New pickup install/height question

[G Rod]

Hi folks- I just put some Novak JMVs into my Squier J Mascis and I’m wondering what general heights I should be shooting for at least initially. Even with the foam from the Squier pups supporting the new ones, the covers sit a bit low to the pickguard, in other words not flush. Are the foam pads generally used across the board on JMs or are pickup springs preferred?

Thanks for any recommendations.

[Embenny]

Just add another piece of foam. The kind used for weather stripping, sold at all hardware stores, has proven a reliable and cheap source for me.

I like the Bill Lawrence method the best as a starting point. Adjust the bridge pickup so that you can fit a single nickel between the high E string and the pickup, and two nickles stacked together between the low E string and the pickup, then adjust the neck pickup to your desired balance with the bridge pickup.

All pickup height recommendations are just suggestions though, each pickup reacts differently to height and may fit your taste better when raised higher vs lower.

[ChrisDesign]

To set your Jazzmaster up right, I recommend the sketchy guide to fender guitars. Its $8, but easy to follow and actually works. It covers how to set pickup height properly:

https://hazeguitars.com/sketchysetups/

[jvin248]

.

If you want the highest output ... then use the 'nickels' advice above.
If you want the best tone, then set them flush with the pickguard/trim rings and raise the bridge pickup until volume balance when switching.

You really want to set the pickup height by ear, not by a measurement. Pickups will have different magnets (alnico 2,3,4,5, and ceramic) or with/without base plates like Tele bridge pickups plus different number of windings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG1MSZIysPQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STeHgXlnh1c

If you have a pickup with screw poles, you can adjust those too.

.

[jorri]

-Fret the last fret

-measure 8/64 and 6/64 for lowest and highest strings.

-use that as starting point for adjusting by ear, or leave it if you like.

[jorri]

.

If you want the highest output ... then use the 'nickels' advice above.
If you want the best tone, then set them flush with the pickguard/trim rings and raise the bridge pickup until volume balance when switching.

Given that bridges and necks and pick guards are all different heights I wouldn't recommend that, it has zero bearing. Measure to the strings.