pole pieces- to raise or not to raise?

[mbw82]

Ok... the bass OCD in me makes me crave raised pole pieces for a more "balanced" sound.... Is it a fair assumption that raising the A&D pole pieces helps balance the sound? I'm looking for new pups for my 08' jazz bass and I find that I'm discriminating and leaning towards replacement pups with raised pole pieces. I know that the pups in my sadowsky are basically Dimarzio humcancelling pups, but with raised pole pieces...and although it's not traditional sound I want for my J, they're very balanced and sound wonderful. If anyone has more knowledge than me, please shed some light. Thanks.

Matt

[king_biscuit]

I can't believe that after 48 years Fender still can't fix this most basic problem. Call Lindy Fralin. I believe that he will make you a nice single coil with staggered pole pieces.

[4Mal]

depends on the bass, primarily the fret board radius, it also depends on the string set. It's something you have to use your ears for.... adjustable pole pieces are a big advantage when you're looking for even string to string balance on a highly radiused fretboard - that or a P style pickup where side to side height adjustments are possible for string pairs.

[king_biscuit]

Originally Posted by 4Mal

depends on the bass, primarily the fret board radius, it also depends on the string set. It's something you have to use your ears for.... adjustable pole pieces are a big advantage when you're looking for even string to string balance on a highly radiused fretboard - that or a P style pickup where side to side height adjustments are possible for string pairs.

Even on a moden Fender Jazz with 9.5 radius, the inside strings are quiter than the outside strings if the bridge is set to the same radius as the fretboard. Fender could simply stagger the pole pieces -- like musicman -- to remedy this. But its only been 48 years, lets give them time.