Pickup height — A small adjustment you can hear

Pickup height affects output, the balance between strings and how the instrument responds to your playing. Moving a pickup closer to the strings usually raises the output, but closer isn't always better.

A strong magnetic field can interfere with the string's vibration. On the other hand, a pickup set very low can give a weak signal. Its two sides don't have to sit at the same height.

The manufacturer's guidelines give you a starting point. The final setting is checked by listening to every string in every selector position. If the volume dropped suddenly or the signal cuts out, the instrument's electronics need checking first.