Quick Setup/Pickup height question

[hankSRay]

Hey all you setup gurus, I got a question regarding the pup height on my SR4 H. I set up my bass to all the factory specs but found the pickup height to be way too high. I read the FAQ's which were helpful but i found 2 different specs.

#1:
The factory specifications for the pickup height is 6/32" or 4.76mm from the top of the plastic between the pickup covers to the bottom of the G string. The angle of the pickup is set fairly level, so the larger strings are naturally a bit closer. If you haven't already adjusted the pickup or changed to a very heavy gauge string set, you shouldn't have to do any adjustments on the pickup.

#2:
The pickup should be 4/32" to 5/32" on the bass side and slightly closer (4/32" to 5/32" on the treble side. This is determined by tuning and volume of strings measured by the top of the pole piece to the bottom of the strings. If the G string needs more volume, adjust it slightly more toward the pickup. Again, if you tune down, more distance is needed here, as well; but in any case, no lower than 4/32".

Either way I feel like its a bit on the high side, That got me thinking, should they be adjusted with the strings being held down @ the last fret? Thats how I usually approach it on some of my other basses.

Or perhaps I'm just an odd man who likes the pickup to be low?

Thanks amigos

 

[mynan]

I would say that the "4/32" to 5/32" on the bass side" is a misprint since it says that "4/32" to 5/32" on the treble side" is closer.

 

[tkarter]

Get the action where you like it. Should be at about factory spec as that is where they shine.

Measure the pup and play. If you think it needs to go down move it down slowly and work your way into your setup.

Don't move the pup if the volume across the strings is balanced.

Don't get into a hurry to get to your setup either.

Factory settings are awesome. You may want to adjust how you are playing just a bit.

imho

tk

 

[AnthonyD]

I'm with Bryan on this one... And Tom!

Start with the specs, adjust to taste...

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Depressing both strings at the last fret, set the E at 4/32" and the G at 3/32" (from the bottom of the string to the top of the respective pole piece). The G may have to go up or down a little extra to get even volume all the way across the strings. That equates to 5/32" and 4/32" respectively with the strings not depressed (as in #2 above).

Using the depressed string method is good for any dual pickup Bass. Applying the same measurements for each PUP will automatically set the neck PUP a little lower than the bridge PUP (as it should be).