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Thread: Setting pickup height?

  1. #1

    Default Setting pickup height?

    Is there a rule of thumb for setting the pickup height? (Lollar humbucker.) Or just trial and error?

    It's currently set pretty high and close to the strings, (I hit it with the pick a bit), and I've raised the treble side to strengthen the E's.

    Since I got my El Rey, I have lots of questions, but I'm having a great time with it!

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    coprolite mandroid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Setting pickup height?

    Found any changes by a trial and error attempt?
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  3. #3

    Default Re: Setting pickup height?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mandodork View Post
    Is there a rule of thumb for setting the pickup height? (Lollar humbucker.) Or just trial and error? It's currently set pretty high and close to the strings, (I hit it with the pick a bit), and I've raised the treble side to strengthen the E's.
    The closer the pole pieces are to the string, the more current the pickup will produce BUT if you get too close magnetism from the pickup will effect how the string vibrates causing a perceived loss of volume, compression and distortion.

    To increase the output from a string set you can also vary the gauge of the strings. For example, you could go to a heavier gauge for the E which will provide more metal mass over the pickup. Depending on the metal used for the windings, wound strings (bronze, nickel) may appear thicker but in some cases the only metal causing the pickup to react is the center core.

    I find it best to adjust the pickup low-ish to get the best balance between the strings (which also means adjusting the pickup under the hotter strings lower) then moving the whole pickup toward the strings until you get the overall output level you're looking for.
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    Default Re: Setting pickup height?

    This Google search mainly retrieves guitar humbucker height info. Extrapolate from there.
    Gibson recommends 1/16" (1.6 mm) for the bridge pickup and 3/32" (2.4 mm) for the neck.

    https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=...4dUDCAg&uact=5

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    Default Re: Setting pickup height?

    By the way, an American quarter [coin] is 1.75 mm. Pretty close to the bridge pickup height.
    Two dimes totals 2.7 mm. Pretty close to the neck pickup height.
    These are distances between the pickups and strings. I tend to angle the G string
    side of the pickup a little lower [ie. further from the string].

  6. #6
    Oval holes are cool David Lewis's Avatar
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    Default Re: Setting pickup height?

    if you go to the manufactures website, they should have 'rule of thumb' measurements - then go from there, if you need to...
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