Pickup polepieces--off alignment

epoxo57 · #1 11-13-2007, 06:49 AM

I have a Fender CS Jazz IV and the polepieces don't line up perfectly between each pair for every string. I do have a bridge where you can move the string to adjust the spacing, but even this does not solve it. Is this normal? I had a Amer Std Jazz a while ago with something similar. I'm not sure it affects the tone that much, but maybe it does?

Thanks,
Scott

Shoewreck · #2 11-13-2007, 07:16 AM

Are the polepieces equally misaligned? If yes, it may be even desirable (i believe that off-aligment helps picking up vibration parallel to body). In any case, only heavy misalignment causing uneven string response should worry you.

GeoffByrne · #3 11-13-2007, 10:17 AM

If the strings are 'off' proportionally on both pickups, it may be the neck that's out of true.

Try loosening the screws *a little* - say 1 full turn,and giving the top of the neck a helping hand in the right direction to bring the strings into correct alignment with the pole-pieces. Then tighten up again.

You'd be surprised how many instruments respond well to this.

DavidRavenMoon · #4 11-13-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeoffByrne

If the strings are 'off' proportionally on both pickups, it may be the neck that's out of true.

Try loosening the screws *a little* - say 1 full turn,and giving the top of the neck a helping hand in the right direction to bring the strings into correct alignment with the pole-pieces. Then tighten up again.

You'd be surprised how many instruments respond well to this.

I second this opinion. Just loosen the screws a turn, sit the bass in playing position in your lap, and give the neck a pull in the direction it needs to go.

I've also seen some cheap basses with the bridge in the wrong location.

epoxo57 · #5 11-14-2007, 10:21 AM

Thanks for your help! I tried moving the neck but it didn't seem to help. I ended up just lining the front pickup poles with the rear and made a new hole for each screw by tapping the screw to start the hole and then forced it down. There was enough room between each hole that if I wanted the "off-kilter" look, I can go back and use the originals. Looks much better now! I don't think the tone is night&day different, but it was fun doing it. The only problem is the pickguard will have to be filed to accomodate the difference.

There just ain't nothin' like a good Fender Jazz bass!

Searcy · #6 11-14-2007, 05:43 PM

Oh oh oh... and have you noticed that the keys on your tuners are not perfectly aligned either?

You guys need to get a hobby!

Johnny Crab · #7 11-14-2007, 07:13 PM

This one on daughter's bass is bad alignment BUT consistent(all strings are almost on top of a pole piece). Sounds like a P to me but not a 1967 P(the pickups are Seymour designed).

I left 'em alone.

DavidRavenMoon · #8 11-14-2007, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny Crab

This one on daughter's bass is bad alignment BUT consistent(all strings are almost on top of a pole piece). Sounds like a P to me but not a 1967 P(the pickups are Seymour designed).

The problem there is they have the pickup units too close together.

Is that a Daisy Rock?

DavidRavenMoon · #9 11-14-2007, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Searcy

Oh oh oh... and have you noticed that the keys on your tuners are not perfectly aligned either?

You guys need to get a hobby!

he he he...

Hey but Clint, they really should be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by epoxo57

There just ain't nothin' like a good Fender Jazz bass!

Gee, I don't know about that. I'm perfectly happy with this...

(the strings line up over the pickups too!)