The height of your guitar pickups affects their output, tone, and sustain. If the pickups are too low, it can have a negative impact on the sound of your guitar.
Here are some of the problems that can occur when pickup height is too low:
- Reduced output: When the pickups are too low, they will not pick up as much of the string’s vibrations. This can result in a quieter sound.
- Muffled tone: The pickups will also produce a muffled tone when they are too low. This is because the magnetic field of the pickups will not be able to interact with the strings as effectively.
- Reduced sustain: The pickups will also produce less sustain when they are too low. This is because the magnetic field of the pickups will not be able to vibrate the strings for as long.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is a good idea to adjust the pickup height. 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 sound.
Here are some tips for adjusting pickup height:
- Use a feeler gauge to measure the distance between the pickup pole pieces and the strings. This will help you to ensure that the pickups are set evenly.
- Be careful not to overtighten the pickup mounting screws. This can damage the pickup or the guitar body.
- If you are not sure where to start, try using the recommended pickup heights from the manufacturer.
With a little experimentation, you can find the perfect pickup height for your guitar and playing style.
It is also important to note that the type of pickups you have will affect how low they can be. Single-coil pickups are more sensitive to pickup height than humbucker pickups. This is because single-coil pickups have fewer windings, which means that they are less efficient at picking up the string’s vibrations.
If you are still having problems with your pickups after adjusting the height, you may need to have them readjusted by a professional.
Here are some additional things to consider when adjusting pickup height:
- The string gauge. Thicker strings will require a higher pickup height to achieve the same output as thinner strings.
- Your playing style. If you play with a lot of distortion, you may need to raise the pickups slightly to compensate for the increased output.
- Your personal preferences. The best pickup height is the one that you like the best.
Experimentation is the key to finding the perfect pickup height. Don’t be afraid to try different settings until you find what you are looking for.
