Can someone please tell me the factory spec heights of the neck and bridge pickups at high and low e strings for American Pro? I would appreciate it. I had them out and didn’t measure prior to removing. I liked the tone and can’t seem to get it back.
American Professional Pickup Height Spec
- Thread starter jbone
- Start date
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JustABluesGuy
Poster Extraordinaire
I was going to say “use your ears” but I guess you’ve tried that already. Raising them until I notice modulation effects and then lowering them a bit has worked well for me.
I’m surprised that specs aren’t available online. Maybe try the specs for a similar model?
Sorry I’m not really any help.
I’m surprised that specs aren’t available online. Maybe try the specs for a similar model?
Sorry I’m not really any help.
String depressed last fret 7/16 neck- low E, 6/16 high E. About 4/16 low E and 3/16 high E on the bridge pup. Might need to adjust slightly from there. That's not a new Fender spec, just off my setup ruler. I don't think the new pickup magnets are radically stronger. If they're S3 or Neo mags, might want to add a 16th.
sonofiam
Tele-Meister
From Fender's setup guide, found the link in another thread. Try the "Vintage style" or "Standard Single Coil" specs, that should get you in the ballpark.
(link removed)
"PICKUPS
Set too high, pickups can cause myriad inexplicable phenomena. Depress all the strings at the last fret. Using a 6" (150 mm) ruler, measure the distance from the bottom of the first and sixth strings to the top of the pole piece. A good rule of thumb is that the distance should be greatest at the sixth-string neck pickup position, and closest at the first-string bridge pickup position. Follow the measurement guidelines in the chart below as starting points. The distance will vary according to the amount of magnetic pull from the pickup.
Shop Pickups
Bass Side Treble Side
Texas Specials 8/64" (3.6 mm) 6/64" (2.4 mm)
Vintage style 6/64" (2.4 mm) 5/64" (2 mm)
Noiseless™ Series 8/64" (3.6 mm) 6/64" (2.4 mm)
Standard Single-Coil 5/64" (2 mm) 4/64" (1.6 mm)
Humbuckers 4/64" (1.6 mm) 4/64" (1.6 mm)
Lace Sensors As close as desired (allowing for string vibration)"
(link removed)
"PICKUPS
Set too high, pickups can cause myriad inexplicable phenomena. Depress all the strings at the last fret. Using a 6" (150 mm) ruler, measure the distance from the bottom of the first and sixth strings to the top of the pole piece. A good rule of thumb is that the distance should be greatest at the sixth-string neck pickup position, and closest at the first-string bridge pickup position. Follow the measurement guidelines in the chart below as starting points. The distance will vary according to the amount of magnetic pull from the pickup.
Shop Pickups
Bass Side Treble Side
Texas Specials 8/64" (3.6 mm) 6/64" (2.4 mm)
Vintage style 6/64" (2.4 mm) 5/64" (2 mm)
Noiseless™ Series 8/64" (3.6 mm) 6/64" (2.4 mm)
Standard Single-Coil 5/64" (2 mm) 4/64" (1.6 mm)
Humbuckers 4/64" (1.6 mm) 4/64" (1.6 mm)
Lace Sensors As close as desired (allowing for string vibration)"
Is this how your pro was originally set? Thanks for the help.
heltershelton
Tele-Afflicted
i think the mixed magnets would fall under the standard single coil category.
Geo
Poster Extraordinaire
I would go with Fender's Vintage spec and then fine tune if needed by ear from there.
That or just get in touch with Fender Tech for the AP spec.
That or just get in touch with Fender Tech for the AP spec.
MadMaxie75
TDPRI Member
I emailed them and got this reply.
The Vmod pickup height will be the same spec as a Standard Single-Coil
Bass side
5/64" (2 mm)
Treble Side
4/64" (1.6 mm)
The Vmod pickup height will be the same spec as a Standard Single-Coil
Bass side
5/64" (2 mm)
Treble Side
4/64" (1.6 mm)
OldPup
Tele-Holic
Did this get resolved to your satisfaction? If so, what distances did you wind up using?
MadMaxie75
TDPRI Member
BTW - this works well, but fine tuning by ear made soooo much difference. Check out Jason Lollar's video on youtube. That was the best advice ever.
Crazed Fandango
TDPRI Member
A bit of an old thread, but going (about 1mm) lower than this sounds better to my ears.
YMMV.
estebetele
TDPRI Member
Would you mind sharing a link providing fender specs for vmod puckups? Thank you!
Last edited:
I don't have a link to the VMOD specs. I emailed Fender & they told me that VMOD means Vintage Modern & that the factory floor specs were 3/32-2/32 Bass to Treble. Then the guy also added that he had just performed a setup the other day for a friend's limited edition american professional stratocaster & that it came as stated above 3/32-2/32. He also stated that when he was done the pickups measured 4/32-3/32. He told me u can start with either vintage or regular single coil specs & work back from there. He said that it's all personal taste/playing preferences. Like how hard u play vs. How much dynamics u like in your playing.
estebetele
TDPRI Member
Thank you for replying, very true regarding personal preference vs factory spec, it's just interesting how fender refuses to give up/update their page with the info..
This thread alone offers 3 different answers, all from customer support...strange
If you think about it being a matter of personal preference. It must be really hard coming up with a standard. Especially for a new pickup
Gurner
TDPRI Member
I set mine to factory specs and then lowered them to get rid of the slight distortion on all six strings. They are now the same as the settings I used on a set of CS Texas Specials I used to have, but, in both cases the seemingly accepted settings of ‘almost flat to the guard’ just didn’t work for me. I can’t give you numbers, do it by ear.
