Loud E

EighthNotes · #1 07-29-2007, 11:07 AM

Anyone have any trouble with the E-string being somewhat louder and bassier than the other strings even after lowering the bass side of the pickups? I'm using ernie ball hybrid slinkies. Normally I hate a .105 E and I think this is why. Any recommendations?
Thanks.

4

rockwarnick · #2 07-29-2007, 11:35 AM

have you tried different strings yet?

knuckle_head · #3 07-30-2007, 08:35 AM

I bet if you went to a thicker E string this would be less of an issue.

You might want to back the pickup off of that string a bit - it'll help.

.....my $.02

810wmb · #4 07-30-2007, 10:11 AM

i hate to speak for knuckle_head, but i think he meant thinner E string.

i used to hate this also. i want equal volume across all the strings.

after A LOT of searching, i ended up using a 45-100 set. DR's

oh yeah, i ALWAYS have to lower the big E p-ups

EighthNotes · #5 07-30-2007, 12:51 PM

We read each other's minds 810, I too was thinking of trying a DR 45-100 set. Do the DR's last longer than ernie ball's? I've always seen ernie ball strings as having a short life.
Thanks guys!

knuckle_head · #6 07-30-2007, 02:30 PM

I said what I meant.

Higher tension lowers the excursion because it is tighter, and brings out more harmonic content. This hits diminishing returns at about .130 to .135 and beyond, when strings start to dampen because of too many winds.

Upshot is you can bring your action down, play your E string like your A string, and have broader tonal options - cut is always better than boost.

Edit; see if your flavor of string is made available as a .110 and try it. The tone it gets may not be your cup of tea but it ought to nudge it the right way.

810wmb · #7 07-30-2007, 07:22 PM

first, sorry mr knucle_head

i use dr lowriders nickles...they last about six months with regular playing time on them...way longer than any slinky's i've ever tried.

having never tried what knuckle_head did, i cannot comment.

as for evening out my stuff, it worked for me on more than one bass

knuckle_head · #8 07-31-2007, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 810wmb

first, sorry mr knucle_head

Not to worry - solutions are as individual as players

papadesophie · #9 07-31-2007, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knuckle_head

I said what I meant.

Higher tension lowers the excursion because it is tighter, and brings out more harmonic content. This hits diminishing returns at about .130 to .135 and beyond, when strings start to dampen because of too many winds.

Upshot is you can bring your action down, play your E string like your A string, and have broader tonal options - cut is always better than boost.

Edit; see if your flavor of string is made available as a .110 and try it. The tone it gets may not be your cup of tea but it ought to nudge it the right way.

really? i just finished a band practice with my new SUB and whilst i'm wild about the tone of the SUB, the E is way louder than the A. I'm using DR Lo Riders 45-100 and I actually meant to buy 45-105 but had a blonde moment at the store. I was thinking I'd have to go down to a 95 (which would feel too floppy I'm sure) to balance things, but maybe it's worth trying the other way? I've yet to adjust pickup height, but not sure how helpful that would be with a MM pickup??

Incidentally, and FWIW I've just changed to DR from slinkies, and they feel tighter (albeit slightly rougher) and sound better too. Don't know if they last longer, but they're worth the extra money for the sound.

funkybassinator · #10 07-31-2007, 04:51 PM

DRs last a heck of alot longer than eb's do. my squier p with DR loriders sounded better than my stingray with dead super slinkies.

knuckle_head · #11 07-31-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by papadesophie

really? i just finished a band practice with my new SUB and whilst i'm wild about the tone of the SUB, the E is way louder than the A. I'm using DR Lo Riders 45-100 and I actually meant to buy 45-105 but had a blonde moment at the store. I was thinking I'd have to go down to a 95 (which would feel too floppy I'm sure) to balance things, but maybe it's worth trying the other way? I've yet to adjust pickup height, but not sure how helpful that would be with a MM pickup??

Incidentally, and FWIW I've just changed to DR from slinkies, and they feel tighter (albeit slightly rougher) and sound better too. Don't know if they last longer, but they're worth the extra money for the sound.

The set you got;

045 - 41.9 lbs
065 - 47.3 lbs
080 - 40.5 lbs
100 - 34.4 lbs

The set you wanted has thicker E and A strings only;

085 - 44.9 lbs
105 - 37.3 lbs

It looks to me like your D string is a bit wacky - a 060 would be better

EighthNotes · #12 08-02-2007, 09:35 PM

Thanks, guys. I'll try both and see what happens.

phunku · #13 10-01-2008, 10:48 AM

I to have the same problem, i have a Musicman Sabre, and ive adjusted the heck out of my Pickup and still the E too loud and bassy!!! tried ajusting the Estring height as well!

So having a Heavier E will solve the problem?!?!?

phunku · #14 10-02-2008, 02:55 PM

fretlessguy · #15 10-03-2008, 09:40 AM

Here are a few suggestions:
1. Bigger strings make a bit more noise, so attack them a little less. Lighten your touch on them.
2. As mentioned, .45-.100 is a little more balanced.
3. Buy a compressor pedal and see if that helps. It helped me.