I have a weak G string...

Lichtaffen · #1 02-13-2009, 08:57 AM

Jokes are welcome, by the way. I need my day brightened up.

Seriously though, I have a MusicMan Stingray 4 string with the stock strings on it still after 10 months of ownership (I like the deader sound, I don't slap). I play fingers only, no picking. The E A D strings feel and sound fine to me, but the G string is weak sounding and feeling. It doesn't match the tone of the other strings especially when I play in the first position. I've been working on the Jamerson style lately and most of the playing is in the first position. When I play the G string along with the others, it sounds almost like a guitar than a bass. I tried EQing, but it affects the tone overall. I'm thinking the gauge of the G string is too light. I believe it's strung up with the 45 65 80 100 combination, whatever they come with from the factory. Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I just switch to flats to get closer to that sound? I play mostly R&B, Soul, Funk (fingerstyle), Reggae. If it helps at all, I play a Mark Bass 121P combo that sounds really great, nice and deep.

This will basically be an experiment for me in achieving that Motown type sound. If you think I should try flats, which brand do you recommend. I'm looking forward to trying something new. Thanks.

rappa29 · #2 02-13-2009, 09:01 AM

This is a common and known issue on the EBMM SR4 basses. IIRC, Sterling Ball even admitted so in an interview.

There are many threads here and on EBMM forum about different remedies.

On mine, I angled the pickup so it's as close to the G string without affecting tuning. It kinda works. YMMV.

I'm sure people will chime in with their solutions.

RobertPaulson · #3 02-13-2009, 09:02 AM

that's what she said.

fretlessman71 · #4 02-13-2009, 09:03 AM

Didn't Whitesnake have a song about a woman who had her G string tuned to A...?

Mr. Mig · #5 02-13-2009, 09:08 AM

Just drop a few punds and your G-String will be able to support you better. Beach season is on it's way.

Lichtaffen · #6 02-13-2009, 09:14 AM

This is fascinating. Here I am thinking it's the string.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rappa29

This is a common and known issue on the EBMM SR4 basses. IIRC, Sterling Ball even admitted so in an interview.

mrufino1 · #7 02-13-2009, 09:21 AM

The g is definitely weaker on mine, but angling the pickup helps a lot. Doesn't solve it, but it helps. And for flats, I use TI jazz flats on mine, feels amazing and sounds great (I think!). For the Jamerson sound, a mute helps a lot too.

Lichtaffen · #8 02-13-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrufino1

The g is definitely weaker on mine, but angling the pickup helps a lot. Doesn't solve it, but it helps. And for flats, I use TI jazz flats on mine, feels amazing and sounds great (I think!). For the Jamerson sound, a mute helps a lot too.

Cool, thanks. I was thinking about trying the TI Jazz Flats. I'll give it a go.

dmusic148 · #9 02-13-2009, 09:23 AM

Yeah, they do that I hear. Don't have one myself, but this is apparently common. But it sounds like you are going for a different sound anyway, one which a P bass would be better for, I think.

thisSNsucks · #10 02-13-2009, 09:32 AM

After owning 5 StingRays, a Sterling, and a Bongo, I can assure you its not the string.

swmmojo · #11 02-14-2009, 10:06 AM

I have no problems with my Stingray5 G string at all.

old-fashioned · #12 02-14-2009, 10:20 AM

I have exactly the same problem with my MM Stingray 4. The G string, especially on the 3rd to 6th frets. I didn't know that it was so common...