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Jazz Pickup height

Discussion in 'Hardware, Setup & Repair [BG]' started by pbass2, Jan 16, 2009.

  1. Jan 16, 2009 #1
    pbass2

    pbass2

    Jan 25, 2007
    Los Angeles
    Anybody have a general rule of thumb measurement for pickup height on a passive Jazz (in my case with medium-high action)? The PUs are Dimarzio UltraJazzes. I know to use my ears, but I haven't had a good 'ol passive Jazz in ages and am attempting to dial it all in:)
     
  2. Jan 16, 2009 #2
    slyjoe

    slyjoe Supporting Member

    Jun 28, 2008
    Valley of the Sun (AZ)
    From the Fender setup guide:

    "Measure the distance from the bottom of the first and fourth strings to top of the pole piece. A good rule of thumb is that the distance should be greatest at the fourth-string neck pickup position and closest at the first-string bridge pickup position. Follow the measurement guidelines from the chart as starting points. The distance will vary according to the amount of magnetic pull from the pickup."


    Vintage Style - Bass Side: 8/64" (3.6 mm) Treble Side: 6/64" (2.4 mm)
    Noiseless Series - Bass Side: 8/64" (3.6 mm) Treble Side: 6/64" (2.4 mm)
    Standard "J" or "P" - Bass Side: 7/64" (2.8 mm) Treble Side: 5/64" (2.0 mm)
    Humbuckers - Bass Side: 7/64" (2.8 mm) Treble Side: 5/64" (2.0 mm)
     
  3. Jan 16, 2009 #3
    pbass2

    pbass2

    Jan 25, 2007
    Los Angeles
    Thanks. I just looked that up on Fender too. This bass has the pickups set a fair amount lower than that but it sounds really good. The only reason I even thought about messing with it is it's noticeably quieter than my passive P (but that has some custom-shop Duncans that I think are on the hot side). The pickups on this jazz won't go up anymore(without my getting some new foam under there I guess), and it does sound good, so maybe the volume issue should be a secondary concern. I've been a P man for so long, I'm just getting back to the Jazz thing!
     
  4. Jan 16, 2009 #4
    slyjoe

    slyjoe Supporting Member

    Jun 28, 2008
    Valley of the Sun (AZ)
    Use the gain on your amp :)

    I wouldn't worry about the pickup height so much, especially if it sounds really good - I would adjust them for even string volume, not for making the bass louder. You're not going to win that fight.
     
  5. Jan 16, 2009 #5
    John Wentzien

    John Wentzien

    Jun 25, 2007
    Elberta, AL
    Artist:TC Electronic RH450 bass system (original test-pilot)
    I usually start by fretting the E & G string at the last fret. the magnet should be about 1/8" from the bottom of the string . Tweak it in from there.
     
  6. Jan 17, 2009 #6
    pickles

    pickles Gold Supporting Member

    Mar 23, 2000
    Ventura, CA
    Pickup height has a strong influence on tone, so if you like your sound and string balance, don't move them! I tend to use 3/32G and 4/32E, but I've had basses where cranking them lower made the sound come alive.
     
  7. Jan 17, 2009 #7
    JustDavid

    JustDavid

    Oct 21, 2008
    Halifax, NS, Canada
    Butchering a mousepad gets you great foam for under pickups.
     
  8. Jan 17, 2009 #8
    pbass2

    pbass2

    Jan 25, 2007
    Los Angeles
    Thanks everybody. I need to remember something I usually swear by, "if it aint broke . . ."!