How to adjust the relative volume of the strings with respect to each other?

Discussion in 'Guitar Gear Talk Forum' started by guitardoctor, May 2, 2010.

  1. guitardoctor

    guitardoctor Will Rx for food

    Hi gurus!

    The titles says it, basically. I was wondering how to adjust the relative volume of the different strings with respect to each other. I know I can use an EQ, but is there a way to do it without using an EQ? Suppose I want to lower the volume of my low strings and push up the volume of my high strings... without an EQ. Is it possible? Can I do it myself?

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. ultrabot90

    ultrabot90 Like fishes need bicycles

  3. flood

    flood New Member

    you can't really do it unless your pickups pole pieces are adjustable.
     
  4. guitardoctor

    guitardoctor Will Rx for food

    This is what my pickups look like (not my actual guitar, image from google)

    There are screwheads in the pickups, so they must be adjustable, right?

    If it can be done, first of all could someone experienced tell me if this is major surgery or minor surgery. From what I've read on the net it seems minor, but I just want to be sure. I don't want to be one of those guys who go "hay I tuchd mah truss rod and nw mah gitar luks like starship enterprise hlp plzzz"

    Should I attempt it myself or go to a shop?
     

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  5. rickkkyrich

    rickkkyrich Guest

    @guitardoc: how do u do it with EQ? Plz explain in detail..
     
  6. guitardoctor

    guitardoctor Will Rx for food

    Well actually I didn't mean to say that an EQ can change the volume of individual strings... What I meant was I could come a little closer to the effect I wanted... Say reduce the lows and push up the highs to reduce the contribution of the bass strings. If I'm mistaken regarding the workings of an EQ, please correct me, I plead ignorance.
     
  7. ambush

    ambush _RASTA_man_

    pole piece adjustments only give you very little differnce in output. EQ is you best bet.

    But you have not been very clear with the nature of your problem. If it is that your bass strings sound boomy, then your amp or the place where you place it could be causing the trouble. Or it could be a problem with the pick up.
     
  8. Jimmy_Rage

    Jimmy_Rage New Member

    EQ will not reduce the volume of your strings in relation to each other... But it can make certain tonal elements (ie. highs/mids/lows) more prominent in a sound... Is that what you want to do?

    - Jimmy Rage
     
  9. guitardoctor

    guitardoctor Will Rx for food

    Yeah the problem is something like that, my bass strings have a louder tone compared to the highs, with the result that if I want a more jangly tone it is difficult to achieve, as my chords are dominated by bass.

    If I use an EQ, I can get the desired result but I was looking for a solution which does not require equalization.

    The issue is definitely not in my amp or amp placement, I have played the guitar through different amps in different places.

    So, should I go for adjusting the pole pieces? Can anyone point me to a really good guide with pictures? Ultrabot's link is dead (and no pics).
     
  10. ambush

    ambush _RASTA_man_

    turn clockwise with a regular screwdriver..make small turns..
     

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