Hello Stratocaster Professionals and Strat obssesed people,

My new Am Standard had Custom Shop Texas Specials already installed when I got it. That's the main reason I bought it. I got a really good deal on this guitar. It's in brand new condition. Came with the Fender SKB hardshell, all the case candy, and he included the original p-ups too. Got it for $775.00

My question is about the Texas Specials. The guitar feels like it's had a good setup.(though the action could stand to be a touch lower but I don't know how to do it). The p-ups are set way down flush with the p-gaurd. Is this normal for Texas Specials? Why would they be so low? Should I raise them a bit? Check out the pics.

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

I bought my Am Std a week ago and then I found out about these. Although I do like the stock pups in my strat, I must admit that I'm a bit jealous. Great bargain

I know alot of folks like those pup to sit nice and low because of the sound.

So do they sound better when they're set this way? Are they stronger than other p-ups because they're over wound? Just asking because I really don't know these things and I'm trying to gain more knowledge. Thanks.

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

Congrats on your new axe!

No, Texas Specials do not have to sit that low. The assembly line worker who installed them merely has to have them clear the pickguard and nothing more and that's why they are where they are. Pickup height is a matter of personal taste. Once the guitar is set up to your personal tastes, you can either experiment with the height of the pickups to find each one's "sweet spot" or have the guitar setup by a competent tech who can zero right in on the best height placement for each pickup. If you want though, you can experiment with the pickups' heights without having the guitar set up; you can't hurt anything.

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You dig?

Hi bshane84,

What Martian said. Nice Strat! Mine is Blizzard Pearl also, '08. As a suggestion, try the pickups set like this. Setting the neck pickup with the High E side set higher than the low E side, will enhance the highs and not give too much bass, a real balanced sound. The vintage pickups, and Tex Spcls will sound pretty good angled like that (like the neck pickup in photo). For the bridge pickup, I have a slight angle the other way, with the low E side a little higher than the high E side, to enhance the lows. The middle pickup sounds more balanced anyway, so it is fairly level and sounds great. I keep the middle pickup low enough that the pick doesn't hit the pole pieces when I'm playing.



Edit:
Moved picture

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---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.

Thanks a alot ya'll. I'm definately gonna try it the way you have yours shimmilou. I appreciate the advice greatly. These Texas Specials sound awesome. Oh, and that's a nice looking guitar you have there.

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"Damn Right I Got the Blues"

HNGD !!!!!!!!! she's a dream !


I have found the "vintage pickups" meaning low output, sound
fantastic LOW ! Just like those are for the most part.

But these TS's are a little hotter so may do better higher up.

There is only one way to find out, get out the screw driver.

It is amazing how may folks don't play with pickups heights. They get a guitar and say, man I don't really like the tone of this thing and think about buying other pups right away. Adjusting pickups 1/16" of an inch up or down can often make a WORLD of difference. They will drive themselves nuts trying to get PERFECT intonation, but never give adjusting pickup heights a thought!




Then you might end up back where there are now, but it's worth a shot playing around with the heights.

There really isn't a "golden rule clearance" because SO MANY things factor in.

Electronics, cable type/length, AMP............and then the playing style, music style and EARS are going to make or brake the tone you think is SWEET !!!