There are two main reasons why Strat pickups are angled on the guitar:
1. To improve the balance of the strings. The bass strings on a guitar are longer and thicker than the treble strings, and they tend to vibrate more, which means that they produce a louder signal. Angling the pickups towards the bridge on the bass side helps to compensate for this, so that all of the strings have a more even output.
2. To create a brighter sound. The angle of the pickups also affects the tone of the guitar. Angling the pickups towards the bridge produces a brighter sound, while angling them away from the bridge produces a warmer sound. The standard Strat pickup configuration is angled towards the bridge, which gives Strat guitars their signature bright, twangy sound.
In addition to these two main reasons, the angled pickups on a Stratocaster also have a few other benefits:
- They can help to reduce feedback. Angling the pickups away from the strings can help to reduce feedback, which is a high-pitched squealing noise that can occur when the guitar is amplified too loudly.
- They can improve intonation. Intonation is the accuracy of the guitar’s tuning. Angling the pickups correctly can help to ensure that the guitar is in tune across the entire fretboard.
- They are a part of the iconic Strat design. The angled pickups are one of the things that makes a Strat look like a Strat.
Some players prefer to have their Strat pickups angled more towards the bridge, while others prefer them angled less towards the bridge. This is a matter of personal preference, and there is no right or wrong answer. You can experiment with different pickup angles to find what sounds and feels best to you.
Overall, the angled pickups on a Stratocaster are an important part of the guitar’s design and sound. They help to improve the balance of the strings, create a brighter sound, reduce feedback, and improve intonation.
