Setting EQ to Balance Bass?

SabreATK · #1 08-31-2011, 08:25 PM

I have an Ibanez ATK bass. I notice that the open E string is louder than the other strings and the lower notes are generally more resonant.

I use technique to help balance the strings (play softer on certain notes), but I have also been using the graphic eq to roll off some of the lower frequencies to help out.

Is it normal to have to use the EQ to equalize across strings with bass? Or is the sign of a bad bass?

GrowlerBox · #2 08-31-2011, 08:29 PM

Other things to consider might be technique, pickup-string height, multi-band compression, for example.

SabreATK · #3 08-31-2011, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrowlerBox

Other things to consider might be technique, pickup-string height, multi-band compression, for example.

But is it normal to have to deal with this?

GrowlerBox · #4 08-31-2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SabreATK

But is it normal to have to deal with this?

A difficult question to answer -- yes, if your bass isn't well set-up, you have an amp with a "basic" voicing you don't like, you're using the EQ inappropriately, your technique is such that you tend to strike the strings unevenly ... the possibilities are legion. Significantly more information regarding your rig is necessary before anyone is going to be able to help in any specific way.

chaosMK · #5 08-31-2011, 08:39 PM

+1 Growler

If you have a hugely scooped EQ (bass/highs boosted, mids cut) you can end up with that type of tonal imbalance.

will33 · #6 08-31-2011, 08:41 PM

A lot of commercially available cabs have a inherent frequency bump between 100 and 160 hz thus making the E and A sound fuller/louder. This makes them sound good on the sales floor but not so much at the gig. If your amp has a tone knob set around 120, try cutting tbat a little bit. Otherwise use hand technique, pickup blending or some other remedy to deal with it......or just get a better cab.

JimmyM · #7 08-31-2011, 08:51 PM

I think it's in your bass. Check the distance of your pickups from the strings. The E and A strings should be the same height, and the D and G side should be just a little closer. Adjust to taste, but use that as a guideline. Easy to do...anyone with a small screwdriver and a ruler can do it.

SabreATK · #8 08-31-2011, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I think it's in your bass. Check the distance of your pickups from the strings. The E and A strings should be the same height, and the D and G side should be just a little closer. Adjust to taste, but use that as a guideline. Easy to do...anyone with a small screwdriver and a ruler can do it.

Thanks, I think this is it. The higher strings are a little farther from the pickups.

will33 · #9 08-31-2011, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I think it's in your bass. Check the distance of your pickups from the strings. The E and A strings should be the same height, and the D and G side should be just a little closer. Adjust to taste, but use that as a guideline. Easy to do...anyone with a small screwdriver and a ruler can do it.

Good advice.