Hoag Instruments Offers Optical Pickup Packages To Instrument Manufacturers

(Click for a close-up)

(Click for a close-up)

Hoag Instruments is now offering optical pickup packages to instrument manufacturers.

This package is easy to install and can be made to complement other guitar designs. It is important for manufacturers to maintain their own identity as well as offer state of the art pickups - the Hoag optical package offers both. The pickup cover will be made by each manufacturer to complement their instrument styling. Hoag also presents a few style suggestions on their website.

The overtones of the vibrating strings take on the characteristic of each guitar and are enhanced by the string composition; steel, bronze, nylon, etc. These overtones are transferred into the instrument by the strings, giving each instrument has its own special sound. The optical pickup senses these nuances and delivers them directly to the amplifying system.

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The waveform pictured is taken from an oscilloscope. It shows the start of the fundamental note and its harmonics. These harmonics also differ with each plectrum strike, and where the string is struck. The harmonics ride along the string and reduce in amplitude as the note is sustained. The optical pickup is very responsive to the slightest touch of the string and has a longer sustain than other pickups. Sound samples of the Hoag optical pickup are available on their website.

Hoag optical pickup packages are not limited to company size but will have a minimum order. Prices will be quoted by request through the Hoag website.

For more information, visit their web site at www.opticalguitars.com.