Virtualization of Guitar Pickups Through Circuit Inversion

A method for circuit system inversion has been recently employed to develop digital algorithms for loudspeaker virtualization. In this brief, building on such promising results, we propose an algorithm that flips the paradigm by virtualizing sensors rather than actuators. In particular, we derive direct and inverse nonlinear circuital models of guitar pickup systems by assuming string vertical excitations, and we then present a virtualization algorithm based on circuit inversion. The proposed circuital models are then implemented in the discrete-time domain in a fully explicit fashion (i.e., with no use of iterative solvers) by employing Wave Digital Filter principles. Finally, we validate and test the designed algorithm on the physical output voltage of a guitar pickup system, making it sound as if acquired by two other magnetic pickups characterized by a different nonlinear behavior.