Not getting harmonics with neck single coil

[tritheory]

Hello,

Wanted to get feedback from the forum. I installed classic stack plus' in the neck and middle positions of my Tyler and when in the neck position cannot get 5th fret harmonic. (able to get 7th and 9th, 12th, but 5th is just dead souding). When switching to neck and middle, I sort of get a harmonic, but not til middle position am I able to get harmonic at fifth fret.
Wondering if anyone has experienced this and if you have solutions for it?
I called Ducnan and they recommended lowering the pickup...I tried this, but did not help...
This also happens with my other guitar with surfers in it.?


Thanks,

Steve

 

[Tony_H]

Re: Not getting harmonics with neck single coil

In my experience, getting any harmonics on the neck pickup is difficult, that is, way more difficult than with the middle, let alone the bridge pickup. I don't think it's the pickup's fault, I believe it's just because of its position.
Tony

 

[tritheory]

Re: Not getting harmonics with neck single coil

thanks. the wierd thing is..It is only at the 5th fret, harmonics at 7th and above ring out....Maybe just never noticed this before..


Steve

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: Not getting harmonics with neck single coil

Harmonics divide the string vibrations. 12th fret harm is 2 sections. But the string does not vibrate over the 12th fret. 2 sections of string vibrating, dead where they meet. I believe the 7the fret is 1/3 of the string, so you get 3 sections. But the string becomes dead in 2 spots. 5th fret is 1/4 or 4 sections. Dead in 3 posistions. If yuor pickup is below the dead section, you get no sound.
Its a little confusing, but the string diagram at the following page will help it make sense. If you look at the diagram of the 5th fret harmonic, if your pickup is under the area where the 24the fret would be, you will get no sound.
http://www.blind-summit.co.uk/harmonics-explained/

 

[bungalowbill]

Re: Not getting harmonics with neck single coil

The node of the 5th fret harmonic is directly above the poles of the neck pup on a Strat, IIRC......that makes it very difficult to get them out of the neck pup by itself.

 

[tritheory]

Re: Not getting harmonics with neck single coil

Thanks...Great article...Very helpful...

Steve