Adjustable pole pieces

[anoukane]

Few days ago I did some test recordings with my band and I couldn't help notice the difference in volume and bass for each string.

Question:
Is it possible to adjust the pole pieces of the pickups on the V63 and a 4001 '78?

[antipodean]

Few days ago I did some test recordings with my band and I couldn't help notice the difference in volume and bass for each string.

Question:
Is it possible to adjust the pole pieces of the pickups on the V63 and a 4001 '78?

Hi Philip,

Not easily, as far as I'm aware, particularly for the toaster on the V63! You would need pliers, clamps etc and would stand a reasonable chance of destroying the pickup. A pickup guru would probably be able to do this for you, and make the pole pieces easier to adjust into the bargain, but that will obviously cost a few Euro. The resident pickup genius Sergio Silva (Rickcrazy) may be able to help you, and he is at least in your geographic region Portugal is just down the street from the Netherlands for an Aussie).

The solution may be simpler - are you having the infamous "loud A and D/quiet E and G (or vice versa)" problem? If so, I was advised that lowering your pickups could help diffuse this issue, as the relative difference in distance is reduced.

Otherwise, a PM to Sergio may be your best bet!

[rickcrazy]

I'm all ears...

[rickfan60]

Yes, what Ethan said. Both the toaster and the VRI horseshoe have fixed position anico poles so adjustments are not really possible. Before messing with the pickups check the overall setup. Are the bridge and treble pickup in agreement? The string height over the poles should be very consistent. Make sure the treble pickup height is set so that the gap under the E string is about the same or slightly greater than the gap under the G. As weird as this sounds, except for the type with molded plastic bobbins, treble pickups usually have definite E and G sides. If the pickup is in the wrong way around the G string will not be as strong as it should be. I have not seen this with VRI HS pickups but given the size of the poles seems unlikely. The strings should be nearly centered over the poles. Check your bridge. Make sure it is not in backwards. Do the saddle slots look right? Some times people deepen the slots to bring the action down and mke one deeper than the others.

[anoukane]

It's indeed the "loud A and D/quiet E and G" issue.

The strings are nearly centered over each pole, don't let the angle of the pic fool you.

According to the position of the saddles you might think the itonation is off, but it isn't.


Would a compressor solve the problem?

[rickfan60]

Sorry that is Evan not Ethan


I just disassembled one of my VRI HS pickups to find out. The magnets (inner and outer) are different lengths and there is definitely no way to adjust them. So, I guess the simplest approach is to try adjusting the pickup height to minimize the problem. If that does not work you can take it a step further and file the G and E saddles so the strings will sit closer to the pickup. If you deepen the slots, go slow and test your work along the way. It should not take much. Magnetic field strength obeys the inverse square rule so tiny adjustments will make substantial changes in the volume.

[rickcrazy]

Too bad re-issue HS pickups have both the A and D polepieces set way taller than they should be for even volume across the strings. You know what to do : put a magnetically-conductive washer on top of both the E and G polepieces to make them slightly taller. Satisfaction guaranteed. Cheers.

[VRICKY63]

Sergio is the man ! Simple , excellent , solution !

[rickfan60]

That would work too. By my measurements the G and E poles stand 1mm (3/64") above the bobbin and the A and D poles are 3mm (7/64") above. A 1mm shim might do the trick if you can fasten it securely to the top of pole. Whatever is used would have to endure being struck by the string once in a while without popping off.

[rickaddict]

Let's see:

-They're heavy
-They block access to your strings
-Their pole pieces don't match the fretboard radius, resulting in uneven string volume

Why then do we pay five times more for these pickups than a hi-gain?

Oh yeah...because they look cool.

[anoukane]

Oh btw Sergio, I've put two washers on each pole. I'm not sure if the washers are magnetically-conductive. Anyway to find out?

[jps]

If they stick, they are magnetically conductive!

[anoukane]

Ok
They do stick

Thanks guys (as always)

[rickfan60]

Cool. Let us know if they stay put with magnetism alone.

[johnallg]

Cool. Let us know if they stay put with magnetism alone.

I would think a drop of super glue would hold easily along with the magnetic attraction.