Can anyone shed any light on the reason the magnet for the b string in Fender and Fender-style pups is so recessed? I'm noticing an obvious volume drop on that string when doing arpeggiations and runs.

Is this normal? Is there a way to remedy this issue if so (sans-compression)?

Which pickups do you have? There are various staggers for pickups: vintage, modern, flat, follow the fret board radius, etc. Some date to when the 3rd string was a wound string (up higher to compensate for lower output). I have Fender SCN pickups with what I would call a modern stagger: 6th through 4th string pole heights are progressively higher, 3rd through 1st string pole heights are almost flush with the pickup cover. All strings sound pretty equal in output to me. Be careful if you try to push the pole pieces up or down. Some can be done without harm, others can destroy the pickup.

_________________
Bill

I acquired a used Aerodyne recently. Though all the pups are different...

neck is white unmarked

middle is black "stock"

bridge is a white Wilkinson

the pups all look the same in this respect. I'm not sure if the pups correspond with the strings as far as order, but if so the 1st is flush, 2nd is recessed, 3rd is about an 1/8" high and the rest descend through the 6th.

Sounds like a vintage stagger to me (used with wound 3rd strings).

_________________
Bill

Okay, so I shouldn't be hearing a drop in volume anywhere on the fretboard when playing the second string?

No, you might. The higher third pole piece was designed to compensate for a wound 3rd string which is not as loud as a plain third string. The 2nd string pole piece was set lower to equilize the two strings. Most people ignore the difference. It shouldn't be that great. You could try different string gauges if it bothers you. Make sure the pickups are adjusted properly too. Pluck the 2nd string harder. Don't know what else to say.

_________________
Bill

Thank you Bill.

You're welcome and good luck.

_________________
Bill