Whether or not Stratocaster pickups should be tilted is a matter of personal preference. Some people believe that tilting the pickups can improve the sound, while others believe that it does not make a difference.
There are a few reasons why people might tilt their Stratocaster pickups. One reason is to get a brighter sound. When the pickups are tilted, the strings are closer to the magnets, which can produce a brighter sound.
Another reason to tilt the pickups is to get a wider soundstage. When the pickups are tilted, they are able to pick up more of the sound from the strings, which can create a wider soundstage.
However, there are also some potential downsides to tilting Stratocaster pickups. One downside is that it can make the pickups more susceptible to feedback. When the pickups are closer to the magnets, they are more likely to pick up feedback from the amp.
Another downside is that it can make the pickups more difficult to adjust. When the pickups are tilted, it can be more difficult to get them level, which can affect the sound.
Ultimately, whether or not to tilt Stratocaster pickups is a matter of personal preference. If you are looking for a brighter sound or a wider soundstage, then you may want to tilt your pickups. However, if you are concerned about feedback or difficulty adjusting the pickups, then you may want to leave them untilted.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when tilting Stratocaster pickups:
- The amount of tilt: The amount of tilt that you use will depend on your personal preference. Some people prefer to tilt the pickups very slightly, while others prefer to tilt them more.
- The type of pickup: The type of pickup that you use can also affect the amount of tilt that you need. Single-coil pickups are more susceptible to feedback than humbucker pickups, so you may need to tilt them less.
- The environment: The environment in which you are playing can also affect the amount of tilt that you need. If you are playing in a noisy environment, you may need to tilt the pickups more to reduce feedback.

