Set up/pick ups

[Christopher Rhodes]

I always play around with the string height and pickup height on my smith basses. Seems like I am always searching for the correct feel. lately I am favoring more string control vice string height/actions. String control meaning, I am setting my action up a little higher than I normally do, so I have better/easier string control, vice an easier playing basses.

I have found I can play faster and cleaner with the strings raised up a bit.

Pickup up height is an issue also. I generally get the pickups close enought to get the sound, but not too close to the strings, or the strings will hit/touch the pickup - sometimes making an awful "clang" type noise - not musically at all.

Even with the raised action - I perform with a light touch.

Bottom line is that pickup height and string height/action is very subjective. Each player has to find his/her sweet spot.