11
Adjusting the Pickup-String Clearance
You should do this…
When you notice that the amplified sound of a string or group of strings
is louder or weaker than the others, or when the output of the pickup is
too high or too low. This adjustment is only for the magnetic pickup.
Necessary tools:
You will need a Phillips
screwdriver for the mounting screws (A
and B in the drawing) and a Hex (Allen)
key or a flat-head screwdriver for the
polepieces (P in the drawing).
Method:
Press the sixth string at the last fret,
and measure the gap between it and the surface of the pickup. It must
be around 2.5 mm (3/32”). Raise or lower it by means of the A mounting
screw (see drawing). Do the same for the first string, this time using the
B screw. After this, you can make adjustments to the individual
polepieces, P. Turn them clockwise to reduce the output of a string, and
counterclockwise to increase it.
This adjustment can be made differently, depending on other factors.
For example, some players find that lowering the pickup changes the
tone, perhaps making it
less electric
. Others set a larger clearance for the
lower strings, raising the feedback threshold.
Note:
If your guitar has a pickup made by me, it surely will have two rows of
polepieces. I favor this design because it makes possible to use bronze
wound strings instead of the usual steel or nickel wound strings that are
used for electric guitars. Let me explain this.
A
B
P
