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Photo provided by Cream Guitars
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The piezo pickup is a type of transducer used in musical instruments to convert vibrations into an electrical signal.
The piezo pickup is important because it allows an electric guitar to capture the natural resonance and articulation of the instrument in a way that magnetic pickups cannot. Unlike magnetic pickups, which sense string vibration through metal interaction, a piezo pickup responds directly to the physical vibrations of the bridge and body. This produces a crisp, articulate tone that closely resembles an acoustic guitar, making it invaluable for players who want versatile sound options without switching instruments. In models like the Cream Revolver Deluxe, the piezo system can be blended with magnetic pickups or used independently, giving guitarists the ability to move seamlessly from warm electric tones to bright, percussive acoustic textures in both live and studio settings.
The location of the Piezo Pickup on the Revolver Deluxe
How to Activate and Control It
Quick Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Built into the Tune-o-Matic bridge (right where strings are anchored) |
| Activation | Push-pull control on the outer knob (engages/disengages piezo) |
| Volume Control | Same push-pull knob adjusts volume when piezo is engaged |
| Tone Adjustment | Dedicated "Piezo Tone" knob allows shaping of the piezo output |
Pickup Configuration on the Cream Revolver Deluxe
According to the official specifications from Cream Guitars (as listed on their Japanese site), the Revolver Deluxe includes:
To break it down:
This lineup combines the best of both worlds—vintage-style single-coil sparkle, humbucker punch, and acoustic resonance, all in one versatile instrument.
Additionally, Reverb listings note the Revolver Deluxe model features "a total of 4 pickups (2 single, 1 humbucker with piezo pickup)" and tout an expansive tonal palette with “20 (+1) different tone colors” using its 5-way selector and push-pull controls **
Some boutique sellers also mention variations using SSL‑1, SSL‑2 (middle), and JB pickups—adding even more tonal nuance depending on the build *
| Position | Pickup Type |
| Neck | Seymour Duncan SSL-1 Vintage Staggered Strat |
| Middle | Seymour Duncan SSL-1 Vintage Staggered Strat |
| Bridge | Seymour Duncan SH-4 “JB” Humbucker |
| Bridge Piezo | Kaiser Piezo Bridge |
Summary Table
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ CREAM REVOLVER DELUXE │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ [Knob 1] Master Volume → Magnetic Pickups (SSL-1 / SH-4) │
│ Push/Pull: Series / Coil Split (Magnetic only) │
│ │
│ [Knob 2] Magnetic Tone → Affects magnetic pickups only │
│ │
│ [Knob 3] Piezo Tone → Affects piezo signal tone │
│ Push/Pull: Piezo ON / OFF toggle │
│ │
│ [Switch] 5-Way Selector → Magnetic pickup combinations │
│ │
│ Output Jack(s): │
│ - Mono: Magnetic + Piezo blend (controlled on-board) │
│ - Stereo/TRS: Magnetic & Piezo to separate amps/PA │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
How to Use the Piezo
Tips for Best Sound
Guitar Thrills Magazine Opinion:
At Guitar Thrills Magazine, we believe the piezo pickup is one of the most underrated innovations in modern guitar design. Its ability to unlock authentic, acoustic-like tones from a solid-body instrument isn’t just a convenience—it’s a creative superpower. The tonal versatility it offers transforms a guitar like the Cream Revolver Deluxe into a true multi-genre workhorse, capable of delivering shimmering cleans, percussive strums, and dynamic blends that magnetic pickups alone can’t match. For gigging musicians, the piezo isn’t just an extra feature—it’s the difference between carrying one guitar or two, and between sticking to the familiar or boldly expanding your sonic palette.
