No, lowering the pickups on an acoustic guitar will not increase sustain. In fact, it is likely to reduce sustain.
Sustain is the length of time that a note rings out after it is played. It is affected by a number of factors, including the type of guitar, the type of strings, the string gauge, and the pickup height.
On an acoustic guitar, the pickups are typically mounted under the bridge saddle. This means that they are very close to the strings. When the pickups are close to the strings, they are more sensitive to the vibrations of the strings. This produces a louder output and more sustain. When the pickups are farther away from the strings, they are less sensitive to the vibrations of the strings. This produces a quieter output and less sustain.
Lowering the pickups on an acoustic guitar will reduce the output level and the sustain of your notes. This is because the pickups will be farther away from the strings and will therefore be less sensitive to their vibrations.
However, there are some other things you can do to increase sustain on your acoustic guitar, such as:
- Use a thicker string gauge. Thicker strings have more mass, which makes them vibrate more slowly and decay more slowly.
- Use a guitar with a longer scale length. Guitars with longer scale lengths have more string tension, which can also help to increase sustain.
- Use a different type of pickup. Some types of pickups, such as piezo pickups, are known for producing more sustain than others.
- Adjust the bridge saddles. The bridge saddles on your guitar can also affect sustain. If you have a saddle that is not properly seated, it can vibrate and dampen the sustain of your notes.
You can also use electronic devices to increase sustain, such as compressors and sustainers. However, these devices can sometimes create unwanted artifacts in the sound.
The best way to find the right balance of sustain and output for your acoustic guitar is to experiment. Try different pickup heights, string gauges, and guitar types to see what works best for you.
Here are some additional tips for increasing sustain on your acoustic guitar:
- Make sure that your guitar is properly set up. A well-set up guitar will have the correct action and intonation, which will help to improve sustain.
- Use new strings. Old strings are more likely to break and have less sustain than new strings.
- Play with the right technique. Avoid muting the strings with your fingers or with the palm of your hand.
- Use a capo. A capo can help to increase sustain by shortening the effective length of the strings.
By following these tips, you can improve the sustain on your acoustic guitar and get the most out of your music playing experience.