Thin Sounding D and G string!

[timloudon]

Hello all.

I need your collective expertise on this one:

I've got a Fender Jazz Marcus Miller (4 string), it sounds great. But I currently have Fender strings (I think they are 250 Nickle plated super bass ones, but I'm not 100%). The gauges are 40. 60. 80. 100.

The only problem is that the D and G (and the A- but not to as greater extent) sound far too weak- they don't cut through even when played lightly. It's also important to note that my action is very low (so I'm aware this is one of the reasons). Is this because of the low action, or because of the thinness of the strings.

I'm guessing the solution is to go thicker, but I wondered what people thought.

Ta.

[worldfamousandy]

I have a similar challenge on my Alembic.

I like heavier D and G strings. D'Addario makes sets with 45, 65, 85, and 100 (I'm sure other manufacturers do, too). That helps me out.

I also find that compression is a great help. I started using it a few years ago, for other reasons, but I have found this to be the device's greatest advantage. It really helps those small strings cut through.

The EBS stompbox compressor is perfect for this. I really notice what I am missing when I do a gig without it.

[knuckle_head]

To my mind going thinner might help you more. A string with less tension has a more pronounced fundamental, but your gauges are already mighty thin to begin with.

You might want to tilt the pickups across your strings some so the treble side is closer to the strings than the bass side - do this first.

[DavePlaysBass]

I had a MM for a weekend and sent it back because it did not cut the way I like. And I had 40-95 DA XL strings on it. You ask a big question. Things I would try in order of easiest to hardest:

1) Pickup Height

2) More relief / higher action => readjust pickup height

3) 45-65-80-100 set of strings

4) New pickups

5) New preamp

I personally have not bonded with an ash body bass. I seem to find my sound a lot easier with an alder body. But that is on a sample of 3 ash and 3 alder instruments with different pickup configs. I am sure there is an ash bass out there that would blow me away.

Dave

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by timloudon

The gauges are 40. 60. 80. 100.

Originally Posted by timloudon

The only problem is that the D and G (and the A- but not to as greater extent) sound far too weak- they don't cut through even when played lightly....I'm guessing the solution is to go thicker, but I wondered what people thought.

Funny this should come up. After having played light-gauge (.040-.060-.080-.100) strings for years, I've come to the same conclusion for myself: the D and G strings just aren't cutting it.

I've already made the decision to go medium-light (.045-.065-.080-.100), and will implement that decision on my next string purchase. I also agree that using some compression is likely to help, so I'll be incorporating that into my sound as well.

I'll consider tweaking the pickup height, if necessary. But I really love low playing action, and wouldn't consider changing that for the world. YMMV...

MM