D'ja Ever Notice ? Pickup Alignment

[THORRR]

Take a look at the polepieces on my Jazz Basses (Fender MIMs) and see how the strings are not positioned evenly
between them? The low E string in particular.

I blame the Bridge and not having a way to adjust string
spacing. You'd think that after around 70 years somebody
at Fender would have corrected this.

I've noticed some of the higher end boutique basses don't
have this problem. Perhaps, that's why they cost more

 

[Lazylion]

There are replacement bridges available with multiple grooves on each saddle. You put the string in the groove that suits you best. Other bridges have "blank" saddle pieces, you file your own groove where you want it.

Now, what to do if one pup is lined up and the other isn't? Hmmm...

 

[THORRR]

You're right about other bridges. The solution to the
problem is out there, but my point was that something
as simple as lining up the bridge & the pups should be
addressed by the builder of the instrument.

I love Fender Jazz basses and own 8 of them, but this
one flaw appears inconsistently in their lineup, and often.

Curious . . . because they make jigs to line things up.
Add to that the CNC machining which routs every pickup
hole the same and drills the holes for every bridge the
same. Why not just line everything up like it should be?

It's not rocket science after all!

I'm also wondering what, if any, effect this misalignment has on the sound?
Anybody have any research data on this?

 

[mongo2]

Functionally it doesn't really matter since the magnetic field is a contiguous strip at the strings for a normal setup and not discrete pools. Check it with EMG mag field viewing tape held just under the strings to see for yourself.

Don't forget these were originally designed with pickup covers to hide those "innards"

 

[THORRR]

If the magnetic field is continuous and not segmented
both vertically and horizontally, then the slight misalignment of magnets should be of no consequence.

Where can I get that magnetic tape? I'm not familiar
with it, but it sounds like a fun tool to use on pups.

 

[mongo2]

If the magnetic field is continuous and not segmented
both vertically and horizontally, then the slight misalignment of magnets should be of no consequence.

That's the idea.

Where can I get that magnetic tape? I'm not familiar
with it, but it sounds like a fun tool to use on pups.

I got it from a tech friend. I thought EMG sold it on their site but I can't find it.

 

[THORRR]

Is this the stuff?

Invalid Link Removed

 

[spiritbass]

As a printer by trade, I notice such mis-alignments. I realize it's nit-picking, but I like my strings aligned with their respective poles!

 

[mongo2]

Is this the stuff?

Invalid Link Removed

Looks like it. But mine isn't laminated.