Optical Pickups?

[pop_n_fresh]

I have never heard of them before. Ever. Acording to Wikipedia they debuted at the '69 NAMM show. And there is a light beam that is disturbed instead of using magnets.

Has anyone ever used/seen one? and what are the major faults? (seeing as in 36 years they haven't taken off).

Cheers

 

[WarriorOfMetal]

i can't remember who it was, but there was a company that made basses with optical pickups. as i recall the sound clips on the site sounded decent.