For maximum string balance. How do You adjust your pick ups

[Terry]

 and screw heights.....Do you look for maximum string balance or how do you look at it?  Then what do you do to get it?

[G._Hoffman]

I do it by ear.  I start with the neck pickup, getting the E strings to balance.  Most of the time I put the neck pickup to where it is about 1/16"-1/8" from the strings when they are fretted at the last fret.  Balance the outside E strings, and then adjust the rest of the pole pieces to match.  Then I adjust the other pickups to match - I usually make the bridge pickup a bit hotter.  I check balance with single notes, and with strummed chords. 

It works for me, and my customers seem to like it well enough (or at least, I don't get any complaints!)



Gabriel

[Terry]

Thanks Gab.  That refines my method.

[G._Hoffman]

I should also mention, on my personal Strat I have the pickups quite a bit farther away from the strings.  It gives that bell like thing - experiment on the overall distance to find what you like.  It's not a one size fits all thing.


Gabriel

[Terry]

I tried the above now and quite a nice little improvement.  Thanks!

[G._Hoffman]

I tried the above now and quite a nice little improvement.  Thanks!

You read so much about people using measurements to do this, and you just have to ask, "why?"  Your ear will always be the best tool.


Gabriel