The height of your guitar pickups affects their output, tone, and sustain. If the pickups are too close to the strings, it can have a negative impact on the sound of your guitar.
Here are some of the problems that can occur when pickups are too close to strings:
- Muffled sound: When the pickups are too close to the strings, they can dampen the string’s vibrations. This can result in a muffled sound with less sustain.
- Feedback: The pickups can also be more susceptible to feedback when they are too close to the strings. This is because the magnetic field of the pickups can interact with the sound waves from the amp, creating a feedback loop.
- String buzz: The pickups can also cause string buzz when they are too close to the strings. This is because the magnetic field of the pickups can pull on the strings, causing them to vibrate out of tune.
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 close they can be to the strings. 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.
