Uneven string volume when using mag pickup, why?

constantine

Hello - my D and G strings for whatever reason are extra quiet when using magnetic pickups. The volume is fine unplugged but I have used 4 different magnetic pickups that yield similar results. Anyone run into this? Driving me nuts!

Thanks - Dean

jeffmatz

What kind of pickups? Using gypsy strings?

constantine

Thanks Jeff. Yes Argentine strings and currently a krivo.

jeffmatz

Which krivo model? Adjustable pole pieces?

MichaelHorowitz

@constantine this is a problem that all magnetic pickups have. You’ll never get a perfect balance across all strings, especially when using argentine strings. The Peche a la mouche and especially the Yves Guen pickup handle string balance better, but it’s never prefect as the unwound strings, especially the B string, have significantly more magnetic potential than the wound strings (especially the G string which has the smallest core.) Some people just use nickel strings when playing with a pickup as they respond much more evenly but you’ll loose the characteristic tone and fell of the Argies. Most just get used to the imbalance and lean to not let it throw them off.

NylonDave

Every string on every nylon string guitar I have ever owned has different responsiveness for every string. It seems like pain once you notice that you need to modify your technique for every string, plus the added complication of the different tone of open strings compared to fretted ones.

But it is good for two reasons. Firstly it stops you using automatic technique, which is great for speed playing and whatnot, and forces you to play using touch and to modify every stroke to get the sound of each note. But working on touch is paradoxically the one thing that will make your automatic technique MUCH better.

The other reason is that you will learn to enjoy and use the different sounds for effects, probably not thinking about it too much, as an extension of improving your touch.

When I used to practice electric I just got mono-stereo an adaptor to fit a crap pair of earbuds directly to the output of the guitar.

It didn't sound great, but sounding great might have distracted me more than clarity which was all that is ever needed.

D.

constantine

@MichaelHorowitz thank you for the awesome tips!!!
@jeffmatz - I was using a krivo with adjustable poles but still couldn't get great balance.

This whole "guitar + pickup + amp" thing is a conversation for the ages. I was starting to not like the sound of my ischell so then blended in some magnetic pickup, then my ears starting getting used to the sound of the magnetic and I went all the way magnetic. Then I couldn't get balance, so I am back to blending but I love the new info on nickel strings and a pickup like peche la mouche. Thank you.

ronzo4600

After fighting this issue for over a year on a custom guitar I had built, I finally settled on D'Addario EXL115W. .11/.49. They are not perfect with a mag. but darned close. Changing technique and attack makes it even better.

Jazzaferri

Even with properly set up adjustable pole pieces there are variations from string to string

gitane007

https://www.djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/comment/95219#Comment_95219

Been using these for years .............

JasonS

You just have to learn to embrace it IMO. I've always found the imbalance is a LOT more apparent when you're playing at home alone than at a gig in the context of a mix. Just remind yourself that you're not dealing with anything Django, Charlie Christian, etc. didn't also deal with back in the day. The imbalance is a part of the sound if you think about it that way! 😀