This is actually true. If a pickup is to close to the string it can add strange overtones to the note. Also when the string is closer the magnet pulls harder increasing the tension of the string. Since the string is moving when you play it the amount of magnetic pull will increase and decrease very quickly which will effectively make it seem like there are two very close notes playing at the same time. This can cause beating to occur on a single string and reduce sustain. It gets worse as you move up the neck
I have experimented with this a bit and do leave my pickups rather high but only high enough so the topmost notes are affected, which I rarely use on my bass. It's worth it for the increase s/n.
|