I don't like the sound of my E string

MMcC · #1 06-10-2006, 05:48 PM

I've tried different brands, different guages, flats, rounds, half rounds. I want an E that's clean and crisp. It always ends up being too muddy and boomy compared to the A, D, and G. It helps a little if I take out some low end out of the EQ, but it still isn't as punchy. I play fingerstyle and yes I do use the E as a thumbrest. I wash my hands before I play. I clean the strings after I play. I'm super careful when installing new strings. I'm frustrated. It makes me not like playing. I want to like playing. I've sold basses in the past for this very reason. I know the E doesn't have the same characteristics as the others, but I still want better. Help out. Please.

opivy3056 · #2 06-12-2006, 10:27 AM

Lighter gauge strings.

Stainless strings always sound more defined to me.

slugworth · #3 06-12-2006, 10:35 AM

Maybe adjust the pickup(s) on the bass side? Try raising it
or lowering it, it will probably have an effect on the sound and clear it up a bit. Sound like you need to lower it
on the bass side.

Slug

labgnat · #4 06-12-2006, 10:40 AM

tune tenor a d g c then you won't have to worry so much about having bass come out of your bass

lomer · #5 06-12-2006, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by labgnat

tune tenor a d g c then you won't have to worry so much about having bass come out of your bass

Sarcasm is just soooooooooooooooooooooooooo helpful isn't it?

Trevorus · #6 06-12-2006, 01:10 PM

Get some DR high beams in a lighter gauge. That should brighten things up considerably.

galore · #7 06-14-2006, 10:10 AM

I was searching an E string that is as clear and punchy as other three strings and I think I've finally found it. I've tried different brands like DR, Ernie Ball, D'Addario, Blue Steel, and today I've put on ghs boomers light and these really rock! The E string sounds absolutely fantastic.

bassjigga · #8 06-14-2006, 10:30 AM

I haven't really experienced this problem as a result of string brand. Perhaps it's your EQ? Are you sure it's the strings?

Flatwound · #9 06-16-2006, 08:07 AM

MMcC - I hear you. Strings that I've tried that had a really good E string are Everly B-52 Rockers, and DR Fat Beams. Right now, I have High Beams on one bass, and Fat Beams on another, and I definitely prefer the Fat Beams. The E is pretty good on both, but better on the FB's.

Buying a Dingwall would probably help as well.

rsimplicio · #10 06-16-2006, 10:28 AM

I play LaBella Hard Rockin' Steels M43's and I think the E (and all of the other strings, for that matter), sound good. Sounds like they also have a good B string in that brand also, though I haven't tried it (don't have a 5'er, yet.)

http://www.juststrings.com/lab-m43.html

DavePlaysBass · #11 06-17-2006, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opivy3056

Lighter gauge strings.

Stainless strings always sound more defined to me.

I agree.

I find that a 100 steel E is one of my favorites. I am using La Bella Hard Rockin Steels 40-60-80-100-128 and find the lows to be crisp and defined. I also like Pro Steels 45-65-80-100-130.

Dave