Pickup Height Question

[elmicko]

I gotta admit this is another subject that I've never quite got a grasp on. What is the difference in sound with pickups mounted low to the pickguard versus higher closer to the strings? I've usually gone with mounting mine pretty low because I wanted them to sound less "hot". I like the tone from my pickups the way they are now, but they tend to get a bit overbearing during open chord strumming. Would raising them closer to the strings be a move in the right direction?

[el cheapo]

My understanding is that every pickup has a sweet spot. The further you adjust the pickup away from the strings, the less volume the pickup will have. The closer you get to the strings, you get more volume and the pickup consequently sounds "hotter". If you get too close to the strings bad things start to happen. The magnetic pull of the pickup will have a dampening effect on the string's vibration, reducing tone and sustain.

[firemedic]

If it's overbearing then lower the pups even more, or dial back the mids on your amp if possible. I just adjusted mine very low and am very pleased with their playability vs the higher settings. Chords are clearer & lead tone is fine. Someone on one of these threads said they get twangier as you lower them & I'm inclined to agree.

[sjtalon]

Originally Posted by elmicko

I've usually gone with mounting mine pretty low because I wanted them to sound less "hot". I like the tone from my pickups the way they are now, but they tend to get a bit overbearing during open chord strumming. Would raising them closer to the strings be a move in the right direction?

Closer to the strings would make it worse as far as that goes.

Try using the volume knob on the guitar.