Uneven Pole Pieces

Oh, yeah, it's says a mouthful, alright....

That's really too close to the strings on that. There's a general recommendation of around a 1/2", more or less. At the distance you have there, the magnetic pull on the strings from the pole pieces have a significant effect on the string's tone and sustain.

My comments are of a very general nature. There's several great guitar tech types here that can elaborate more.

Also, I understand that the MIM Fenders benefit greatly from a good aftermarket pickup. I particularly like the Nord NP5Fs, but there's several out there that will give you good results and probably sound better than what you have there.

I'm gathering this is a left-handed instrument (which has nothing to do with anything, just curious)?

Good luck!

 

All you need to do is use some rigid foam or realign the existing foam under the pickup. It will push the poles flush with the top. I'm guessing the foam underneath is just a little off. You want to line it up with the poles on the bottom. If there simply isn't enough foam already there (which is a possibility), you can order pickup more strips, use weather stripping or any other rigid foam that is durable enough not to deteriorate over time.

 

The additional or realigned foam will also allow for better height adjustment.

 

The real question is...does it sound any different now?

 

those are the fender plastic molded bobbin pickups, so you can safely push the poles around or even push them right out of the pickup. there's a layer of plastic between the magnets and the coil wire.

do not try this with regular P pickups, the wire is wound right onto the magnets and you'll kill the pickup.

 

Ahh, okay. I responded based on what I was looking at. That looks much better, as do the subsequent pics.

And yes, does it sound better/different?

 

To comment on adjusting the poles - yes, you can do it on the plastic bobbin. As you raise a pole, you will get a little more articulation and a little less warmth.

Another option: just flip the two segments around. The D & G can always use more warmth.

 

Yes, it is subtle. But as you observed, it is noticeable and helps clarity.