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Completing the install.
Lay the guitar on it’s back and replace the pickguard. Check to make sure the wires and cables
are nestled in the right place. Install a new set of string. One at a time tug the strings to seat
then securely into the tailpiece and pull them through the holes in the shafts of the tuners. Pull
tight then retract the string approximately the same distance that separates the tuner shafts. Kink
the string around the edge of the hole and commence winding the string around the shaft,
keeping tension applied to the string with one hand. Wind until there is a light tension on the
string, this allows easy positioning onto the bridge saddles and nut grooves. Finish by tuning to
pitch then stretch the strings by tugging at the 12th fret area several times (stretch about 25 to
30mm from center resting position), retune to desired pitch.
A good starting point is to adjust the bridge pickup so there is a gap of approximately 2mm
between the pole and the underside the two E strings when the strings are fretted at the 14th fret.
The pickup will twist and seesaw somewhat because of the position of the four adjusting screws
so re-adjust the bass and treble screws several times until the desired gap is established on both
sides and the surface of the pickup is parallel with the strings.
The neck pickup can be similarly adjusted but with gaps of 2.5mm between the poles and the
underside the two E strings.
Plug into your favorite amp but before you cut loose contain your excitement for a few moments
(it’ll be well worth it) and select the bridge pickup and play a slow succession of notes running
across the fretboard from low string to high string. The notes should all have same loudness, if
that’s not the case adjust the mounting screws to achieve a good balance between the low strings
and the high strings. Repeat for neck pickup. Players often overlook this step but I assure you
that spending a little time to do this properly will reward you with superb sound.
Adjust the output of the neck pickup to be balanced with the bridge pickups by again using the
height adjusting screws, as described previously.
When all works as intended you are ready to play.
This is not the end of the adjustment phase, all Kinman pickups are very sensitive to
adjustment and the Jazzmaster pickups are no exception. I encourage to experiment with the
adjusting screws and see what happens for there will be hidden delights awaiting you there. You
will find there are numerous combinations that yield subtle changes in tonal texture and perhaps
you’ll find a sweeter spot, one that hits your spot perfectly.
Never underestimate the impact amplifier controls and outboard effects can have on the sound of
a pickup too. Before you begin it's a good idea to start with a clean slate. Don't try to adjust your
new Kinman pickups using your previous amp Eq and Fx settings. I suggest you set the tone
controls to 12 o'clock (position 5 on the knobs) and dial the adjustments in from there, adjusting
the Eq controls only after you get the best result from the pickups. The amp controls will then just
fine tune the basic correct pickup adjustments. Don't be afraid to use the amp controls, that's
what they are there for. If your sound needs more or less brightness simply turn the treble control
up or down. Same for Mids and Bass.
The moment you’ve waited for:
Now let loose and be inspired …. I wish you a heck of a lot of fun, stimulation, enjoyment and
satisfaction exploring your new sonic horizons. Don’t forget to take it soft n slow sometimes as
you will discover the many wonderful sonic nuances these Jazzmaster pickups have to offer.
Best wishes …. Chris Kinman.
