Bridge too close to the pickup?

DJJazzV · #1 03-02-2011, 08:02 PM

Is there such thing as a bridge being too close to the bridge pickup? To be specific, what if the G string saddle was only about 1.5" away from the center of the bridge pickup as opposed to an average of about 2.5" away on many Jazz basses.
Assuming the 17/17 intonation was perfect with the bridge that close, would there be any "major" disadvantages to this, besides maybe slightly lower volume and/or a more treble tone due to the lessened string vibration over the pickup? I haven't seen any basses with the pickup that close to the bridge (perhaps I need to look more though). There must be a good reason, or reasons. Thank you.

Beauchene Implements · #2 03-02-2011, 08:49 PM

It would work, but you can expect less output and a more trebly, nasal tone the closer you get to the bridge. The amplitude of the string's motion decreases closer to the bridge, and pickups designed to be in that position usually compensated with more windings and/or stronger magnets. The pole pieces might not line up as well beneath the strings, but that's generally a cosmetic issue.

Piezo pickups can sound amazing, and are sitting at the witness point of the string, but they work on a different principle than magnetic pickups.

Stilettoprefer · #3 03-02-2011, 10:31 PM

My schecters bridge pup is super close to the bridge as well. It's a humbucker though. And it does have a slightly nasaly tone to it, but I prefer using the neck pickup soloed.

DJJazzV · #4 03-03-2011, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barnaclebeau

It would work, but you can expect less output and a more trebly, nasal tone the closer you get to the bridge. The amplitude of the string's motion decreases closer to the bridge, and pickups designed to be in that position usually compensated with more windings and/or stronger magnets. The pole pieces might not line up as well beneath the strings, but that's generally a cosmetic issue.

Piezo pickups can sound amazing, and are sitting at the witness point of the string, but they work on a different principle than magnetic pickups.

Thank you very much. That is the exact "thought provoking" reply I was looking for. It makes me confident that it will work fine, and that I may be able to offset some of the "trebley nasal" possibilities with installing a higher gain, beefier Quarter Pounder pickup in the bridge position. That should help a little, at least.
Thank you again.

vibhas_2310 · #5 03-03-2011, 06:29 AM

I have a ESP 5 sting bass and I tune the bass E-C. I HATE THE SOUND OF THE C STRING ON MY BASS!!

Sorry for the caps, but the bridge pickup is super close to the bridge. I'm replacing the pickups which are EMG-HZ-ish style pickups with Dimarzio Area J's and I'm tilting them ala Warwick Thumb.

So yes, it does make a huge difference and I would rephrase your comment by saying that its the pickup thats close to the bridge and not the bridge which is closer to the pickup.

Son of Magni · #6 03-03-2011, 08:17 AM

I like to place J pickups very close to the bridge. The lower output is only a minor issue because along with the motion of the string, you can set the pickup closer to the string. I feel if you have multiple pickups and a blend control this gives you a wider range of available tones.

Of course you don't need this many pickups...

Rocky McD · #7 03-03-2011, 08:20 AM

It is strictly a personal preferance for a certain tone. It has been well explained above about the loss of output and the nasel, trebble tone.
Rocky

groooooove · #8 03-03-2011, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJJazzV

Is there such thing as a bridge being too close to the bridge pickup? To be specific, what if the G string saddle was only about 1.5" away from the center of the bridge pickup as opposed to an average of about 2.5" away on many Jazz basses.
Assuming the 17/17 intonation was perfect with the bridge that close, would there be any "major" disadvantages to this, besides maybe slightly lower volume and/or a more treble tone due to the lessened string vibration over the pickup? I haven't seen any basses with the pickup that close to the bridge (perhaps I need to look more though). There must be a good reason, or reasons. Thank you.

thats really a bad place for a bridge pickup. pickup placement has more impact on sound than the type of pickup itself, or most other factors. its goes where it usually does because of the overtones it picks up in that spot.

FBB Custom · #9 03-03-2011, 08:40 AM

The locations of the overtone series change when you fret the strings.

It's mostly a matter of preference. I have placed some of the bridge pickups close to the bridge. It helps to have a second pickup as a magnetic pickup can sound a bit thin in a mix if it is very close to the bridge. At least, that has been my experience. But, I do like the sound a pickup gets when it is close to the bridge.

Some preamps have gains on the individual channels. That will help you to balance the levels between two pickups.

Rocky McD · #10 03-03-2011, 11:34 AM

On my custom P/J, I installed the bridge pickup 3/4" further away from the bridge to achieve a more mellow, rich tone. It sounds much better to me.
Rocky

abarson · #11 03-03-2011, 03:48 PM

Can you please elaborate what is "17/17 intonation"?

As far as not seeing this spacing on production basses, someone did make them, 'cause I've got this, and would love to know what it came from...