Pickup Height for Single Coil Sized Humbuckers

[alex73013]

I have the Everything Axe prewired pickguard installed. It has the JB jr. in the bridge, Duckbucker in the middle, and the Little '59 in the neck. What is the recommended pickup height for these pickups?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Pickup Height for Single Coil Sized Humbuckers

I am not sure that there is any.

The required distance between the strings and polepieces depends on string gauge, action and playing style.

 

[alex73013]

Re: Pickup Height for Single Coil Sized Humbuckers

Should they be placed farther from the strings than a standard single coil, placed the same distance, or closer?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Pickup Height for Single Coil Sized Humbuckers

Compared to a traditional single coil pickup, the Li'l 'buckers have their magnets at the bottom of the unit. Hence, it is possible to set them as close to the strings as a full size humbucker without the string pull artefacts of rod magnet polepieces.

Ultimately, it still comes down to trial and error.

 

[richardcj]

Re: Pickup Height for Single Coil Sized Humbuckers

I tend to adjust them by ear. Raising or lowering to get the best balance between high and low E strings, matching the outputs of all three and finding the best sound without the strings self oscillating. Takes a few minutes but well worthwhile and better than just using a ruler.

 

[alex73013]

Re: Pickup Height for Single Coil Sized Humbuckers

Thanks. I ended up starting with the bridge and ended up at about 6/64 and the neck ended up about the same. The middle is a bit closer due to it's lower output. I dont like to place my pickups much closer due to it compressing the sound.