D & G Too Thin/E & A Too Heavy

ptolemny · #1 02-01-2010, 05:37 PM

I play a stock MIA Fender P with Super Slinkys (50/70/85/105). My problem (that I've had with other basses I've owned) is that, while I get a good, meaty tone from the E & A strings, when I go to the D & G only the highs seem to come through in the mix. EQing my amp differently doesn't work, since it affects all of the strings. I've considered several possible ways to potentially alleviate this, but I honestly don't know how effective any particular solution might be, nor do I know what the potential drawbacks of any particular solution might be, hence this thread.

- Use a heavier gauge for the D & G?
- Use a lighter gauge for the E & A?
- Do both (e.g., 60/70/80/95)?
- Lower the pickup height for the E & A?
- Would compression help?

Any other possible solutions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

bassist4dalord · #2 02-01-2010, 05:39 PM

My first guess would be to adjust the pickup height. That's the beauty of the P-Bass pickup: they typically come with four screws, which are typically on springs. They are easily adjusted my friend. Trial and error! Best of luck.

Aspidites · #3 02-01-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptolemny

I play a stock MIA Fender P with Super Slinkys (50/70/85/105). My problem (that I've had with other basses I've owned) is that, while I get a good, meaty tone from the E & A strings, when I go to the D & G only the highs seem to come through in the mix. EQing my amp differently doesn't work, since it affects all of the strings. I've considered several possible ways to potentially alleviate this, but I honestly don't know how effective any particular solution might be, nor do I know what the potential drawbacks of any particular solution might be, hence this thread.

- Use a heavier gauge for the D & G?
- Use a lighter gauge for the E & A?
- Do both (e.g., 60/70/80/95)?
- Lower the pickup height for the E & A?
- Would compression help?

Any other possible solutions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Use an ohm meter and see if there is a drastic difference between the two split halves.

lolaviola · #4 02-01-2010, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptolemny

- Would compression help?

I'd like to know the answer to this q...

PilbaraBass · #5 02-01-2010, 06:44 PM

If you don't like this sound, you should probably not be playing a P-bass as the location of the pickup will give you a brighter tone on the D&G strings... Jazz Basses and single-coil P-basses (50's p-bass) don't have this issue as much.

You may consider getting a bit crazy and playing flats on the D&G and rounds on the E&A, but I certainly wouldn't put a heavier gauge on ghe D&G 50/70 is PLENTY for these strings.

I would only rely on compression to help with subtle dynamic issues, NOT to try and change the tone of your instrument. that's just misuse of compression .

and yes, adjust your pickup heights by all means.

Joe Smithberger · #6 02-01-2010, 07:37 PM

Different string sets work differently with P's. Take a look at the Circle K balanced sets http://circlekstrings.com/store/Before_You_Buy.html. I am running these on my P5 with great success. I have also had good luck with SIT steels, TI flats, LaBella flats, and several others. You will still need to adjust the pickup heights a bit for each type, but experimenting with different strings will get you closer.

DavePlaysBass · #7 02-02-2010, 07:15 PM

Sounds like you don't like the phase change of the P pickup. Maybe you need a reverse P. You would need a new pickguard but everything would be reversible and covered by the pickguard should you decide to switch back.

**pacojas** · #8 02-02-2010, 07:46 PM

i would vary my touch string to string. i generally have a lighter attack on the E & A unless certain dynamics are required at certain intervals. the character of each string may require different manipulation over time to accomplish the desired effect.
in other words, i treat the strings as individual children and manipulate them as such. we could spend a ton of time and money to get THAT sound... or, we could improvise.
we all know someone that gets fantastic tone/sound with barebones equipment. gl.

4Mal · #9 02-02-2010, 08:06 PM

What you want, is a pickup set that has adjustable pole pieces. That way you can adjust for each string. As a case in point - of you can manage it, try a Dark Star P - proprerly adjusted the string to string balance is amazing ...

ptolemny · #10 02-05-2010, 10:36 PM

Thanks for the responses. I think I'll start with the easiest suggestion (adjusting p/u height) and go from there.

DavePlaysBass · #11 02-06-2010, 08:31 AM

On my P bass, I am running Fender 7250MLs (45-100). Compared to the Mediums I normally use on other basses (45-105), I think the 100 E and 80 A balance a little better with the 65 D and 45 G. But this would be a lot less tension than you have today. My advice would be:

1) Check setup including action (is it fairly equal across all strings) and pickup height
2) Check pickup resistance of each half (should be about the same)
3) Look into a different string choice with lighter E and A strings
4) Look into compression

But if I am doing a melodic run that goes from the A to the D string, I hear the phase shift. Some of which you just need to ignore.