Set-Up Observation

[nashman]

I've had my Ray for about 7 months and know zero about set-up ... just what I've read on the FAQ on this site. I measured my string and pick-up height for the first time today. The strings at the 12 fret were a bit high, so I gave the truss wheel a 1/4 turn to the right to raise the fret board a bit. Maybe it's just me, but I noticed a very positive difference in tone, especially the "E" string. So is it just me or what?

I didn't touch the pickups yet ... but I think they are a bit "low". What's the process to raise the pickups a bit?

Thanks! ...

 

[SLUGGO]

Now, none of the following is fact, just an opinion based on stuff I've read and tried.....

Theoretically, higher action will give better tone due to less "fretboard interference." Of course, that makes you work a little harder. Tom Petterson had some interesting comments about it in one of the Bass mags a few months ago. Also, better tone comes from the increased string tension. (less flop)

As far as p/u height, this is very easy to adjust. Turn the screws on your p/u covers clockwise to lower them, counter to raise them. However, I would recommend leaving them in place as they are "voiced" to the factory spec. Too close will give you real muddy sound. Raising the action by a trussrod adjustment should not require p/u height adjustment, as long as you leave the saddles alone at the bridge. But if you do adjust and they sound muddy....just back em off a bit.

Hope this helps. Again, I do not claim to be tech. These are just trail and error things. Mostly error....but I think I've got it now!!!

Good Luck!

 

[Big Poppa]

If you r action at the 12 fret is factory spec dont touch the pickup height. this is one of the things that many people that are unfamiliar with active electronics do. The other problem with raising the pickup highers is the giant alnico magnets will interupt the strings vibration and cause funky tone.

 

[Dead Seven]

I had to lower my pickup a bit, but I tend to play very hard with my right hand and I was slamming the strings into the giant pole pieces on occasion and getting loud "POPS". A few clockwise turns on the pickup screws and problemo no more-o.

Make sure you use a #1 phillips and be gentle. I know these instruments can take a beating, but they're too damn good looking to nick up!

**edit** or like Poppa said: DON'T TOUCH IT!

 

[nashman]

Thanks Guys. I did the truss adjustment yesterday to slightly raise the board/lower the strings about 2 cm. I thought I would let that "settle in" before messing with anything else. I re-measured the pickup/string height this morning and I think they are fine ... I think I will leave well enough alone. I'm also a noob at this and could quite possibly do more harm than good! I did notice a difference in tone, mostly a "tighter" sounding "E" string ... I like my Ray even more now!

 

[WillPlay4Food]

Since you adjusted the truss rod, you should check the intonation to make sure you don't need to adjust the string length at the bridge.