Pickup height

LightGroove · #1 09-25-2008, 01:11 PM

Hey now,

I understand this may not be the forum but the question does pertain to my Roscoe..

I like to play directly over the pickup and find it much easier when they are much lower.I was wondering if there is a point at which the pickups lose "fundamental" quality when they are low. What I mean is it is my understanding that if they are too high you may experience distortion etc. What about lowering them. Is there a point of no return.

Blessings

Gard · #2 09-25-2008, 02:23 PM

Yup, they get too far away, and the magnetic field of the pickup will no longer sense the vibrating string and translate the mechanical energy (string vibrating) into electrical energy (signal sent to amp). Just experiment with raising and lowering the pickup until you find the "sweet spot" for low pickup height and signal.

JOME77 · #3 09-25-2008, 04:07 PM

+1 to what Gard stated.

Some critical things to consider when setting the p/u height are:

* How hard you play

* Your dominant playing style (finger, slap, pick) ex. For slap and hard aggressive finger style playing you'd typically want slightly lower p/u height to eliminate the potential of the string striking the top of the p/u.

* Maintaining a good balance for all strings

* the input sensitivity of your basses on-board preamp (how hot it is!)

Gard · #4 09-25-2008, 04:45 PM

I'd also point out that there is also an issue with "too close". If the pickup is too close, the magnetic field of the pickup can start to actually effect the vibration of the string, particularly on the higher notes, and both pull the string sharp AND cause a "warble tone" (sounds like a chorus pedal with the modulation turned WAAAAY up).

MJ5150 · #5 09-25-2008, 04:53 PM

Wow....Gard actually knows about something else besides football. I am seriously impressed! Very impressive sir.

-Mike

Gard · #6 09-25-2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Wow....Gard actually knows about something else besides football. I am seriously impressed! Very impressive sir.

-Mike

...you just admitted I know football?

You nervous about the Tigers visit to The Swamp? You'd better be...

CrashClint · #7 09-25-2008, 06:10 PM

For me the sweet spot is between 3/32-1/8" from bottom of the string to top of pickup measured with the string pressed on the 24th fret This allows me to have a really nice finger tone with ever so slight a buzz when I dig in or a very nice modern slap tone for when I want to get funky! I don't use a fingerboard radius guage when I set my strings, it is all done by feel, adjust and play, adjust and play.

I only use quality DR strings on my Roscoe basses! Ahem, ahem, DR if you are listening can I have my endorsment now, please?

LightGroove · #8 09-25-2008, 07:01 PM

Hey Now,

Thanks for all the input. I would say the strings were around an 1/8 or so when depressed before adjusting. At this height it felt like I was getting carpel tunnel(I rest my thumb at times) After adjusting 3 turns each it feels like butta. Oh and I like the tone similar to yours crash..I really dig a little string buzz...