Yes, raising pickups generally makes them brighter. This is because when the pickup is closer to the strings, it is more sensitive to their vibrations. This increased sensitivity results in a brighter, more articulate sound.
The amount of brightness that is added will depend on a few factors, including the type of pickup, the type of guitar, and the amp settings. For example, humbucker pickups are generally darker than single-coil pickups, so raising a humbucker pickup will not have as much of an impact on brightness as raising a single-coil pickup. Additionally, guitars with maple fretboards tend to be brighter than guitars with rosewood fretboards, so raising the pickups on a maple fretboard guitar will result in a brighter sound than raising the pickups on a rosewood fretboard guitar.
The amp settings can also play a role in brightness. For example, if the treble setting on the amp is turned up all the way, raising the pickups will make the sound too bright. However, if the treble setting is turned down, raising the pickups can add a nice bit of brightness to the sound.
It is important to note that there is a point of diminishing returns when it comes to raising pickups. Raising the pickups too high can cause the strings to pull on the pickups, which can lead to tuning problems and even damage to the pickups. Additionally, raising the pickups too high can make the sound too bright and harsh.
The best way to find the optimal pickup height is to experiment. Start by raising the pickups to about 1/8″ from the strings. Then, play the guitar and listen to the sound. Adjust the pickup height until you find a sound that you like.
Here are some additional tips for raising your pickups:
- Use a ruler to measure the distance between the strings and the pickups. This will help you to ensure that the pickups are at the same height.
- Be careful not to overtighten the screws that secure the pickups to the guitar body or pickguard. Overtightening the screws can damage the pickups.
- Once you have raised the pickups, tune your guitar. The change in pickup height may affect the tuning of the guitar.
- Play the guitar and listen to the sound. Adjust the pickup height and amp settings until you find a sound that you like.
By following these tips, you can raise your pickups to get a brighter sound without causing any problems.
