What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

[Ro_S]

What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low? Like, say, directly beneath the scratchplate on, say, a Strat?

I realise the obvious answer is probably "like crap", because it's not the optimum position for them.

But would it give a interesting alternative tone? I was wondering if it would give some kind of pseudo hollow acoustic sound?

How would it vary between humbucker and single coil?

And how would it alter depending on where it was placed between the bridge and the neck?

thanks

 

[Mr. B]

Re: What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

Try it and see. Just be ready to take the pickguard off and reconnect the screws once you wind them off the end. Some pickups (Texas Specials come to mind) sound better adjusted fairly low.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

Quiet.



Remember the Fender Masterbuilt Stealth Esquire? Conventionally mounted bridge/Treble pickup. Concealed middle and neck position pickups BUT not overwound or with stronger magnets to compensate. Oh, well.

 

[dominus]

Re: What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

Less volume and typically brighter.

 

[Securb]

Re: What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

I know of a forum bro that sets up his SG like that and get a killer tone

 

[Edgecrusher]

Re: What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

ESP Japan has some models where the pickups are actually under the fingerboard so they can get ridonkulously large amounts of frets on the necks. Like this they are probably 7mm or 3/8ths of an inch farther away from normal. Sadly other than 2 minutes of conversation level strumming in a shop through a Line 6 spider combo I havent any experience with them. But they seemed ok enough but were definitely quiet compared to the bridge humbuckers. Like less than half the output.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

Less volume and typically brighter.

This has been my experience.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

Less volume and typically brighter.

1 for 2. Less volume and definitely not brighter.

 

[jake_xms3_punk]

Re: What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

I feel the lower you go, the more you lose; output, highs and lows etc

 

[koshikas]

Re: What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

1 for 2. Less volume and definitely not brighter.

yesh, IME what happens is the lows and mids go faint emphasizing still apparent highs the further away you go from strings. this is very evident with humbuckers in neck slots, especially ones having solid mids.

i usually back away the humbuckers till i get enough clarity/openness vs mids with humbuckers starting closest to strings. for single coils i go from furthest away, and keep raising 'em til get enough lows and mids in the mix (they always have plenty of highs). this is IME, it might vary depending on pickups and guitar

 

[Snake Aces]

Re: What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

Less volume and brighter is typically what to expect. Depending on the pickup it might sound awesome or it might not be what you are looking for. Try it to see if you like it.

 

[Ro_S]

Re: What do pick-ups sound like if they are fitted really low?

thanks for the replies!