putting a screwdriver to pickup poles

[Abaco]

In changing a set of strings on one of my Studios today I remembered to try something I did on my other one long ago. I've got that book "How to make your electric guitar play great" (or something like that) and in it he explains an old Les Paul setup trick of backing out the humbucker pole pieces to match the radius of the strings. The top of the pole pieces follow the same arc as the strings now. Anybody else do this? Is it bunk? Haven't plugged this guitar in yet today.

Another trick that is linked to Neal Schon is actually cutting off the pole pieces where they stick out of the back of the pickup. Never tried this. Seems kinda permanent.

Toying with the idea of getting a set of WCR Darkburst for this Studio if it doesn't float my boat as well as my other Studio.

[bobbymack]

I think it makes sense and is a good place to start, then fine tune by ear based on individual string volumes when played...

[SirDouglas]

This is why i use X2ns and MultiBuckers..... ya dont have the pole position problems then...

Sir Douglas

Randy

[baj2k]

an old Les Paul setup trick of backing out the humbucker pole pieces to match the radius of the strings.  The top of the pole pieces follow the same arc as the strings now.  Anybody else do this?  Is it bunk?

Toying with the idea of getting a set of WCR Darkburst for this Studio if it doesn't float my boat as well as my other Studio.

I've been doing that for years. I've also heard that staggering your screw slots to match this pattern also helps \ / \ / \ / . I know the radius adjustment works but the stagger, well... if nothing else it looks cool

I adjust the height on my Strat's bridge saddles to match the neck radius there too.

As far as the WCR Darkburst's, they're worth it. Best pups I've ever used. I have a set in my Triple Threat Studio and they are WAY better than the stock SD '59's. I'm putting WCR Crossroad's in my Newport Pro too, the Seth's are too prone to squeal. I'm looking for more of a 335 + PAF tone on that guitar.

My R9 has WCR Fillmore's...

I guess you could say I'm a fan of the WCR product...

[hamerican gigolo]

I have done that polepiece adjustment to all my humbucker equipped guitars

for a while now,and it seems to really do the trick.As far as the WCR Darkbursts,

i installed a set in my 95 Studio.Best set of humbuckers that i have ever tried.

Good luck.

[Abaco]

Yeah, I have since practiced with this guitar and it sounds better, brighter, more even, less dead. I'm digging it.

Regarding the WCRs - I listened to the "Goodwood" sound clips and am very impressed with them too. After this adjustment, however, not sure I'm all that eager to shell out over $300 for the pickups. But, the WCRs seem like a good product.