P Bass pickup-to-string distance/noise

G

GEC

New member
When I play my P Bass and get into it with more forceful picking, the strings often get depressed so far that they scrape the pole pieces on the pickup, which creates a really ugly sound. It happens whether I'm using fingers or a pick. My action's pretty normal, low but not low enough to buzz. I could lower the pickup but I like the way it sounds now.

Advice? Would changing string gauges make a difference, and if so, which way should I go? I'm using Dunlop lights right now, and I tune to standard.
 
Re: P Bass pickup-to-string distance/noise

Lower the pickups. I keep mine lower than normal that my playing style would indicate. It's not a big difference tone-wise.
 
Last edited:
Re: P Bass pickup-to-string distance/noise

If you're not into lowering the pickups and changing the sound, a few weeks working on technique will solve this.
 
Re: P Bass pickup-to-string distance/noise

Thanks! I'll probably try to go for a bit of both.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top