How Do I Adjust my Jazz's Neck PU?

OPBASSMAN1994 · #1 10-17-2010, 04:38 PM

So I have had my J bass (Squier VM, Badass II) for a couple of years now, and I am continually loving it, but have discovered a flaw. The Pickup (Neck) was set up for a lot less output from the higher strings. I've seen other slanted pickup setups, but I need more sound out of those strings, and adjusting the action/intonation doesn't do any good. So, how do I raise the pickup on one side, or adjust the pole pieces? Thanks.

SGD Lutherie · #2 10-17-2010, 04:45 PM

Raise the pickup closer to the treble strings. You can't adjust the poles on Jazz pickups, unless it's a DiMarzio Model J. Even with adjustable poles, you are better off raising the pickup closer since it brings the coil closer to the strings.

Keep in mind that if you get the pickup too close, you may get a warbling tone from the magnets pulling on the strings. If that happens move it a little farther away.

elgecko · #3 10-17-2010, 04:49 PM

Turn the screw on the treble side of the pickup counter clockwise. It may take a bit of time for whatever's suspending the pickup (i.e. foam) to decompress.

SnakeKappele · #4 10-17-2010, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPBASSMAN1994

So, how do I raise the pickup on one side, or adjust the pole pieces? Thanks.

The pickup is sitting on a piece of foam and screwed into the body by the 4 screws. Just unscrew the two screws on one end to raise it. If it will not raise enough, the foam may have given up the ghost and you will need to replace it by completely unscrewing all of the screws, taking the pickup out, replacing the foam, putting the pickup back in, and screwing the screws down where you want them.

Good luck!