Gretsch Lapsteel string to pickup height

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Gretsch Lapsteel string to pickup height

Postby DaveC » Mon Aug 17, 2020 5:58 pm

Can anyone who has a Gretsch Lap steel let me know what they have their string to pickup height set to please?
I recently had to dismantle my steel to track down an earthing problem in a dry joint and forgot to take the measurement before taking the pickup out.
I have tried the Gretsch website which lists gaps for all their models, but not the lap steel.
Also, if anyone has replaced their pickup with another, what type have you used.
Regards,
David
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Re: Gretsch Lapsteel string to pickup height

Postby Pop123 » Mon Aug 24, 2020 9:18 am

Hi
I don't think it make much difference , regarding the brand of the guitars . But pickups are a bit different even among the same brand . An old American suggestion was to start with the strings being measured using a quarter coin , that about 2mm or if you prefer 3/16. That is the starting point and you adjust the gap to find the optimum sound . I sure you know , but you measure the height with your finger on the last fret . Closer the string , more treble . Farther more mellow. It is normal to have the treble side lower than the base . You might end up with the strings on the treble side at 2mm or a bit lower and the base side higher.
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Re: Gretsch Lapsteel string to pickup height

Postby DaveC » Mon Aug 24, 2020 6:42 pm

Thanks Pop,
will give that a try.
Regards,
David
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