Pole pieces query

[uk_lefty]

Just bought a new jazz bass and not had chance to play plugged in yet. Noticed that one of the pole pieces is not flush with the top of the pickup cover but about 1 or 2 mm set in, if that makes sense. Question is, does this affect anything at all? Playing unplugged the bass is glorious so don't want there to be an issue or repair bill.

Thank you!

[Twincam]

It will probably be ok. If it was deeper it might cause an imbalance. Normally of course there flush or raised to account for the radius. 

 

 

[uk_lefty]

Just had a good run through and it hasn't seemed to make the slightest bit of difference, fortunately. When it gets set up I might ask the Luther to have a look but it isn't stopping anything happening right now.

[Grangur]

Hey, @uk_lefty,  I agree with @Twincam, there could be a small difference.  If you notice it in a few weeks it could bug you.

Also, ask yourself, "when I come to sell this, could it put a buyer off?"

You say, it's new. Why not get the seller to replace it?

[uk_lefty]

40 minutes ago, Grangur said:

You say, it's new. Why not get the seller to replace it?

I'm not yet sure if it's an issue at all, but will keep an eye on it in case I have to send back. It was an internet purchase so I have time to check it at full tilt tonight with the band before taking the cellophane off the pickguard. 

If it's something my set up guy can quickly correct I'd rather hang on for him, it's a natural finish and I'm not sure I'll get a replacement just as nice.

[Grangur]

I guess, for a really nice-grain bass, you can always replace the pups anyway.

As a side matter, last night I was playing a P bass that I changed the pups in. It's now got a hand-wound Classic P  split-coil from Jess Loureiro. Wow it's got a meaty growl for a p-bass. I'm loving it!

http://jlguitars.eu/shop/index.php?id_product=11&controller=product&id_lang=4

[Maude]

Could the pole piece be pushed back into place from underneath and a spot of hot glue be applied to hold it?

[Grangur]

Aren't most pole pieces glued into place?  You might be able to re-set them if you heat the glue enough for the glue to melt, but then if you did, you'd probably melt the plastic and possibly the solder too.

TBH, if the pole pieces aren't set up well, then the pickup possibly isn't a good one anyway. That said, I heard the other night that they used to make the pole pieces under the A string higher, because the A string, back in the day, ws naturally quieter?

Watch at 5:30. He talks about his 1957 P-bass with raised pole pieces.