Guitar pickup pole piece height adjustment is an important part of setting up your guitar for optimal tone and playability. By adjusting the height of the pole pieces, you can balance the output of each string, reduce unwanted noise, and improve the overall sound of your guitar.
However, there can be a few issues that can arise when adjusting pickup pole piece height. In this blog article, we will discuss some of the most common issues and how to address them.
Issue 1: Strings are too loud or too quiet
This is the most common issue that guitarists encounter when adjusting pickup pole piece height. If your strings are too loud, it can cause unwanted feedback and distortion. If your strings are too quiet, it can make it difficult to hear your guitar in a mix.
To address this issue, you need to adjust the overall height of the pickup. If your strings are too loud, lower the pickup away from the strings. If your strings are too quiet, raise the pickup closer to the strings.
Issue 2: Strings are unbalanced
If one string is louder than the others, it means that the pickup is not balanced. To address this issue, you need to adjust the height of the individual pole pieces.
Start by setting all of the pole pieces to the same height. Then, play each string individually and listen to the output. If one string is louder than the others, raise the pole piece for that string slightly.
Continue adjusting the pole pieces until all of the strings have the same output. It may take some trial and error to get it perfect, but it is worth the effort.
Issue 3: Strings are noisy
If your strings are noisy, it can be caused by a number of factors, including pickup height. If the pickup is too close to the strings, it can cause the strings to vibrate excessively, which can lead to noise.
To address this issue, lower the pickup away from the strings slightly. You may also need to adjust the height of the individual pole pieces to balance the output of the pickup.
Issue 4: Strings are microphonic
Microphonic strings are strings that pick up unwanted noise from the environment. This can be caused by a number of factors, including pickup height. If the pickup is too close to the strings, it can act like a microphone and pick up unwanted noise.
To address this issue, lower the pickup away from the strings slightly. You may also need to adjust the height of the individual pole pieces to balance the output of the pickup.
Tips for adjusting pickup pole piece height
- Always make small adjustments and listen to the results before making further adjustments.
- Use a screwdriver that fits the pole pieces snugly to avoid damaging them.
- Be careful not to overtighten the pole pieces, as this can damage the pickup.
- If you are unsure how to adjust pickup pole piece height, it is best to take your guitar to a qualified luthier.
By following these tips, you can address any issues you may encounter when adjusting guitar pickup pole piece height.
