Pole screw height vs. overall pup height?

[norconick]

This might be a dumb question, but is there going to be any difference in sound between adjusting the pole screws versus raising the entire pick up with the mounting screws?

Also, what's this I hear about slotted pole screws having a different sound than hex/allen key screws? How does this work? I have slotted screws in my JB, how hard would it be to switch the type of pole screw?

Thanks!

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Pole screw height vs. overall pup height?

I've always found that moving the entire pickup has a more dramatic effect. What I typically do is raise the E string poles a bit, adjust the overall pickup height per those, then adjust the other poles.

As far as the pole types, yeah, it does make a difference. If you get the hex poles from another Duncan pickup (Full Shred or Demon), or the same thread, all you have to do is unscrew the slot-heads and replace them with the new ones. The hex poles typically will make the pickup a little more top heavy.

 

[Diego]

Re: Pole screw height vs. overall pup height?

What JB from Hell said.

I replaced the three screws (6th, 5th and 4th strings) on my JB with Dimarzio-like hex poles. Those strings got a bit brighter and less flabby, which is good. It's worth a try.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: Pole screw height vs. overall pup height?

Ooohh... I hadn't thought of only replacing certain poles.... cool idea.

 

[stangme01]

Re: Pole screw height vs. overall pup height?

raising JUST the poles has a much bigger affect to the sound of your pickups. I think the JB sounds kinda boring with the poles at stock height. Raise em up slightly and it turns into a beast and just SCREAMS in the midrange. But leads aren't as fluid since its so much tighter. BUT overall height is important, i find once i get the pole height tone i like then i adjust overall height to add more/less output, or thicker/thinner sound, or more/less bass or treble

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: Pole screw height vs. overall pup height?

Raising the pickup will give more output up and down the freq spectrum because the magnet is closer. Raising just the poles will make it brighter -- sort of like raising one coil and not the other.

If you want more beef, raise the pickup. If you want more vintage jangle, raise just the poles.