-=Jazzmaster and Jaguar Pickups and Electronics FAQ=-

[JazzBlaster]

I have kind of a dumb question are vintage Jag pups RWRP? I ask cause I have only owned a Japanese Jag and it's stock pups weren't.

David

[mynameisjonas]

I have kind of a dumb question are vintage Jag pups RWRP? I ask cause I have only owned a Japanese Jag and it's stock pups weren't.

David

yes they are. although i have heard of guitars that left the factory with two bridge pups or two neck pups. the durrent CIJs are RWRP too.

[JazzBlaster]

Thanks!  I had thought so but it has been so long since I have seen a vintage Jag I couldn't remember.

David

[Jarvis]

How high approximately should the bridge pickup on a Jazzmaster be? I know they're supposed to be bright and thin, but this is almost overbearingly bright! They're pretty close to the strings, not to the point where I can hit it with my pick accidentally or anything.

[mynameisjonas]

i think that's a matter of taste really. i used to have mine as high as i could without having the strings touch the pole pieces when strumming hard, or getting magnetic pull on the strings (making the guitar sound out of tune even though it isn't), but lately i've found that having them fairly low gives a more balanced and mellower sound.

i think the best way to find the right height for your specific needs is to experiment. it's not like you're risking ruining anything, all you have to do is turn four screws...

[mezcalhead]

Curtis Novak's suggestion on setting pickup height, from his website:

How to determine optimum pickup height
Each pickup and each guitar is unique and I do not feel there is a one- size-fits-all for determining pickup height. The best method I have found is to get yourself a small cheap amp that overdrives easy—the Smokey Amps are best.

Lay your guitar down on a flat surface, Plug in your guitar, select a single pickup, and fret your low E at the 12th fret and play the note. Just like with an out of tune string, you will hear an oscillation/wave rather than a clear solid note note. Now adjust the Low E side of the pickup up or down until that oscillation stops. At that point adjust the high E side of the pickup to match.

This will give you a clearer note without the oscillation so your notes and especially chords will ring clear.

[Superfuzz]

How high approximately should the bridge pickup on a Jazzmaster be? I know they're supposed to be bright and thin, but this is almost overbearingly bright! They're pretty close to the strings, not to the point where I can hit it with my pick accidentally or anything.

That's a question that always jump in my head..I've always seen each JM with PUs setted in different ways..

i think that's a matter of taste really. i used to have mine as high as i could without having the strings touch the pole pieces when strumming hard, or getting magnetic pull on the strings (making the guitar sound out of tune even though it isn't), but lately i've found that having them fairly low gives a more balanced and mellower sound.

i think the best way to find the right height for your specific needs is to experiment. it's not like you're risking ruining anything, all you have to do is turn four screws...

Yeah, but does changing the height increase or decrease the output volume  of the pickup itself?

[mynameisjonas]

Yeah, but does changing the height increase or decrease the output volume  of the pickup itself?

well, to be nitpicky... it doesn't change the output of the pickup, but since the strings vibrate further away from the magnets, the magnetic field isn't 'disturbed' as much, resulting in a lower current (long way of saying YES )

but the difference between the highest and the lowest point isn't huge, it's maybe like 1-2 notches on the volume control ...

[RumorsOFsurF]

Maybe you could give some sources for shielding tubs, and materials...I don't want to patronize Guitar Parts Resource, but they are the only source I know of!!

[JazzBlaster]

Maybe you could give some sources for shielding tubs, and materials...I don't want to patronize Guitar Parts Resource, but they are the only source I know of!!

I don't think there is anywhere else...

David

[RumorsOFsurF]

Maybe you could give some sources for shielding tubs, and materials...I don't want to patronize Guitar Parts Resource, but they are the only source I know of!!

I don't think there is anywhere else...

David

[JazzBlaster]

I personaly have had good experiences with them. *knocks on wooden head*

David

[tone_deaf]

Which jag pickups have the brightest and trebly sound?

[Jarvis]

Quick question, are there any tonal differences between '62 reissue Jazzmaster pickups and Curtis Novak vintage Jazzmaster pickups?

[RumorsOFsurF]

Quick question, are there any tonal differences between '63 reissue Jazzmaster pickups and Curtis Novak vintage Jazzmaster pickups?

The Novak's are hand wound the 62 RI's are not.  That means Curtis can wind them hotter if you like and offer you some other options.  Email him, he'd be glad to fill you in!