Abstract: An improved electromagnetic pickup for a stringed musical instrument includes constant magnetic field providing magnets for each of the strings adjustably aligned adjacent to each of the strings at a sound providing region of a frame of the instrument. The aligned magnets generate a magnetic flux strength and orientation for each string tailored to the particular string and its tonal characteristics. A very high frequency preamplifier subsystem having a very low impedance input is connected to the strings through shielded connectors extending to the string anchors and functions to amplify greatly the minute electrical signals induced in the plurality of strings as they vibrate when the instrument is being played.