No Sustain??

EADG mx · #1 12-20-2007, 07:38 PM

I've recently setup my Schecter Studio and am finding that I am getting much less sustain. I used to be able to let notes ring for days, now they're cutting off after a few seconds. As my two main styles are tapping and harmonic playing this is very problematic.

what do you guys think: strings too low, pickups too high, both? I can't really think of anything else.

orion7590 · #2 12-20-2007, 08:43 PM

Possibly your pickups are too low. My sustain on my elite-5 wasn't too great until I got it set up. Just getting the strings closer to the pickups solved that problem.

EADG mx · #3 12-21-2007, 04:21 PM

iirc I havn't touched them since adjusting the t.r. so they should be closer

I don't think that's it

Steve · #4 12-22-2007, 06:53 PM

If the strings get too close to the pole pieces the magnetic field can choke the notes sustain to a degree. You may want to look at actually lowering the pickupst a little if the TR adjustment dropped the action.

Is it possible that the strings are just getting old?

EADG mx · #5 12-22-2007, 09:35 PM

I loosened the t.r. an 8th turn or so to clear up some fretbuzz in the first few frets and there appears to be more sustain now

and yes the strings are pretty old. I'm planning on changing them soon so we'll see if that helps

mello_bedwetter · #6 01-02-2008, 09:43 PM

How you you raise the neck pick up on a Fender Standard Jazz? Do I just loosen the screws or are there parts such as shims needed?

Pilgrim · #7 01-03-2008, 10:39 AM

My first thought - pickups too high, damping the string action. looks like you found it.

And some folks really LIKE old strings....maybe not your thing.

EADG mx · #8 01-04-2008, 09:33 AM

I changed the strings and I've also switched to lights - now I've got a new set of problems

I like the tension of the lights but they get too much fretbuzz. So I've raised the action a bit, but coupled with the lowered pickups I'm getting significantly less output and I really don't like the tone.

now I want to raise my pickups as high as I can without them interfering with the strings/sustain .. how do I know when they're too high?

murph.vienna · #9 01-05-2008, 05:51 AM

maybe consider re-tightening all screws (machine heads, string tree and bridge). this is the first thing I do when getting an abandoned instrument to take care of. this usually helps a LOT.
sustain issues are most likely bridge or nut-wise.

EADG mx · #10 01-05-2008, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshua

It certainly could be merely a result of deciphering meaning over the 'net, but it seems like you are randomly trying setup changes with no organized plan.

So assuming pickup output was ok before the string change, put their level aside for the moment, and tweak the setup so that it is to you preference. Once that is set, then adjust the pickup level to optimum height.

And optimum height depends on a few variables. Are they active? If so they can be set closer to the strings as there is less magnetic pull. If they are passive they will need more space.

Does your brand of bass have a website with suggested pickup heights? That might be a good place to start...

This is my first time trying lights so I'm still experimenting with the setup of my bass to counter the negative effects of using them, for example fretbuzz due to the low tension, and reduced output.

I have no problem with adjusting the truss rod, bridge, and intonation - I've just never been 100% clear on what constitutes "proper" pickup height as I've never really had to adjust them until now.

my pickups are active and I don't think there's any setup information on the Schecter website.