Uneven output

TCube · #1 01-09-2008, 05:48 PM

As much as I like my SKB3006, I have found that the output of my strings are not even from the B to hiC strings. The B and E are termendous -- tight, loud, and full. But the A-C strings don't have quite oomph and seem to get lost onstage with a keyboard, guitar, & drums. The bass is wonderful for recording.

By comparison, my Alembic Essence 6-string, strung with the same strings (Elixir Med) has a very even output from B-C.

I've brought pups (Bartolinis) closer to the strings on the C side and lowered it on the B side and adjusted the preamp output, and while this helps it's not enough. I could bring up the mids a bit, but I don't care for the resulting growliness.

Any suggestions? (Besides sell the SKB and get another Alembic?)

JOME77 · #2 01-09-2008, 06:17 PM

Here's some other suggestions:

You may want to try slightly higher string height on the A-C. Sometimes very low action coupled with slight hard playing can choke the string slightly resulting in less output.
You may also try different strings. While they may be the same strings on your Alembic, sometimes certain brand strings just sound better on some basses than others.
I did notice that with my new Roscoe SKB 3006 with the Nord p/u's the G and C sound much more even than I remember on my previous Roscoe's with std. Barts. Maybe try some Nord p/u's in the bass.

fishdds · #3 01-10-2008, 01:47 PM

Also,

Where do you set your low freq EQ on the bass? I've found that the output from the B and E sounds much more even with the rest of the strings if I set it flat or just a tiny amount of boost. If I crank up the bass EQ, (which I love to do, of course

) the increase in output from the B and E is dramatic.

TCube · #4 01-11-2008, 12:05 AM

Thanks a million for your very useful suggestions.

JOE -- I do have a tendency to dig in -especially during solos and so I may very well be choking the strings. I'll do this first. Since I just put on the Elixirs (@ $70 a set) I'll try a different set next time -- people seem to rave about Back Beauties here. Finally Nordies -- is it possible to retro-fit with Nords? I'll have to ask Gard.

Fisdd -- My EQ is generally set flat for most uses. I will try cutting the bass knob a bit and increasing the overall volume.

Gard · #5 01-11-2008, 07:56 AM

...late to the party again...and as usual, Joe's here with the "good answers" before me...I'd better watch out, or else Joe'll be after my gig soon!

OK, Joe hit it right again, I would back the bass side of the pickups down until things even out a bit. The strings can definitely have an effect - I have noticed that older/duller strings will really emphasize the low end response on our bass, maybe the Elixirs are having a similar effect?

On Nordstrands, they are retrofittable (I believe you e-mailed me earlier, and I've already responded). They fit the same rout the Barts we use do.

Hope we've been of some assistance!

JOME77 · #6 01-11-2008, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gard

...late to the party again...and as usual, Joe's here with the "good answers" before me...I'd better watch out, or else Joe'll be after my gig soon!

Much as I'd like to, I could never replace you Gard!
...........Although I've got to admit, building Roscoe’s would sure fulfill a fantasy!

.....But I do like talking bass stuff and especially Roscoe’s!

**T. B. Player** · #7 01-12-2008, 11:13 AM

Same problem happened on my old Ibanez (I know, apples to oranges)...

But I believe the comment about boost is right on the money. Bart pre-EQs don't do anything unless you crank them. That's why only a slight amount of boost works. Glock pre-EQs on the other hand are more linear, which is what I would put in to any new bass I'd have done.

I have a new Audere that I'm going to put into a fretless that I just put tapewounds on. Can't wait to test that out.

The other investigation that needs to happen is to do some frequency research. Find out what the hertz of the strings are, and make sure the frequency ranges of the eq's are within those ranges. For example, boosting the treble on any amp I've used is basically worthless, since all it does is increase white noise hiss. Some of the higher frequencies are boosted, but the range is such that a very small band of it will enhance the higher notes of a bass. On a 5 band eq on an amp, I've found that the higher mid control gives a lot more boost potential than a boost on the treble. The usage all depends on if you're playing solo stuff (like a Wayman or Marcus), or are you laying down a solid foundation to establish the groove. Your eq settings may need to be different...or your bass may need to be different for the different applications. Find the right tool for the right job.

In a nutshell - the problem could be everything - the strings, the pickups, the pre-amp and the number of bands it has, boost switches and devices, and even the amp you're playing it through. I love the sound of a stock Fender Jazz Bass through a MarkBass Amp....but I hate how it sounds through a GK. I like how my fretless cheapo Brice sounds through my 30 year old Polytone - but hate how it sounds through a MarkBass.

Z

TCube · #8 01-12-2008, 08:27 PM

All of you made such good suggestions. I implemented the cheapest fixes first -- and they really seemed to work (whew). Specifically, I raised the action a touch to keep from choking the string when digging in. I cut back on the lows and ever-so-slightly boosted the 800 Hz band. I lowered the pups on the bass side and upped the preamp's output a skosh. All of these conspired to bring out the weak strings in the company of guitar, keys, and traps.

I'll continue experimenting with these "free" fixes before trying out new strings or Nord DC6's ($370/set). That said, I am soooo tempted to try out the Nordies.

Thanks all.