The answer to this question is not straightforward. Lowering pickups can increase sustain in some cases, but it can also decrease sustain in others. The effect of pickup height on sustain depends on a number of factors, including the type of pickup, the string gauge, and the player’s playing style.
In general, lowering pickups can increase sustain because it reduces the magnetic interference between the pickups and the strings. This allows the strings to vibrate more freely, which can lead to a longer sustain. However, if the pickups are lowered too much, they can actually dampen the vibrations of the strings, which can result in a loss of sustain.
The type of pickup also affects the relationship between pickup height and sustain. Single-coil pickups are more prone to feedback than humbucking pickups, so lowering them can help to reduce feedback and increase sustain. However, humbucking pickups are less affected by feedback, so lowering them may not have a significant effect on sustain.
String gauge also affects the relationship between pickup height and sustain. Heavier strings require more magnetic interference to vibrate, so lowering the pickups can help to increase sustain with heavier strings. However, with lighter strings, lowering the pickups may actually decrease sustain.
Finally, the player’s playing style also affects the relationship between pickup height and sustain. Players who use a lot of palm muting or other techniques that dampen the strings may find that lowering the pickups actually decreases sustain.
Ultimately, the best way to determine whether lowering pickups will increase sustain for your guitar is to experiment. Start by lowering the pickups a little bit and listen to the sound. If you find that the sustain is increased, you can lower them further. If you find that the sustain is decreased, you can raise them back up.
Here are some additional tips for adjusting pickup height for sustain:
- Start by lowering the pickups just a little bit. You can always raise them later if you need to.
- Play the guitar and listen to the sound. Adjust the pickup height until you are satisfied with the sound.
- Experiment with different pickup combinations. For example, you can try using the neck pickup and the middle pickup together for a warmer sound, or the bridge pickup and the middle pickup together for a brighter sound.
With a little experimentation, you can find the perfect pickup height for your guitar and your playing style.
