• From: New York
  • Registered: 2011-02-13
  • Posts: 444

Topic: Bonaburst Pickup Height

Any suggestions for setting the pickup heights of Burstbuckers 2 & 3? Thanks!

Gibson Custom Joe Bonamassa Ltd Signature Les Paul VOS # 31
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Bonaburst Pickup Height

Plug in the guitar with the pickups setup low. Use the screwdriver to lift the pickups to desired volume/output for each. It's crazy, some people I see their bridge pickup right on the strings, yet others have them almost flush with the pickup rings. Adjust to taste is the key. Although Gibson standard pickup height ain't bad.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: Edwardsville, IL
  • Registered: 2010-05-17
  • Posts: 656

Re: Bonaburst Pickup Height

I set my own to the highest they can go without touching the strings.

my guitar playing. http://www.youtube.com/user/09ncowan?feature=mhee
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Bonaburst Pickup Height

Bass side low E when string is pressed on the last fret 3mm
Treble side high E when string is pressed on the last fret 1 mm

You need to have room for the string to move.

AD3THREE's Website

5 Reply by mario cruz (edited by mario cruz 2012-04-11 06:39:33)

  • From: Andorra
  • Registered: 2012-03-07
  • Posts: 26

Re: Bonaburst Pickup Height

I've noticed that Joe drops the pickup height on his Les Paul's to just above the body - why does he do this?

Bonaburst Pickup Height is like "how much sugar you like on your coffe"

I have 3 les paul's with difrent pickups and all of them sounds difrente ...

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After you make adjustments, check the tone of your guitar each time, and keep fine tuning it. It may take a while before you arrive at the perfect mix for your preference, but it is achievable. If you get a harsh type of distortion from your guitar, try lowering the pickups a bit to yield a creamier, more natural type of distortion. The key here is to experiment.

Specifics for Gibson Guitars

Neck Pickup
3/32" on bass and treble side   

Bridge Pickup
1/16" on bass and treble side