PICKUP HEIGHT
AND NUT WORK
The final elements of the basic setup to
address are pickup height, and perhaps
nut lubrication. Setting pickup height
is easy; just grab an appropriately
sized Phillips head screwdriver, and
turn the pickup height adjustment
screws clockwise to get the pickups
closer to the strings, and counterclockwise to move them further
away. Every guitar manufacturer has
a recommended distance that the
pickups should be from the strings, and
pickup manufacturers typically have
recommendations as well. Following
these recommendations will give you
a good place to start, but don't be
afraid to experiment. Some players
prefer the sound of the pickups closer
to the strings, and some prefer them
further away. It will likely vary quite a
bit between various kinds of guitars
and pickups. Moving them closer will
usually result in more bass and output,
while further away will probably sound
clearer and more mellow. For example,
on a Les Paul-style guitar, many players
like the bridge pickup closer to the
strings for more punch and body, while
preferring the neck pickup further
away, to enhance clarity and highend harmonics. Use your ears and
experiment, and you shouldn't have
much trouble finding an ideal spot.
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TONE TALK //
Close Enough For Rock n' Roll: DIY Basic Guitar Setup