Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

[RockStarNick]

Once again, I was jamming on my Les Paul Standard with the C5 in it, thinking, hmm, sounds a *little* too scooped for me.

Got my screwdriver, raised up the bucker probably 1/8 of an inch, and IMMEDIATELY heard a difference.

More mids. Fatter treble, thicker bass. Sounds like a different pickup.

I'm kinda just blabbing here, but still, its amazing what an 1/8" adjustment can do for tone.

 

[Thunder]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

Yes. Sometimes even less then that can make a difference!

 

[uOpt]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

Raising the polepiece while lowering the pickup also changes sound dramatically.

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

Raising the polepiece while lowering the pickup also changes sound dramatically.

i do that to the bass side of all my pickups

 

[wanmei1]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

I'm amazed at the number of guitars that are either not intonated correctly, or that don't have the pickups adjusted correctly.

I spend a reasonable amount of time in the local guitar shops and some of the guitars that are brought in with badly or incorrectly adjusted pickups just makes you wonder about the owners.
Some people are wanting to swap their pickups out when all they had to do was adjust what they have.

I was told by one of the shop guys that more frequently they are getting guitars brought in for a string change and amps brought in for pre amp tube swaps.

Unbelievable ! :eyecrazy:

 

[Ark]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

When I was the tech at Motor City Guitar in the mid '90's I was amazed at how many players either didn't know how to restring a guitar or would pay me to do it and NOT allow me to show them how to save them time and money!!! Their response was: "That is why I have you", they had no interest in knowing how to string up let alone setup their own instrument, and these guys were killer players too!!!!

 

[jasona84]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

I never understood that. I LOVE learning everything there is to learn about a guitar and how to hot rod.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

When I was the tech at Motor City Guitar in the mid '90's I was amazed at how many players either didn't know how to restring a guitar or would pay me to do it and NOT allow me to show them how to save them time and money!!! Their response was: "That is why I have you", they had no interest in knowing how to string up let alone setup their own instrument, and these guys were killer players too!!!!

It makes them feel like pros! lol

This topic is soooo right on target. People don't realize how big a difference in the magnetic field a small bit of movement creates. Another big deal is mentioned in another thread, trimming the screws.

Luke

 

[ES350]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

I was playing with a guy the other night who thought his Strat pickups were 'getting weak'...but he didn't wan't to adjust them and 'lose his tone'...lmao. That's why they made them adjustable back in 1954...

 

[jasona84]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

hahaah, people can be crazy about their gear. I hate when people have to retain a certain way, rather than using their ears.

 

[alex1fly]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

Raising the polepiece while lowering the pickup also changes sound dramatically.

Yeah! Or vice versa - lowering polepieces and raising the pickup.

All the more reason to endlessly tweak one pickup rather than endlessly try new ones.

 

[super rad stuff]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

on a slightly offtrack note, how can i adjust my pickups to fatten up my treble strings a bit? i figure lower the poles, but raise or lower the pickup?

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

on a slightly offtrack note, how can i adjust my pickups to fatten up my treble strings a bit? i figure lower the poles, but raise or lower the pickup?

Exactly, and/or trim the pup screws.

Luke

 

[MultiCaster]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

+ 1, You can definately hear a difference in 1/2 to 1 turn on pickup height adjustments and 1/4 to 1/2 turn increment turns on pole pieces. It can take quite a bit of time to get it dialed in and IMO it is better to let your ears rest a while, then final tune afterwards.

 

[flipside]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

great advice thanks guys

 

[Thunder]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

I'm amazed at the number of guitars that are either not intonated correctly, or that don't have the pickups adjusted correctly.

I spend a reasonable amount of time in the local guitar shops and some of the guitars that are brought in with badly or incorrectly adjusted pickups just makes you wonder about the owners.
Some people are wanting to swap their pickups out when all they had to do was adjust what they have.

I was told by one of the shop guys that more frequently they are getting guitars brought in for a string change and amps brought in for pre amp tube swaps.

Unbelievable ! :eyecrazy:

Yes. Isn't it a shame the stores don't take a little time to do a decent set-up. i've seen alot of guys put a good guitar back because it was hard to play and sounded lousy!

 

[blueman335]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

I'm amazed at the number of guitars that are either not intonated correctly, or that don't have the pickups adjusted correctly.

How do stores expect to sell them? They don't sound very good, and play like crap. Instead of standing around during slow times, the sales staff should be doing some basic set up and cleaning. If I was manager, it would be required. Get your merchandise at it's best so you don't lose the sale to a competitor. This is a brutal market for music stores & they have to adapt to survive.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

Adjusting the pups is one of the things that is even cheaper than Bluemans mag swap 'tude. I agree that so few spend the time (and it takes time!) to adjust them to spec - let alone really working individual poles and the overall height. And I still say most have them set wayyyyy to high!

 

[Northwinds]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

I go by the Bill Lawrence recommendation using a nickel that Gene (BTMN) turned me on to quite awhile ago. One width under the treble side and 2 widths on the bass side. Perfect everytime

 

[Spudman]

Re: Isn't it insane how height adjustment changes the tone so much?

I go by the Bill Lawrence recommendation using a nickel that Gene (BTMN) turned me on to quite awhile ago. One width under the treble side and 2 widths on the bass side. Perfect everytime

Is this with the strings fretted at the last fret or just open unfretted stings?