This invention relates generally to electromagnetic transducers, and more specifically, to devices that convert the mechanical vibrations of a magnetically permeable object, such as a ferromagnetic instrument string, into an electrical signal using electromagnetism. In one embodiment, the invention includes a core, the core being magnetically susceptible, the core including opposing ends that are in close proximity to each other to define a gap, the gap configurable to receive a portion of at least one string, the at least one string being magnetically susceptible; a magnet, the magnet configurable to being disposed proximate to the at least one string and configurable to transfer magnetic flux to the at least one string, the magnetic flux from the at least one string being transferable to the core through the opposing ends; and a coil, the coil being disposed about the core, the coil being configurable to produce current in response to the magnetic flux from the core, wherein mechanical vibration of the at least one string produces a vibration of the magnetic flux in the core that induces current in the coil.