Shimming JM Jaguar / Need more pickup height

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akpasta
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Shimming JM Jaguar / Need more pickup height

Post by akpasta » Fri Jul 17, 2020 4:58 pm

Hey everyone,

I have a Johnny Marr Jaguar and I decided to shim it. I used a 0.5 degree shim from stew Mac. Plays wonderfully with the shim installed.

But I have the pickups adjusted as high as can be and I think they could do with a bit more.

I have the screws backed out all the way and I can feel the springing pushing the pickup but it doesn’t seem to spring any more.

How do I get them to go higher?

Thanks

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Embenny
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Re: Shimming JM Jaguar / Need more pickup height

Post by Embenny » Fri Jul 17, 2020 5:04 pm

Sounds like you just need to add more/thicker foam underneath the pickup, if I'm understanding your description correctly.
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Maxadur
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Re: Shimming JM Jaguar / Need more pickup height

Post by Maxadur » Sat Jul 18, 2020 9:54 am

Hi akpasta.....I put a .5 shim in my Marr Jag as well (don't forget there is already a 1 degree angle already built in to the neck pocket by Fender) and it was perfect for me.....I raised the bridge pickup but it wasn't near all the way. I do have a Mastery bridge on it, but the overall height should be close.

Are you certain it was just a .5 you put in? Gerry

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akpasta
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Re: Shimming JM Jaguar / Need more pickup height

Post by akpasta » Sat Jul 18, 2020 11:09 am

I definitely used a 0.5 shim. Here’s a photo of bridge height and pickup height. Maybe o shimmed too much?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z-y2cr ... p=drivesdk

Bridge does look a little high but action is perfect.

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Re: Shimming JM Jaguar / Need more pickup height

Post by Maxadur » Sat Jul 18, 2020 1:06 pm

My bridge pickup is higher than yours...........I have a screen grab of Johnny Marr's Comet sparkle jag, and his pickup is higher than yours as well. If your action is reasonably low and you like it, put more dense foam under the bridge pickup and raise it up.

My screws were long enough to get it high. I'll post a picture of my setup and Johnny's if I can ....don't seem to be authorized to insert pictures here. I'll work on it.

Gerry

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akpasta
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Re: Shimming JM Jaguar / Need more pickup height

Post by akpasta » Sat Jul 18, 2020 3:23 pm

I ordered some foam from stewmac. Should do the trick.

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Re: Shimming JM Jaguar / Need more pickup height

Post by Dan_Q » Sun Jul 19, 2020 8:05 am

I had the same problem on my Jazzmaster project recently, I just stuffed more in as advised on here and it did the trick nicely 😎👍 hope it works out for you too

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Re: Shimming JM Jaguar / Need more pickup height

Post by ChrisDesign » Wed Jul 22, 2020 6:34 pm

Yep, shove something under there pickup. Literally anything under the foam from more foam to wood. You may need longer screws too...

I has this problem on me Mexican Standard jazzmaster. I shimmed the neck with a 0.5 shim, the bridge rose significantly, and the Humbucker is at its maximum height. To go higher I need shorter springs. Luckily my height is ok. I wish I had a 0.25 shim instead of a 0.5.

Getting a shallower shim is always an option for you
"I own a '66 Jaguar. That's the guitar I polish, and baby - I refuse to let anyone touch it when I jump into the crowd." - Kurt Cobain

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Re: Shimming JM Jaguar / Need more pickup height

Post by shoule79 » Sun Aug 02, 2020 9:53 am

Just got my JM back from the shop after having my tech install more foam. I had the same problem and my tech suggested stacking another piece of foam on the existing foam. Even before I shimmed it the bridge pickup was too far away.

The added foam worked like a charm. Totally different sounding guitar now, much improved.

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