WORKSHOP BLOG

A pick-up is a component that converts sound vibrations into electrical energy, essential for the pre-amplification of the piano. On a Rhodes the tine vibrates next to a coiled copper winding around a small magnet, effectively an electromagnet, that ‘picks up’ the sound of the tine. On a Wurlitzer, the pick-up is electro-static, meaning the striking of a reed sends vibrations to the entire reed-bar, which is then transferred electrically to the amplifier. On a Clavinet the pick-up operates much more like a guitar pick-up, with a small magnet and copper coil, transferring the electric energy to the pre-amp.