Acoustic guitars are cherished for their natural, resonant tones and inherent sustain, but some players seek ways to enhance and shape their acoustic guitar’s sustain characteristics. One technique that is sometimes considered is lowering the pickups on acoustic-electric guitars. In this article, we will explore the relationship between pickup height adjustment and sustain on acoustic guitars, discussing whether it’s a practical and effective approach.
The Role of Sustain in Acoustic Guitars
Sustain is a crucial aspect of an acoustic guitar’s sound. It refers to the duration a note or chord continues to resonate after being played. Acoustic guitars are known for their ability to sustain notes, which contributes to their rich and expressive sound.
Several factors influence sustain in acoustic guitars, including the quality of the tonewoods, the design of the guitar, and the player’s technique. Pickup height, while relevant in electric guitars, plays a different role in the sustain characteristics of acoustic guitars.
Pickup Height Adjustment on Acoustic Guitars
Acoustic-electric guitars are equipped with pickups to amplify their sound when connected to an amplifier or PA system. These pickups are typically installed under or inside the guitar’s saddle, soundhole, or on the guitar top near the bridge. Unlike electric guitars, where pickup height can significantly affect sustain, acoustic guitar pickups operate differently:
- Piezo Pickup Systems: Most acoustic-electric guitars utilize piezo pickups, which are pressure-sensitive devices that detect string vibrations at the saddle or under the bridge. Piezo pickups rely on direct contact with the saddle to capture string vibrations, and their sustain characteristics are less influenced by pickup height adjustments compared to magnetic pickups used in electric guitars.
- Limited Impact on Sustain: Lowering or raising the height of a piezo pickup on an acoustic guitar will have minimal impact on sustain because the sustain is primarily determined by the acoustic properties of the guitar’s body and the vibrations of the strings. Pickup height adjustments may, however, affect the balance and clarity of the amplified sound.
Considerations for Pickup Height on Acoustic Guitars
When dealing with pickup height on acoustic-electric guitars, here are some essential considerations:
- Balance and Tone: Adjusting the pickup height can affect the balance of the amplified sound and tonal characteristics. Experiment with pickup height to find the best balance between bass, midrange, and treble frequencies.
- String Sensitivity: Lowering the pickup too close to the strings can result in excessive string sensitivity, potentially causing unwanted string noise and feedback. Finding the right height to minimize these issues is essential.
- Professional Setup: If you are unsure about adjusting the pickup height on your acoustic-electric guitar, it’s advisable to consult a professional luthier or guitar technician. They can make precise adjustments and ensure optimal performance without risking damage to the instrument.
While lowering pickups is a common practice in electric guitars to achieve specific tonal characteristics and sustain enhancements, the same approach does not directly apply to acoustic-electric guitars with piezo pickup systems. Sustain in acoustic guitars is primarily influenced by factors other than pickup height, such as tonewood quality, construction, and string gauge.
If you’re seeking to enhance sustain or improve the amplified sound of your acoustic-electric guitar, it’s essential to explore other avenues, such as changing your playing technique, experimenting with different string types, or investing in a high-quality preamp or pickup system. Ultimately, acoustic guitars offer their unique sustain and sonic qualities that make them prized instruments in their own right, with or without pickup height adjustments.