Guitar pickups are integral components of electric and acoustic-electric guitars that capture the vibrations of the strings and convert them into electrical signals, which are then amplified and shaped to create the guitar’s sound. Properly adjusting the height of your guitar’s pickups is essential for achieving the desired tone and playability. However, setting the pickups too high can have unintended consequences. In this article, we will explore what happens when a guitar pickup is positioned too close to the strings.
- Distortion and Clipping
One of the most noticeable effects of setting a pickup too high is distortion and clipping. When the pickup is very close to the strings, it captures a strong and sometimes overwhelming signal. This can cause the amplifier or signal processor to overload, resulting in distortion that may not be musically pleasing. The sound can become harsh and saturated, lacking clarity and dynamics.
- Loss of Note Definition
High-set pickups can capture a broader range of string vibrations, including excessive low-end frequencies. This can lead to a loss of note definition and articulation. Your guitar’s sound may become muddy, making it difficult to distinguish individual notes and chords, especially when playing complex passages or chords with multiple voicings.
- Reduced Sustain and Decay
Setting the pickups too close to the strings can interfere with the natural vibration of the strings. The strong magnetic pull from the pickups can cause the strings to dampen prematurely, resulting in reduced sustain and decay. This can be particularly problematic for lead guitarists who rely on long, ringing notes for expressive playing.
- Uneven Output and Imbalance
In guitars equipped with multiple pickups, setting one pickup significantly higher than the others can lead to tonal imbalances. The high-set pickup may overpower the others, resulting in an uneven output between different pickup positions. This can be jarring when switching between pickups during a performance, as the volume and tonal characteristics may shift abruptly.
- Intonation and Tuning Issues
The magnetic pull of high-set pickups can affect your guitar’s intonation and tuning stability. The altered string vibration caused by the strong magnetic field can lead to intonation problems along the fretboard, making it challenging to keep your guitar in tune. This can be frustrating, especially for recording or live performance situations where accurate tuning is crucial.
- Unwanted Noise and Feedback
High-set pickups are more susceptible to picking up unwanted noise and feedback. They can capture extraneous sounds such as string squeaks, finger noise, or even feedback from the amplifier. This can be distracting and detract from your overall playing experience.
Conclusion
While adjusting your guitar’s pickup height can be a valuable tool for shaping your tone, it’s important to exercise caution and find the right balance. Setting your pickups too high can result in distortion, muddiness, and a host of other issues that can negatively impact your playing experience. Experimentation with different pickup heights and finding the sweet spot that suits your playing style and musical preferences is essential. If you’re unsure about adjusting your pickup height, seeking advice from a qualified guitar technician or luthier can help you achieve the best possible tone and playability for your instrument.
