Active pickups have become a staple in the world of electric guitars, known for their high-output and noise-canceling capabilities. While these pickups offer fantastic tonal characteristics, they also require specific setup and maintenance, including the adjustment of pickup height. In this article, we will explore the importance of active pickup height adjustment and guide you through the process to help you achieve the optimal sound and performance from your guitar.
Understanding Active Pickups
Active pickups are different from traditional passive pickups in that they incorporate an onboard preamp powered by a 9-volt battery. This preamp boosts the guitar’s signal and provides a cleaner, more powerful output. Active pickups are favored by many guitarists, particularly in genres like heavy metal and hard rock, for their ability to deliver high-gain tones with minimal noise.
Why Adjust Active Pickup Height?
Adjusting the height of active pickups is essential for several reasons:
- Tonal Control: The height of active pickups significantly impacts the guitar’s tonal character. Proper adjustment allows you to fine-tune the balance between the neck and bridge pickups, influencing the overall sound.
- Output Level: Active pickups are known for their high output, but incorrect pickup height can lead to an overpowering or muddied sound. Proper height adjustment ensures consistent output levels.
- String Sensitivity: The distance between the pickups and the strings affects how the strings respond to your playing dynamics. Correct pickup height enhances string sensitivity, allowing for expressive playing.
- Noise Reduction: Active pickups are designed to be noise-resistant, but improper height can introduce unwanted noise or interference. Adjusting the height can minimize these issues.
- Feedback Control: Active pickups are less prone to feedback compared to passive pickups. Proper height adjustment helps maintain this advantage during high-volume performances.
Steps to Adjust Active Pickup Height
Here’s a step-by-step guide to adjusting the height of active pickups on your guitar:
- Gather Your Tools: You will need a screwdriver (typically Phillips-head) and a measuring tool, such as a ruler or feeler gauges.
- Set the Starting Point: Consult your guitar’s manual or the pickup manufacturer’s recommendations for an initial height setting. A common starting point is about 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) from the strings to the top of the pickup.
- Adjust One Pickup at a Time:
- Loosen the screws on the pickup mounting rings.
- Carefully raise or lower the pickup to achieve the desired height.
- Use the measuring tool to maintain consistency across all pickups.
- Balanced Sound:
- Listen to your guitar as you play and make adjustments as needed to ensure a balanced sound between pickups.
- String Sensitivity:
- Pay attention to how the strings respond to your playing dynamics. Adjust the height to enhance sensitivity.
- Noise and Feedback:
- Play in various settings, including higher volumes, to check for unwanted noise or feedback. Make fine-tune adjustments to minimize these issues.
- Final Check:
- Double-check the pickup height for each active pickup to ensure they are evenly balanced and deliver the desired tonal characteristics.
Adjusting the height of active pickups is a critical step in optimizing your guitar’s performance and achieving the tonal qualities you desire. Properly adjusted active pickups can provide you with a clean, powerful signal, excellent string sensitivity, and minimal noise interference. By following the steps outlined in this guide and listening attentively to your guitar’s sound, you can find the ideal pickup height settings that suit your playing style and musical preferences.
