Pickup height on a pbass

[attackbass]

can someone point me in the direction about how to set up the pickup height on a p bass??

I keep reading things but they say different things... some mention pressing down the string at the last fret, others don't etc?!

Thanks in advance

 

[Bubba Ghanoosh]

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[Steve Bennett]

A good starting (and maybe ending) point: Press each string down at the last fret and adjust until the tops of the pole pieces are 1/8" from the bottom of the string. Earball it from there.

 

[GlennW]

I start with the poles 1/4" from the unfretted strings, and tinker from there if necessary.

That isn't "proper", but it's easier and works. Further away often has a nicer tone and is less likely to distort if you dig in.

 

[walterw]

as close as you can get them without hitting the strings or sounding boomy and wierd. with a light touch you can get pretty close, if you're a banger you'll need to have them further away.

you want each string to have the same volume, so the E-A coil is going to be lower and the D-G coil higher. plug the bass in, and play, adjust, play, adjust until all 4 strings are equally loud, and the sound is right (boomy=too close, thin=too far).

 

[Stealth]

A good starting (and maybe ending) point: Press each string down at the last fret and adjust until the tops of the pole pieces are 1/8" from the bottom of the string. Earball it from there.

Awesome. Will have to try it out.

Any thoughts on adjusting a bridge J-pickup (70s position)? What distance should I aim for'?

 

[eedo]

I'd say it should have the height to sound as loud as your already adjusted P-pickup when soloed.
And E string should sound as loud as G

 

[Steve Bennett]

Awesome. Will have to try it out.

Any thoughts on adjusting a bridge J-pickup (70s position)? What distance should I aim for'?

Conventional wisdom is that the bridge pickup needs to be a little closer to the strings than the neck pickup for good balance, and I agree. Different pickups are different, though, so let your ears decide.