Question About P-90 Setup

e-merlin · May 19th, 2008, 10:41 PM

This is going to sound stupid, but...

Has anyone set up their P-90 low and raised the poles closer to the strings as opposed to setting the poles to the fretboard radius and raising the pickup? I was wondering if there's any difference in tone. I suppose I could try it myself but I am loath to change the setup on a guitar that I finally got working perfectly.

Those threads on the 72 Deluxe just got me thinkin', that's all.

charlie chitlin · May 19th, 2008, 11:02 PM

Makes plenty of difference!
No formula, just personal taste.
I will tell you, though, if you raise the high E pole up too high, you might hook the string under it and you'll start hearing this high-pitched plink plink.

e-merlin · May 19th, 2008, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie frey

I will tell you, though, if you raise the high E pole up too high, you might hook the string under it and you'll start hearing this high-pitched plink plink.

That makes sense. I've done that before with a humbucker.

JayFreddy · May 20th, 2008, 04:34 AM

I find that the Gotoh/KMS V90's in my Firenzas sound brighter with the pole piece farther out. I prefer them extended out in the bridge position, but closer to the pickup cover for the neck. Puts a bit more chime in the highs, and thickens out the lows.

I read a while back, I beleive here on TDPRI, that aluminium foil will work for sheilding electric guitars. I need to shield a couple of my Firenzas. Those Gotoh/KMS V90's sound great, but for high gain stuff, the middle position is pretty much all that works for me...

Have you shielded any of yours?

jefrs · May 20th, 2008, 05:23 AM

Yes. It works with humbuckers, DeArmonds (shims) and adjustable sc too. Cleans the tone up, less muddy. Adjust poles to balance strings, not radius. Don't over do it.

e-merlin · May 20th, 2008, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayFreddy

I read a while back, I beleive here on TDPRI, that aluminium foil will work for sheilding electric guitars. I need to shield a couple of my Firenzas. Those Gotoh/KMS V90's sound great, but for high gain stuff, the middle position is pretty much all that works for me...

Have you shielded any of yours?

I've never done any shielding on a guitar. I've always been afraid of what it might do to the tone.

I know on the Guitarnuts website (haven't been there for a while, don't know if it's still up) they have a piece on shielding with aluminum foil. I think copper would be easier to work with, though.

May 19th, 2008, 10:41 PM	#1 (permalink)
e-merlin Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 5,479	Question About P-90 Setup This is going to sound stupid, but... Has anyone set up their P-90 low and raised the poles closer to the strings as opposed to setting the poles to the fretboard radius and raising the pickup? I was wondering if there's any difference in tone. I suppose I could try it myself but I am loath to change the setup on a guitar that I finally got working perfectly. Those threads on the 72 Deluxe just got me thinkin', that's all. __________________ WARNING:This post may contain items including, but not limited to, sarcasm, irony, hyperbole intended to bring humor to this discussion. Those of you who are overly sensitive or who have no sense of humor are better off ignoring this post.

May 19th, 2008, 11:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
charlie chitlin Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bucktown, Pa Age: 46 Posts: 1,901	Makes plenty of difference! No formula, just personal taste. I will tell you, though, if you raise the high E pole up too high, you might hook the string under it and you'll start hearing this high-pitched plink plink. __________________ Nil illigitimi carborundum http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...6-bf3537901a07

May 20th, 2008, 04:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
JayFreddy Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dallas TX USA Age: 43 Posts: 710 3 Photos	I find that the Gotoh/KMS V90's in my Firenzas sound brighter with the pole piece farther out. I prefer them extended out in the bridge position, but closer to the pickup cover for the neck. Puts a bit more chime in the highs, and thickens out the lows. I read a while back, I beleive here on TDPRI, that aluminium foil will work for sheilding electric guitars. I need to shield a couple of my Firenzas. Those Gotoh/KMS V90's sound great, but for high gain stuff, the middle position is pretty much all that works for me... Have you shielded any of yours?

May 20th, 2008, 05:23 AM	#5 (permalink)
jefrs Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Newbury, England Age: 53 Posts: 325	Yes. It works with humbuckers, DeArmonds (shims) and adjustable sc too. Cleans the tone up, less muddy. Adjust poles to balance strings, not radius. Don't over do it.