 9V battery, making it a viable alternative for players who want high-output performance without the maintenance of active systems. Compared to standard 7-string humbuckers, the Alumitone offers a more 'hi-fi' sound with less mid-range compression. It is particularly suited for players who use heavy effects processing or those who require extreme note definition when playing complex chords on the low B string.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes the Alumitone 'current-driven' instead of 'voltage-driven'?: Traditional pickups use thousands of wire wraps to create voltage, whereas the Alumitone uses a primary aluminium loop to generate current. This current is then transformed into a signal by two small micro-coils, resulting in a cleaner signal path.
Do I need a battery for the Lace Alumitone 7-String Humbucker?: No, this pickup is a completely passive design. Despite its high output and broad frequency response, it does not require a 9V battery or any active electronics to function.
How does the Alumitone 7-String handle low-frequency notes?: It is specifically designed to recreate the deep lows of extended-range guitars with high clarity. The current-driven design prevents the 'muddy' or muffled sound often found in high-output 7-string pickups.
Does this pickup sound like a single coil or a humbucker?: It is designed to offer the best of both worlds. It provides the bite and punch of a humbucker with the broad, transparent frequency response usually associated with a single-coil pickup.
What is the benefit of the black anodized finish?: Beyond its sleek modern aesthetic, the anodized finish provides a durable, corrosion-resistant surface. It integrates well with the hardware of modern metal or progressive-style guitars.
Will this pickup increase my guitar's sustain?: Yes, because the Alumitone uses less magnetic mass than traditional pickups, there is less 'string pull.' This allows the guitar strings to vibrate longer, naturally increasing sustain.
Is this pickup suitable for high-gain metal?: Yes, its punchy character and high level of note definition make it excellent for high-gain applications. It helps maintain clarity even when using heavy distortion on the lower seventh string.
Can the Alumitone be used for clean jazz or blues tones?: Absolutely. The wide frequency range and warmth of the pickup make it highly versatile. It can produce crisp, hi-fi clean tones that are well-suited for jazz, fusion, and blues.
How does the weight of an Alumitone compare to a standard humbucker?: The Alumitone is significantly lighter than a standard humbucker. The reduction in copper and magnets reduces the overall weight of the guitar, which can be beneficial for long performances.
Is the installation process different from regular pickups?: The installation is standard for a passive pickup, requiring basic soldering to pots and switches. However, due to its low resistance, it is often recommended to use specific pot values for the best frequency response.
Does the Alumitone 7-String produce much hum?: The design is inherently low-noise. Because it is a humbucking design and uses unique current-driven technology, it is highly resistant to 60-cycle hum and electromagnetic interference.
What is the typical price for the Lace Alumitone 7-String in the UK?: The typical price range for this specific pickup model is approximately GBP 119. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific shipping costs.