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Post subject: Nickel Method For Adjusting Pickup Height
Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 2:27 pm
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This subject has been coming up a lot lately. I did a search, then a copy and paste and started a new thread.

I use the Nickel Method as a starting point. You will need 2 nickels and a phillips screw driver (I use a t-bar handled one).
Fret the E string at the last fret, then stack the 2 nickels on top of the pole piece for that string. Adjust that side of the pickup up or down until the 2 nickels touch the bottom of the string. Do the same for all the pickups.
Then fret the e string at the last fret. This time use only 1 nickel on top of the pole piece and adjust that side of the pickup up or down until the nickel just touches the bottom of the string.

That is the starting point.

Put your amp on a clean medium volume setting, turn the guitar all the way up. Select one pickup. Then strike an open e and an open E. Both pickups should have the same volume level. If not adjust the weaker side up until it does. Repeat with all pickups.

From that point any adjustments for more volume should be made with the same amount of turns on the screws on both sides. So if you make 2 1/2 turns on the bass (E) side you will make 2 1/2 turns on the treble (e) side.

Remember that the closer the pickup to the strings the more volume and gain you will get, but you will get less sustain.
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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 2:43 pm
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Thank you, Chet! 8)

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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 2:47 pm
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By the way, if I don't have two nickels, should I use ten pennies or a dime? :shock: :P

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I really like all them "Aster" guitars. You know, like the Stratoc, Telec and Jazzm. :wink:


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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 2:57 pm
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very good idea chet.

thanx for that info.

cheers :D


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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 4:33 pm
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i may give this a try just one problem......how thick is a nickle, im fron u.k!


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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 4:51 pm
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Nickel is 1.95 mm thick so:
10p - Ten Pence

Edge Thickness 1.85 mm

2p - Two Pence

Edge Thickness 1.85 mm

seem to be the closest.
Close enough for this anyway, i think.

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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 5:46 pm
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I know this is a dumb question but what do you do if all your pole on the pickup are at different heights? :?

It was a dumb question after I read your post all the way through Chet! I guess. Thanks!


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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 5:55 pm
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Twelvebar wrote:
Nickel is 1.95 mm thick so: 10p - Ten Pence


I actually have a nickel (US 5 cents) and a 10 pence (UK) coin in my pocket. Yup, the 10 p is just a little bit thinner than the nickel.

But why'd you have to give away that fact, Twelvebar?

There was some money to be made selling and shipping nickels to the UK and Europe!

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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 6:48 pm
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orvilleowner wrote:
Twelvebar wrote:
Nickel is 1.95 mm thick so: 10p - Ten Pence


I actually have a nickel (US 5 cents) and a 10 pence (UK) coin in my pocket. Yup, the 10 p is just a little bit thinner than the nickel.

But why'd you have to give away that fact, Twelvebar?

There was some money to be made selling and shipping nickels to the UK and Europe!

I like your style Orv, free enterprise :lol: Good thing I have family in the USA :wink:


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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 6:54 pm
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Snowy72 wrote:
orvilleowner wrote:
Twelvebar wrote:
Nickel is 1.95 mm thick so: 10p - Ten Pence


I actually have a nickel (US 5 cents) and a 10 pence (UK) coin in my pocket. Yup, the 10 p is just a little bit thinner than the nickel.

But why'd you have to give away that fact, Twelvebar?

There was some money to be made selling and shipping nickels to the UK and Europe!

I like your style Orv, free enterprise :lol: Good thing I have family in the USA :wink:

And good friends!! :)


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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 7:06 pm
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Damn straight Hop :wink: Good friends Image


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Posted: Thu Feb 26, 2009 7:22 pm
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orvilleowner wrote:
Twelvebar wrote:
Nickel is 1.95 mm thick so: 10p - Ten Pence


I actually have a nickel (US 5 cents) and a 10 pence (UK) coin in my pocket. Yup, the 10 p is just a little bit thinner than the nickel.

But why'd you have to give away that fact, Twelvebar?

There was some money to be made selling and shipping nickels to the UK and Europe!
Damn, we could have repackaged them as a specialty tool a la Stew-Mac and charged a premium!!

"Official Pickup Height Jig"Sturdy all Nickel construction. Superior to the Japanese alternative, made with a paper core!-$44.95 Plus shipping and handling.

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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 8:30 am
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Twelvebar wrote:
Nickel is 1.95 mm thick so:
10p - Ten Pence

Edge Thickness 1.85 mm

2p - Two Pence

Edge Thickness 1.85 mm

seem to be the closest.
Close enough for this anyway, i think.

sweet buddy thank you im gonna give this a try now


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Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 8:49 am
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Location: Deep in the Heart of Texas (San Antonio, y'all)
I did this last night with my Strat--worked like a charm. Thanks again, Chet! 8)

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Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 8:52 am
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Snowy72 wrote:
orvilleowner wrote:
Twelvebar wrote:
Nickel is 1.95 mm thick so: 10p - Ten Pence


I actually have a nickel (US 5 cents) and a 10 pence (UK) coin in my pocket. Yup, the 10 p is just a little bit thinner than the nickel.

But why'd you have to give away that fact, Twelvebar?

There was some money to be made selling and shipping nickels to the UK and Europe!

I like your style Orv, free enterprise :lol: Good thing I have family in the USA :wink:


OK OK: I have some old sixpences lying around (which ceased to be legal tender in 1971). Some folks want those to use as picks if they are chasing the authentic Brian May sound (it's what he famously uses as a plectrum).

There's got to be some kind of trade we can set up, sending nickels one way and sixpences the other...?

BTW: I think the volume versus sustain bit is one of the most important things about Chet's post. The world's full of kids trying to get their pickups as close to the strings as possible - and it ain't always the best idea...

Nice one, Chet - C


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