Physics is generally right in this case in that if the pickups don't move and the strings don't move, there is no output. I'm here to say that both camps are slightly correct and slightly incorrect and it's all about construction (and physics).
The other group are staunch adherents to physics and they know that the only sound an electric guitar pickup can make is that which is generated by the change in electrical output as a result of the changing magnetic fields produced by ferrous strings moving in said magnetic field. One group will adamantly adhere to the idea that guitars are magical machines capable of defying physics as we know it and that each is unique and different wherein only one can make the very special sounds it makes. So this is an age-old question with people firmly planted in both camps.
