Hi All,
About 3 weeks ago I treated myself to a new 2012 USA Standard Stratocaster. Since that time I have been setting it up with my own preferences (string guage change, action, intonation etc.). I have also set the pickup height the same as Fender recommends for the 'vintage' models of 6/64 (bass) and 5/64 (treb). With this setting I am finding that the 'G' string sounds much louder than the others.The guitar is fitted with CS Fat-50's pickups and their measured resistance is slightly higher than the standard ones. Today I have lowered the pickups to the same as the Texas Special setting of 8/64 (bass), and (6/64) treb. I am now finding the volume balance a lot better.

When I first purchased the guitar, I found a small fault on it and the supplier duly replaced it. Before I returned it I measured the pickup height. I also measured the pickup height on the replacement so have two sets of figure of 'as supplied'.

First guitar:
Neck 7/64 B 5/64 T
Middle 7/64 B 5/64 T
Bridge 8/64 B 4/64 T

Second guitar:
Neck 9/64 B 7/64 T
Middle 9/64 B 7/64 T
Bridge 9/64 B 7/64 T

As you can see the figures are quite different. I have also emailed Fender support, and the guy got back to me with a start recommendation of 6/64 B and 5/64 T (which is standard vintage). I would like to know if anyone else has any experience with the setting of the Fat-50's pickups?

Regards
Roger

Typically, the treble side of the pickups should be closer to the strings than the bass side. The measurement on the 1st guitar are opposite. I set mine with the treble side at about 1/16 (4/64ths), and the bass side at about 1/8th (8/64ths) with the string deprest at the last fret. This is a good start position, you kinda have to earball it from there.

There are no set measurements, just guide lines and suggestions.

On my 2012 Am St, I found best tone setting for the pickup height to be....5/64 on the treble side and 7/64 on the bass side.

Tweak the bass side up or down in small 1/8 turns on the adjustment screw to balance it with the treble side after you set it at 7/64.

Think of your adjustment screw as a dial divided into 8 parts, 4 slots and 4 spaces.

1/2 turn will move your pickup exactly 1/64"
1/4 will be 1/128"
1/8 will be 1/256"

Use a clean setting on your amp for best results.

Recommendations are just that. Set your pickups to what sounds good to YOU. None have my guitars have the pickups set anywhere close to the "recommended" settings.

_________________
Bill

Hi RRR, bluesky57, and Bill,

Many thanks for your valued replies. There are certainly varied opinions. I have sent for a wound 'G' (0.018) string to complement my 10-46 string set. I am hoping that it will tame the volume of the plain 'G' that I currently have fitted. The Fat-50's pickups have a very high magnet under the 'G' string which I suspect may be causing the volume problem. Until it arrives I think that I will stick with the 8/64 (b), and 6/64 (t) and see how it goes.

RRR
I'm not quite sure what you mean by "The measurement on the 1st guitar are opposite.".

twotone57
Thanks for the tips on the pickup screw measurement increments.

Again, many thanks to you all.

I just read it wrong.

My apologies.

I meant to say:

Hi RRR, twotone57, and Bill

The Texas Special setting 6/64" and 8/64" is a good choice, I find it works well with most Strats. I have three and that is the setting I use on all of them.

Hi twotone57,

Thanks for the reasurrance.

Fender's height is a suggestion, not a rule. I always start with the pickups flush with the body and slowly raise each side of the guitar until the tone I like the most pops out. I do that for all three pickups while playing clean, dirty, pick, or with fingers...

_________________
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Premier Guitar just did a take on this. They said 1st string 2/64, 3/64. 3/64 from hi to low: 6th string 3/64, 4/64, 4/64. That is a good starting point, do what you like if your not satisfied. Measure holding the last fret.

Hi tvr1979,

That sounds hellish close to me. I would have thought that there would be a lot of string-pulling by the pickup magnet poles at that distance, affecting the intonation.

This ^.

Every model of pickup is going to be different. Grab a Phillips and go to town. The best pickup placement is where it sounds best to you.