Adjusting PUPs Question

[fastvee]

My main bass is Fender Blacktop Jazz with .045-.105 Daddario Chromes and I am very happy with it except that the G string sounds thin compared to the others. I have been adjusting the pups trying to even them out. I haven't seen any pup specs for this particular bass and wanted to ask about the effects of a pup with too little clearance. Could it make a note vary in pitch? While playing Stratus and watching the chromatic tuner the B note would get sharper. I think the tuner is correct because I can hear the interval to the F# change.
Thanks,
John

 

[gabrielvv7]

could your strings be too low to the frets? the only time something like that has happened to me is when my strings are too close to the fret board/ not enough clearance.
as for the strings being too close to the pickups... it depends. if you have pups with covered pole pieces, the same kind of thing could happen, that your strings are hitting the pick ups. if you have open poles, then you might hear popping when your strings touch the poles. but in general, if your strings are not touching the pickups, that should not be a cause for pitch change. i have actually heard from others that putting pick ups closer or further makes the strings sound "better" for certain types of music, but, again, no changes in pitch.

 

[bholder]

Having a strong pickup too close to the strings can certainly do this, though I usually experience it on the low side - atonal "chorusing" on the low strings when they're fretted high (the closest they can get to the pickup). Can almost sound like a ring modulator with really strong pus.

 

[fastvee]

I do have the action set low but there isn't much fret noise, and the strings are not contacting the pickup. I am playing at the 2nd fret, and one thing I didn't mention is that I have the volume low on both pickups when I practice at home. I just couldn't imaging what else might cause the pitch change.

 

[gabrielvv7]

hmm... ok, well, i would suggest checking your intonation.