Is the action too low or do i need to adjust ??

[evh_slash]

Ive got my new guitar today, an ibanez 25th anniversary edition RG with whammy. I got so used to shredding on the SG so for me to now have an Ibanez RG1XXV is now a big change but i love it so far, this guitar is amazing !
1 issue i am having though is that when i am picking fast, the pick is starting to hit the middle pickup either side of / beneath the string. Now im not sure if this is because the action is too low (so the pickup is really close to the string) OR because im just not used to playing with this EDGE PRO II bridge...... My gibson had low action but due to the tune-o-matics raised position (compared to the EDGes lower position) and lack of a middle pickup i never had this issue.

Do i
a)raise the RG's bridge / raise the action a bit,
b)lower the pickup
c)adjust my technique and get used to the low bridge and middle pickup??

Thanks alot

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Is the action too low or do i need to adjust ??

If you arent getting any fret outs or other issues, and you are happy with the action and the way it plays, then Id simply lower the pup alittle. Welcome to the board!

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Is the action too low or do i need to adjust ??

Just lower the pickup until it doesn't bother you anymore.

 

[evh_slash]

Re: Is the action too low or do i need to adjust ??

Cheers guys, i have been a member here for a couple of years but have been away at university havnt had time to be forumming but i got my new ibanez today and thought id ask Im loving the switch from gibson sg to this ibanez RG though !

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Is the action too low or do i need to adjust ??

That's the reason I'm not a fan of middle pickups, my arm and hand naturally both sit in a location so that I tend to pick right over the middle p/u and hit it regularly. Lowering it will help a lot, but I find that then you don't get the best tone from the pickup.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Is the action too low or do i need to adjust ??

Lowering it will help a lot, but I find that then you don't get the best tone from the pickup.

I am of a contrary opinion but then the pickups I use have a pretty strong magnetic field, so no ill effects. If it's a stack, I'll screw it all the way down to the wood or flush with the pickguard. Sounds cleaner and quacks better that way.

 

[Diminished Triad]

Re: Is the action too low or do i need to adjust ??

I'm jamming with a Peter Frampton Les Paul now with 3 humbuckers, and so far it doesn't seem like my hitting the middle pickup is detectable when playing at a decent volume through the amp. Still not sure though and of course need to get used to either tapping the pickup now and then (and not being alarmed) or lower pickup/adjust action. The Frampton guitar came with very low action (lower than any guitar I've bought or played before.....amazing). I read in another thread a while back that someone else had the same experience so pretty sure the action is intended and I want to keep it this way unless real reason to adjust. So far the middle pickup is not a real problem since nobody hears the tapping and maybe I'll learn to avoid.

 

[Jocelyn]

Re: Is the action too low or do i need to adjust ??

I suggest lowering the middle single coil.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Is the action too low or do i need to adjust ??

The middle pickup is a single coil so lowering it down makes sense. Typically if the pickup is too high with singles it creates a magnetic field that distorts the natural rotation or vibration of the string and gives off some weird overtones. Lowering the pickup will stop it and allow cleaner picking at the same time. I would lower it all the way down then gradually raise it up to your liking and focus on keeping it low enough to stay out of your way. If its too low the volume may be different then the two surrounding pickups just experiment and you will find the tight spot to get what you want

 

[IMENATOR]

Re: Is the action too low or do i need to adjust ??

Anything that makes you feel more comfortable. That may be a good reason to do a little change in your technique: When using neck/middle try picking the strings close to the neck, you will get a more tasty sound of of those, when using the bridge pick the strings close to the bridge for good crunchy sound and plam mutes.