PICKUP HEIGHT

[rymiraflores]

I have a Schecter elite5 fitted with TI jazz flats....to get an even volume across the strings I have to have the B-side of the PU about 3mm further away from the strings then the G-side...Is this normal? Is there an optimum distance between the PU and the strings for volume without interference of the magnets?

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by rymiraflores

I have a Schecter elite5 fitted with TI jazz flats....to get an even volume across the strings I have to have the B-side of the PU about 3mm further away from the strings then the G-side...Is this normal? Is there an optimum distance between the PU and the strings for volume without interference of the magnets?

Usually the B side is further away because the low strings have more metal and hence can produce more signal with some pickups. But it's what you want because the low strings tend to have a larger displacement when plucked than the high strings. So the added distance keeps them from getting to near the pickups. But as to the amounts of things it all depends on the strings and the pickups. That's why pickup height can be adjusted. As for optimum distance, one simply has to play with it and try things. If you get the pickups too close the output is "hot" but the magnets can damp the strings killing sustain. Also the strings can strike the poles which can make a big noise if they are exposed. If pickups are are farther away then the signal output is low. So in the end a "setup" is all about choosing a compromise position between these two effects. A lot of this is personal depending not only on the bass and its pickups, but also on how low your action is and how much you like to "dig in" when you play. Its your choice.

[Jerome2k]

B string higher than other strings?
Sounds like you have mismatched strings on your guitar. Check your strings. Nickel for warmth (more volume). Stainless Steel for bright slap like tone.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by Jerome2k

B string higher than other strings?
Sounds like you have mismatched strings on your guitar. Check your strings. Nickel for warmth (more volume). Stainless Steel for bright slap like tone.

TI Jazz Flats are hardly, "mismatched".

The OP is talking about the distance to the pickup, not the string height.

[maturanesa]

Originally Posted by rymiraflores

I have a Schecter elite5 fitted with TI jazz flats....to get an even volume across the strings I have to have the B-side of the PU about 3mm further away from the strings then the G-side...Is this normal? Is there an optimum distance between the PU and the strings for volume without interference of the magnets?

How you measure the output level for each string?

For me, 3mm seems to be too much.

[scotts42]

As with any good manufacturer, call the company. They will give you a good recommended starting point, then adjust to your feel and ears. I think that the feel is more important than the sound. You can overcome a tone with a good EQ, but if you are not diggin' your own bass then that's a real problem.

I have my string too close to my p/u for most of my bass player friend, but it feels right to me.

[darkstorm]

Its not unusual to adjust one side higher then the other. Trust your ears and use them.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by darkstorm

Its not unusual to adjust one side higher then the other. Trust your ears and use them.

^"Trust your ears and use them"^

Repeat this, as many times as necessary!

[maturanesa]

Originally Posted by darkstorm

Its not unusual to adjust one side higher then the other. Trust your ears and use them.

Or just connect your bass to an audio software (protools, nuendo, etc) and check the volume of B and G strings, then lower the pickup and recheck until you get the balance.

[JLS]

Originally Posted by maturanesa

Or just connect your bass to an audio software (protools, nuendo, etc) and check the volume of B and G strings, then lower the pickup and recheck until you get the balance.

God forbid, you should actually listen!