string to string consistancy

AshenBassist · #1 07-03-2006, 02:43 PM

Not really getting much of a response on the basses forum, so i guess i'll try here!

anyhow, heres my problem: i really like the tone i get out of my E and A strings, but don't like playing on my D and G strings because they sound so different. They sound very weak and tinny, and this would be playing the same notes as on the strings below.

I have yet to change the strings on my bass (since christmas). they are GHS boomers 105/85/65/45.

anyhow, my question, is this a problem that can be cured by a change of string gauge? or am i doomed due to the 35" scale on my ESP?

the question about the scale length is due to a review i saw in Bass Guitar on a Dingwall bass. they were talking about how having the G with a 32" scale eradicates all trace of metalic stri boink... or something like this.

if this problem is fixable by a quick change of strings, what gauges should i look at? or should i just experiment every couple months or so?

anyhow, thanks for in advance, and if i posted in the wrong forum, i apologize.

Minger · #2 07-03-2006, 04:19 PM

My first suggestion would be to try and raise the pickup on the D & G side. Sure, its basic, but never hurts to start with that.

StarMountainKid · #3 07-03-2006, 10:24 PM

Don't know if my reply came through on the basses forum, but I turn my Eq down at 1.6Hz on my amp to mellow out the D-G strings, and adjust the 140Hz Eq to even out the sound between the E&A and the D&G strings. Minger's suggestion is good, too. Get an even volume between strings first.

Flatwound · #4 07-04-2006, 10:14 AM

If you're playing fingerstyle, watch your finger angle and attack carefully to make sure you're not hitting the strings differently. Also, I've found that it's often good to move your plucking hand toward the neck when playing on the D and G strings, and toward the bridge on the E and A. If you're playing pickstyle, it's going to be hard to get rid of the twang, especially on the G.

String choice can make a difference. Some string sets seem to be more boomy on the lower strings and twangy on the higher strings than others. I personally like round-core DR's for consistency (i.e. Hi-Beams and Fat Beams), YMMV.

Obviously a set of flatwounds could help, but if you're a slapper, probably not the way to go. Some flats also tend to be a bit twangy, at least for the first few months, on the G. TI Jazz Flats have the fattest-sounding G string I've heard.