What does adjusting screws on a pickup do?

[75lespaul]

I stuffed the APH-1B into my Les Paul today, and previously when I had it covered, it sounded awesome. I have it in uncovered now, and I see that the screws are pretty high and the treble is a bit sizzly. I did all the usual height adjustments and played around with it for a while at different heights, but is one bobbin getting a stronger signal from the strings because the screws are sooo much higher than the slugs on the other? Will lowering the screws change the tone? Just want to get it to sound as close to what it did when covered. I'd rather not put the cover on.

 

[Kam]

Re: What does adjusting screws on a pickup do?

As far as I know, raising the screw will focus more energy on the string it's under, increasing the output of that string. A lot of people use them to fine-tune the string balance by sitting them to mirror the fretboard radius and the curvature of the strings. If you want less sizzle then I think you should lower the screws under the high strings and then adjust the overall height of the pup to your liking until you get the balance you like.

It may be a dumb question and I don't want to seem like I'm condescending to you or anything but are you sure you can't just dial it out on your amp? I've never heard a big enough difference when removing or installing covers that couldn't be compensated for with a little time fiddling with the treble and presence knobs.

 

[frtbzz]

Re: What does adjusting screws on a pickup do?

I would lower all the screws flush with the bobbin and then adjust the pickup where you like it and then check for any weak sounding strings. Brings the screws up a little under the weak strings until they balance with the others.
Then you're done. The optimum height for me is 7/64ths on the treble side and 1/8th on the bass with the string depressed at the last fret for A5 mag pups and 3/32nds on the treble and 3.5/32nds on the bass for A2 mags. Tone for days!!!

 

[BlueSnMettle]

Re: What does adjusting screws on a pickup do?

I would lower all the screws flush with the bobbin and then adjust the pickup where you like it and then check for any weak sounding strings. Brings the screws up a little under the weak strings until they balance with the others.

Yes, this is correct.


Peace,

Darrin

 

[BloodRose]

Re: What does adjusting screws on a pickup do?

as prev stated, the poles are used to balance the output from string to string. If you really need to alter the tone, raise or lower the pup. I would guess you may need to lower it a tad with the coils open. As there is no restriction from the cover.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: What does adjusting screws on a pickup do?

As far as I know, raising the screw will focus more energy on the string it's under, increasing the output of that string. A lot of people use them to fine-tune the string balance by sitting them to mirror the fretboard radius and the curvature of the strings. If you want less sizzle then I think you should lower the screws under the high strings and then adjust the overall height of the pup to your liking until you get the balance you like.

It may be a dumb question and I don't want to seem like I'm condescending to you or anything but are you sure you can't just dial it out on your amp? I've never heard a big enough difference when removing or installing covers that couldn't be compensated for with a little time fiddling with the treble and presence knobs.

Not taken as condescending. Heck, you don't know how big of a dumbass I am, lol. Yes, I spent the better part of two hours using different amp models and tweaking them. I'll play with it some more over the weekend. I've only messed with the screws a few times before and used a hit or miss strategey because I never knew the concept behind it. Just wanted to get a better grasp on what I was doing. Worse comes to worse, I'll slap the cover back on. The cover is only off for the look. I like the look of the black bobbins better than the chrome.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: What does adjusting screws on a pickup do?

Thanks for the tips everyone. :friday:

 

[75lespaul]

Re: What does adjusting screws on a pickup do?

You guys rock. It sounds fantastic now. I brought the screws level to the bobbin adjusted the pickup height and viola--no more sizzle. To me it sounds as good as it did covered. What a pickup.

 

[frtbzz]

Re: What does adjusting screws on a pickup do?

:friday: I'm glad it worked out!

 

[BlueSnMettle]

Re: What does adjusting screws on a pickup do?

You guys rock. It sounds fantastic now. I brought the screws level to the bobbin adjusted the pickup height and viola--no more sizzle. To me it sounds as good as it did covered. What a pickup.

Great news. Rock on & most
importantly, Enjoy!

Peace,

Darrin