Jazz bass pickup height

ss81 · #1 08-11-2006, 09:32 AM

About how close to the strings do those of you with jazz basses set the pole pieces? I have Dimarzio model J's and I've adjusted the individual polepieces on each pickup to produce about the same output level from string to string with normal steady attack, and I've also tried to set them close enough to almost match the output from my P-bass so I don't have to readjust the gain level on the amp when I switch. Some of the polepieces are as close as 2/8" from the string, and unfortunately this is resulting in some very loud clipping and popping when I occasionally attack a string even a little bit harder than usual (especially higher up on the neck). Is 2/8" way too close (or just a little too close)?

permagrin · #2 08-11-2006, 04:50 PM

If the strings are hitting the poles then yes, they're too close.

I think if you go to the Mr. Gearhead site off the Fender webpage they have specs for the distance between the strings and the pickups, and that's a good place to start. But it's very easy to experiment - generally all it takes is a screwdriver unless you need to have more or less springy/spongy stuff (I use old mouse pad pieces) under the pickups, and that's even easy to do. Having them closer to the strings will mean more output... but can also reduce sustain (from the magnets pulling on the strings) if they get too close. Farther away will mean a weaker output, but the pickup will "see" more (or was it less?) of the string length, that can slightly alter the tone (in theory).

Anyway, it's easy to find a sweet spot (use your ears). I tend to have my bridge pickup a lot closer, then roll off the volume on it - but have the real twangy option if desired.

I don't worry at all about having a bass match another in terms of output - get each bass setup well in its own right, that's why amps have gain knobs.

Bottom Feeder · #3 08-11-2006, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Is 2/8" way too close (or just a little too close)?

Yeah, 1/4" maybe a better height.

There may be recommended pickup heights in the Dimarzio website.

Also you may wish to adjust the pickups from side to side. The E string tends to be louder than the G, so you can adjust the height closer to the G for a more balanced output.

bgavin · #4 05-01-2007, 10:12 PM

The Mr. Gearhead recommendation is 0.125" or 1/8" between pickup and string bottom.

Are there any techs on the board who can comment on this?

202dy · #5 05-02-2007, 05:26 AM

American Standard and vintage specs call for 1/8" and 3/32" bass and treble respectively. When using a replacement pickup with different specifications the height will change. A high output pickup should not be placed as close to the strings unless one wishes to use the higher output to overdrive the preamp section of the amplifier, for instance. Adjusting pickup heights of bass and treble pickups (neck and bridge) so that the output of each is even is usually recommended.

Mr. Metal Smith · #6 05-02-2007, 07:00 AM

Is the setup guide you are referring to this one? http://www.fender.com/support/setup/basssetup.php

And is this guide's section about pickup height a good rule of thumb for non-fender basses too?

The guide mentions 4 different types of pickups: "Vintage style", "Noiseless™ Series", "Standard "J" or "P"" and "Special Design Humbuckers". My bass has EMG hz pickups so which of those 4 do they compare to?

I hope you dont think Im derailing your thread ss81

pickles · #7 05-02-2007, 07:48 AM

1/8" - 3/32" is about right. Any closer than that and you're going to get double-toning in the upper register due to the magnetic pull of the neck pickup, as well as wrecking the cases with string wear.

Scott in Dallas · #8 05-04-2007, 02:53 PM

I set mine to specs and it was still touching, causing popping noises on my processors. All the recommendations here were for me to lower the pickup and I resisted because I was worried about a drop in volume. Turns out there was no need to worry. I've got the stock SX neck pickup dropped all the way down and there's no noticable drop in volume and the popping is gone. It seemed overly simplistic to me at the time, but sometimes the simple answers are the best ones.

pkr2 · #9 05-04-2007, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott in Dallas

I set mine to specs and it was still touching, causing popping noises on my processors. All the recommendations here were for me to lower the pickup and I resisted because I was worried about a drop in volume. Turns out there was no need to worry. I've got the stock SX neck pickup dropped all the way down and there's no noticable drop in volume and the popping is gone. It seemed overly simplistic to me at the time, but sometimes the simple answers are the best ones.

This has been my experience also.

There is a very broad range of adjustment in pup height where the change in volume is unhearable.