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Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 8:02 am
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Hello everyone. Chet especially!

I just purchased a Strat HSS a couple of months ago and was sort of dissapointed in the sound I was getting on the higher strings. High -E especially. Sounded very thin... Being new to all this I started thinking I would need to replace the PUPS (seems that's what everyone does!). But after being pointed to this topic and manner of adjusting the string height all I can say is WOW! What a difference! It sounds like a different guitar. The PUPS were adjusted mostly in favor of the low strings. The PUPS were really low to the PG in the area of the higher strings with the exception of the bridge PUP which was closer on both sides but still a bit off using the nickel method (but also explains why, to me, using this PUP sounded better to me than the other 2).

I've since seen where Chet mentions, in another topic, that he has since brought all the PUPS down to the PG level. I may try that in a few days...but for now I'm very happy with the sound.

Just wanted to thank Chet for this information on the "nickel method".

All the best,
-T


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Post subject: Re: Nickel Method For Adjusting Pickup Height
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 3:40 pm
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CAFeathers wrote:
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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I need a retake on the one nickle/two nickle method. I must be missing something...first use two nickles...then readjust with one??? Why not use just one to start, or is it different for the high side and low side?

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Post subject: Re: Nickel Method For Adjusting Pickup Height
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 3:46 pm
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lyfestyl wrote:
CAFeathers wrote:
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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I need a retake on the one nickle/two nickle method. I must be missing something...first use two nickles...then readjust with one??? Why not use just one to start, or is it different for the high side and low side?


Use 2 nickels on the bass side (E string) and 1 nickel on the treble side (e string).

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Post subject: Re: Nickel Method For Adjusting Pickup Height
Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2011 4:17 pm
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Well I guess that is why I am slump shouldered and flat foreheaded!

Duh...I don't know...ahhh shucks!!!

Thanks

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Post subject: Re: Nickel Method For Adjusting Pickup Height
Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2011 8:55 am
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Chet, When I read your description I knew that it wasn't what I do and then when I read your explanation of the one nickel, two nickel thing I knew that we are REALLY different in our approaches to pup height. When I am tweaking my pups I almost always finally end up with the neck pup being a little higher on the treble end (1st string), the middle pup running almost flat and the bridge pup being just a tad higher on the bass end (6th string). I never thought of using nickels but upon examining my guitars I see that all of my pups on all of my Fenders run somewhere between 1.5 and 2 nickels. This is an interesting thread. Thanks for making me think.

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Post subject: Re: Nickel Method For Adjusting Pickup Height
Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:59 pm
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Bump
Seems like good info to bring up again.

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Post subject: Re: Nickel Method For Adjusting Pickup Height
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 2:06 am
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BMW-KTM wrote:
...upon examining my guitars I see that all of my pups on all of my Fenders run somewhere between 1.5 and 2 nickels...


Where did you find half a nickel? :lol:

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Post subject: Re: Nickel Method For Adjusting Pickup Height
Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2014 5:08 am
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shimmilou wrote:
Where did you find half a nickel? :lol:


In Holland?

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I think Hawaii also had quarter bits before becoming a state.

Back on topic, another good reason to not raise the poles too much besides losing sustain is bending. The longer the distance from the poles, the more fluid and overlapping the magnetic field is. As you get closer to the poles, the pull increases exponentially. Get too close, and the pole right under a string will take over. For a neck pickup, bending a string can make it drop in volume if the poles are too close.

Anyhow, my recommendation is to adjust the action first, then the pole height. Have the amp cranked up high enough that you hear differences. And if you don't have two nickels to your name, a ruler will do fine.


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