Pickup height is a critical element of your guitar’s tone. It can also affect the sustain of your guitar, but the effect is not as straightforward as you might think.
In general, raising the pickup height will increase the output of the pickup, which will give you more sustain. However, raising the pickup height too high can also muffle the sound and reduce sustain.
The reason for this is that the pickup’s magnetic field can actually dampen the string’s vibrations. When the pickup is too close to the strings, the magnetic field is stronger and it can have a more pronounced dampening effect.
So, how high should you set your pickups for the best sustain? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it will vary depending on the type of pickup, the string gauge, and your personal preferences.
A good starting point is to set the pickups so that they are about 2-3 millimeters (0.08-0.12 inches) above the strings. You can then experiment with different heights until you find the sweet spot that gives you the best sustain.
Here are some additional things to consider when adjusting pickup height for sustain:
- The type of pickups you have. Different pickups will have different sweet spots for sustain.
- The string gauge. Thicker strings will require a higher pickup height for sustain.
- Your personal preferences. The best pickup height for sustain is the one that you like the best.
Experimentation is the key to finding the perfect pickup height for sustain. Don’t be afraid to try different settings until you find what you are looking for.
In addition to pickup height, there are other factors that can affect sustain, such as:
- The type of wood the guitar is made from.
- The type of strings you are using.
- The condition of your frets.
- The action of your guitar.
- The way you are playing your guitar.
If you are concerned about sustain, it is a good idea to address all of these factors, not just pickup height. By making a few adjustments, you can improve the sustain of your guitar and get the most out of your pickups.
