Distance between strings and pickups
# 1
Depends on the guitar and the PU and the gauge of strings you are using.
Fenders are tricky (Cf stratorizing effect) and I thnik they post there setup info on the web.
Normally I do mine by ear, balancing output using a screwdriver and the toggle switch.
Fenders are tricky (Cf stratorizing effect) and I thnik they post there setup info on the web.
Normally I do mine by ear, balancing output using a screwdriver and the toggle switch.
My instructors page and www.studiotrax.net for all things recording.
my toons Brought to you by Dr BadGAS
my toons Brought to you by Dr BadGAS
# 2
Here's the setup -
Ibanez JS Series
Dimarzio pickups
9 gauge strings
Any "rule of thumb" I can follow?
Ibanez JS Series
Dimarzio pickups
9 gauge strings
Any "rule of thumb" I can follow?
# 3

According to the PRS website, "With the high and low E strings depressed at the last fret the measurement should about 2 1/2/32 on the treble side and about 3/32 on the bass side of both pickups."
>Edit: 2 1/2/32 = 5/64 ? <
>Edit: 2 1/2/32 = 5/64 ? <
"If one has realized a truth, that truth is valueless so long as there is lacking the indomitable will to turn this realization into action!"
-A.H.
-A.H.
# 4

To be honest, because you have that trem unit on there, I'd take it to a tech. I don't know how to mess with them but from what I understand, when they're setup they tend to stay in tune for a good while unless you're hard on your axe.
"The one truly great thing about this life is that noone can sincerely and truly help someone, without helping themselves"
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson
# 5
Well, thanks for the replies everyone.
I've heard that the closer you put the strings to the pickups the more tone you lose. I definitely noticed this when I lowered the action of the strings. So I think I'll try lowering the pickups a bit and fumbling around with it to see what happens. :o
I've heard that the closer you put the strings to the pickups the more tone you lose. I definitely noticed this when I lowered the action of the strings. So I think I'll try lowering the pickups a bit and fumbling around with it to see what happens. :o
# 6

correct me if I am wrong:
the closer the strings are to the pick-up, the more "punch" or"attack" they have,
but if the strings are farther away, that increases sustain while losing loudness.
So adjust your distances to your taste.
the closer the strings are to the pick-up, the more "punch" or"attack" they have,
but if the strings are farther away, that increases sustain while losing loudness.
So adjust your distances to your taste.
# 7

Pickups that have strong magnets can effect string vibration if too close to the string, costing sustain. My setups have the bridge pickup furthur away from the strings on the higher string side and closer to the lows. Opposite for the neck pickup, plus I angle them.....
Sometimes pickups (humbuckers) can be improperly angled (both "bobbins" are not parallel to the strings when looking down from the side). Even angled mounting rings may not be enough. When this is the case, I make a VERY slight bend in the height adjustment bolts about 1/2" away from the head. This provides added "tilt" to level the pickup with the strings or angle it away for whatever sound you want. This way you don't have to screw the poll pieces way out, which can catch strings, picks, fingers, etc.
You'll find changing these angles will provide better harmonics and a more balanced output accross the strings.
Sometimes pickups (humbuckers) can be improperly angled (both "bobbins" are not parallel to the strings when looking down from the side). Even angled mounting rings may not be enough. When this is the case, I make a VERY slight bend in the height adjustment bolts about 1/2" away from the head. This provides added "tilt" to level the pickup with the strings or angle it away for whatever sound you want. This way you don't have to screw the poll pieces way out, which can catch strings, picks, fingers, etc.
You'll find changing these angles will provide better harmonics and a more balanced output accross the strings.
I once thought a "Sweeping Arpeggio" was an Italian janitor.
# 8