Volume drop on the D-string (BKP MQ-set)

[Yamhammer]

Hi BKP friends,

There's a little problem with my BKP MQ set in my Les Paul. They're both well matched, but when switching from the neck to the bridge pickup (or playing the strings at the bridge pickup one by one) there's a slight, but clear volume drop on the D-string which results in a less punchy sounding string. If I want the same punch or clarity compared to the other wounded strings (E,A) I have to play it really hard to get the same potency. The neck pickup doesn't have this problem and I haven't touched the polepieces yet, they're still at factory height.

Can this problem be solved properly or is it a real pickup problem that can't be fixed?

[PhilKing]

have you tired a different D string?  There is a lot more vibration at the neck, so a defective string wouldn't be as obvious there.  What are the strings like acoustically if you play near the bridge.  If you try this and they are the same, check that the pole piece is not too far down on the D.  I always start with all the polepices flush to the cover and this usually works out fine.

[Yamhammer]

Thanks Phill.

I changed all strings a few hours ago and checked how it sounded unplugged near the bridge...no volume problems. Once plugged in, same story. It seemed to be a string problem.

One more question:

-) The high E string makes a weird 'tsing tsjing' sound when playing it unplugged (only when played open, not fretted). It doesn't make contact with the frets as far as I can judge. Could it be the nut being cut too tight?

[AndyR]

The high E could be a number of things...

Does it come out the speakers when plugged in? If not I'd guess it's a "rattle" - something on the guitar is vibrating in resonance to the open E.

If it's a "rattle", I've had all of these one time or another:

Machinehead rattling in some way - not necessarily the one belonging to the string played
Bridge saddle rattling in its socket on a tunomatic - I've got this intermittently on my Epi SG (that comes out the speakers when it's really bad)
Nut is loose and rattles in its slot... (might come out the speakers)
Les Paul type scratchplates can rattle...
Pickup springs can vibrate...
Pickup can vibrate against it's surrounds...

You might need another pair of hands, but basically pluck the string and start damping bits of the guitar to see what, if anything, is buzzing.

I wouldn't have thought nut slot cut too tight would create a buzz (sitar effect), but too loose on the fretboard side of the slot might.

Check for annoying "rattles" first would be my advice...

[Antag]

Could the D problem be because the pole pieces are staggered slightly & you've accidentally installed it upside down? (i.e. the pole piece that was supposed to be under the G is actually under the D & vice versa)

[Yamhammer]

Thanks!!

I'll check out all options.