Adjusting pickup height

[vendorist]

I've heard that by adjusting pickup height, it can has a significant impact on tone. But I was a little confused by fender's recommendation of the optimal height.

here it said

Bass SideTreble SideTexas Specials8/64"6/64"Vintage style6/64"5/64"Noiseless Series8/64"6/64"Standard Single-Coil5/64"4/64"Humbuckers4/64"4/64"Lace SensorsAs close as desired (allowing for string vibration)

My guitar were equipped with texas specials, but I was confused by the term bass and treble side.

So when adjusting the pickup, do I measure it by pressing down the 6th string on the last fret and then measure the height of that particular pickup pole to the string? and if so, which pickup should I measure, neck middle or bridge? and on the treble side, should I do the same thing and just pressing down the 1st string?

What's your recommendation?

[vendorist]

*the recommendation from fender is

Texas Specials : Bass side: 8/64" and treble side is 6/64"

[metz420]

Bass side refers to the low E side and treble side is the high E side. Thus, according to the specs, each pickup will look slightly "uphill", moving from the low E to high E side, for EACH pickup. Pickup height will actually make a very dramatic change to tone and the most subtle change (1/2 turn on the screw) can yield major results. One method I read about from SRV's guitar tech, and others on this forum, is to lower the neck pickup all the way flush with the pickguard. Then, start raising the pickup height ever so slightly until you get the tone your looking for. You can then do this for the other pickups but I usually get the neck one where I want it and adjust the others until the volume at each position is equal. I've got Fralin Blues Specials that required some adjusting to get them just right but it has certainly made a highe difference.

[GtrDr]

I could swear that 8/64's is a 1/8". An 1/8" seems close for a single coil. I would start at the bridge pickup. Set it at 1/4" & raise it up while you play. Too close & it will pull the strings out of tune, the sustain goes away. Then set the middle pick up so the volume is the same, then the neck pickup till the volume is equal. If theres not enough treble raise the treble side etc. Its all done to your preference

[epluribus]

Check the discussion here...

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=228615

:AOK

--Ray