Guitar pickups are magnets that are used to pick up the vibrations of the strings. The closer the pickups are to the strings, the more magnetic interference they will have with the strings, which will result in a brighter, more trebly sound. However, if the pickups are too high, they can cause a number of problems, including:
- Tinny or harsh sound: When the pickups are too high, they can pick up too much treble frequencies. This can result in a tinny or harsh sound.
- Loss of sustain: The magnetic field of the pickups can also dampen the vibrations of the strings, which can result in a loss of sustain.
- Feedback: When the pickups are too high, they can become more prone to feedback, especially when playing with high gain.
- Wolf tones: Wolf tones are unwanted pitches that can be heard when the guitar is played. They are caused by the magnetic field of the pickups interacting with the natural frequencies of the guitar.
- String muting: If the pickups are too high, they can actually mute the strings when they are played. This is because the magnetic field of the pickups can pull on the strings, preventing them from vibrating freely.
If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is likely that your guitar pickups are too high. You can adjust the pickup height by turning the screws on the bottom of the pickup. Turn the screws clockwise to raise the pickup and counterclockwise to lower it.
A good starting point is to set the pickup height so that there is a small gap between the strings and the pole pieces of the pickup. This will prevent the strings from muting and will help to reduce feedback. Once you have found a setting that you like, you can experiment with different heights to find the sound that you prefer.
It is important to note that the ideal pickup height will vary depending on the type of pickup, the string gauge, and the player’s preferences. So, it may take some time to find the perfect setting for your guitar.
Here are some additional tips for adjusting guitar pickup height:
- 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.
