Crayon Sky Music

Fender Stratocaster pickup changing?

I have a Mexican Fender Stratocaster with a humbucker pickup and I noticed they were positioned at an angle. I removed the pickguard to get an autograph, but I still plan to use it. Do I need to reinstall the pickups at a specific angle? I don’t remember what angle the pickups were kept at, and if I do need to keep them at some specific angle, please let me know.

Hello! Whether or not you want to restore the original angle of the pickups really depends on how you want the resulting tone to sound. Most likely, the pickups came adjusted to where the higher strings (G, B, and E) were closer to the pickups, to give the sound of the high notes a bit more body. This angular adjustment can also keep the pickup poles from contacting the lower strings (E, A, and D) when plucked; the heavier the string gauge, the more it will vibrate off-center. Raising the pickups towards the strings will produce more volume and a more robust (and overdriven) sound, whereas moving the pickups further away from the strings will give a more glassy (reduced bass, increased treble) tone. I would suggest installing the pickups flat, with the outermost poles about 1/8-inch away from the bottom of the strings. See how you like the tone; if it sounds weird, adjust accordingly. Best regards, Dana

Fender Stratocaster MEXICO