what if humbucker is not parallel with strings?

[tehorix789]

I have a TB-14 Custom 5 trembucker in my PRS Santana SE but noticed that the humbucker doesn't exactly sit parallel to the strings. Sitting and holding the guitar as if I were playing it (regular, right-handed style), when I look down at the trembucker, it tilts/slopes downward toward the neck. Anyone see this as a problem? Will it affect the sound? I'm pretty sure it's like this because the trembucker is almost too large/long for the PRS plastic "humbucker frame," or whatever it's called.

I ask because I notice that one coil is closer to the strings than other, and I'm wondering whether this will affect the tone/output.

Any fixes?

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: what if humbucker is not parallel with strings?

It'll affect the tone a little bit, if you're really worried then stick a piece of foam underneath the pickup and that'll level it out for you.

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: what if humbucker is not parallel with strings?

It's all a matter of taste. It will have a brighter tone sloping toward the neck because:

a) You will have one coil dominating the tone more than the other, giving it a bit of single coil presence.

b) The slug coil, which sits under a less trebly harmonic node than the screw coil, is farther from the strings.

You might decide you like it better that way, but most don't.

 

[Evan Skopp]

Re: what if humbucker is not parallel with strings?

I have a Trembucker in my PRS CU 24, but I don't have the same problem. Are the two long mounting ring screws properly threaded? Is the mounting ring level?

I'd suggest checking to make sure everything is threaded properly. If it isn't, make the adjustment. If it is, try shimming one side with foam.

I hope that helps.

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: what if humbucker is not parallel with strings?

I've noticed this on several different guitars.


Either that, or I don't know how to work a screw. :smack:

 

[tehorix789]

Re: what if humbucker is not parallel with strings?

Evan, the mounting ring is definitely level, but I'll have to check about the mounting ring screws although I'm pretty sure I installed them properly.

Thanks for the help.