Pickup height...how do ya really know?

[pickaguitar]

Pickups...

How do ya really know if they are set at the right height?

I changed the pickguard on my new strat (first strat - EJ) and then changed it back.
Now I don't remember where the pickups were set and I've been fooling with them ever since.

Any cheats/suggestions/pictures?


Jason

[Unburst]

Use your ears.

[Jon Silberman]

+1. All else is commentary.

[pickaguitar]

ok thanks

Using my ears is what I've been doing...
I think the tone is fine/good but I was just curious if there are any special rules/concerns.

[archtopjazz]

Originally Posted by Unburst

Use your ears.

+1.

[bug0711]

Pickup heights can vary from guitar to guitar depending on body material, pickup specs, string gauges and personal preferences, but here's a good way to set a Strat up by ear;

Start with the bridge pickup. Find a nice balance between the high and low side. Now go to the neck pickup, then the middle pickup ... making sure that you are in the same output range as the bridge pickup.
*Make sure you're not too close to the strings, you'll know when you are.

Go to the in-between setting of your bridge and middle pickup. Dial the bass side of the pickups in or out depending on the amount of quack that you're looking for.

Go to the in-between setting of your neck and middle. Do the same with those according to what you're looking for in that setting.

You should have 5 distinctly different sounds when you're through.

[Unburst]

Originally Posted by jh6379

ok thanks

Using my ears is what I've been doing...
I think the tone is fine/good but I was just curious if there are any special rules/concerns.

This is the rule:

Adjust it until it sounds best to you.

Make sure to check the balance with the other pickup(s) too.

[harryjmic]

I usually adjust them up towards the strings until the tone either starts to compress or the treble gets harsh (possible both). Once you reach this point back it down a touch and you will be in good shape.

[ririzarry]

Originally Posted by jh6379

Pickups...

How do ya really know if they are set at the right height?

I changed the pickguard on my new strat (first strat - EJ) and then changed it back.
Now I don't remember where the pickups were set and I've been fooling with them ever since.

Any cheats/suggestions/pictures?


Jason

Here are some guidelines from Stew Mac - http://www.stewmac.com/freeinfo/I-GOLDEN-AGE.html
Scroll down to the section on pickup height.

Here is a set of guidelines from Project Guitar - http://www.projectguitar.com/tut/aph.htm

Of course, your ears will make the final determination but it sure is nice to have some place to start.

Regards,

Rob

[The_Whale]

Originally Posted by jh6379

ok thanks

Using my ears is what I've been doing...
I think the tone is fine/good but I was just curious if there are any special rules/concerns.

The only rule is don't put them too close so the magnets affect the movement of the strings.

My suggestion would be to take your time and try lots of different settings with all of your effects, amps etc. at different volumes.

Start with the bridge pickup, it's more sensitive to adjustments than the others.

good luck

[davidkiddmusic]

I find that knowing the factory specs helps too. On my LP, when first learning I didnt know where to start with pickup height. Then I read the factory specs (bridge pickup: roughly 3/64 on the bass and treble side) set it there then tweaked to my ears liking. Then i like the neck pickup to have a bit more treble come out of it for my tastes with just a hair less out put than the bridge. As the other guys said, start with the bridge pickup. But maybe start with the factory specs and go from there to see if there in the general ball park for you. It will help also with knowing for future exactly where you like it.

[Mr.Hanky]

Just make sure you are plugged into your main gigging/rehearsal amp and like everyone said, use your ears.

I know for a fact that if I use my little vox ad30vt it sounds different so I never use that when I am dialing in a guitar.

[Luke V]

Originally Posted by Mr.Hanky

Just make sure you are plugged into your main gigging/rehearsal amp and like everyone said, use your ears.

Most definitely.

[Lolaviola]

Originally Posted by harryjmic

I usually adjust them up towards the strings until the tone either starts to compress or the treble gets harsh (possible both). Once you reach this point back it down a touch and you will be in good shape.

I like this approach, try to listen for the sweet spot. I start with them low, and work up--I like to have them just high enough that they sound full, and not too weak, because I like to have them free from my picking area as much as possible especially the middle one.

Adjusted for best balance the rhy/lead will be about the same volume. This is the part you should use your rig for. Also, I play a barre chord and listen to the bass notes and try to balance the chord by lowering the bass side. I will set my middle a little lower than optimum because I pick in the middle the most.