Weak G string

Jeremy Morgan · #1 09-29-2007, 07:17 AM

Has anybody out there suffered from a weaker volume on the G string compared to the other strings?

I have a set of Dominants - the D string seems to sound louder and richer than all the strings.

I have tried moving the soundpost outwards towards the G string as suggested in Lew Berryman's Intonation Plus Book 2, but this seems to have made little difference.

Does anybody have any tips for balancing string volumes? Is this likely to be just string characteristics or a set up issue with the instrument?

Also, has anyone ever tried using a D string in the G position to get effectively a thicker gauge of string (=more tension/volume)?

**Francois Blais** · #2 09-29-2007, 10:29 AM

You may just try another one like the Obligato.
Using a D for the G would result in too much tension and breakage danger!

If you slightly detune (flatter) the Dominant G, does the volume increases?

If so, maybe you need less tension.

Jeremy Morgan · #3 09-30-2007, 03:37 AM

Yes, I tried de-tuning the G, down to F# and then F, but it made no difference to the perceived volume.

Maybe I'll try the Obligatos...

I was interested whether anyone had found a correlation between soundpost position and string balance.

Uncletoad · #4 09-30-2007, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Morgan

I was interested whether anyone had found a correlation between soundpost position and string balance.

Yes moving the soundpost can affect string balance. A good topic of conversation with your luthier. There are seasonal varients that can muddle that up as well. Overall I've gotten more change in string tone by changing strings.

Some basses have weak G strings no matter what you try. That's a wood thing.

I'm assuming a proper setup btw. If you are unsure visit your luthier.

Regardless, try an Oliv G or Evah Pirrazi G with the Dominant set.

martinc · #5 10-01-2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncletoad

Yes moving the soundpost can affect string balance. A good topic of conversation with your luthier. There are seasonal varients that can muddle that up as well. Overall I've gotten more change in string tone by changing strings.

Some basses have weak G strings no matter what you try. That's a wood thing.

I'm assuming a proper setup btw. If you are unsure visit your luthier.

Regardless, try an Oliv G or Evah Pirrazi G with the Dominant set.

Or.....a Eudoxa G. It has lots of volume on my bass.

BEEF · #6 10-01-2007, 06:28 PM

I'd avoid any type of skirt with a weak G string.

Uncletoad · #7 10-01-2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEEF

I'd avoid any type of skirt with a weak G string.

I dunno. Easy access. I take what I can get.

Jeremy Morgan · #8 10-02-2007, 03:24 AM

I wondered how long it would be.....

Jeremy Morgan · #9 10-02-2007, 09:46 AM

I've ordered an Evah Pirazzi G.

I'll see how that sounds when it arrives...

Uncletoad · #10 10-02-2007, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Morgan

I've ordered an Evah Pirazzi G.

I'll see how that sounds when it arrives...

I'll bet you end up with the whole set before your done.

BEEF · #11 10-02-2007, 10:38 AM

I just received a set of the Evah Pirazzi's and installed them last night.

I bought them to try before plunking down a bunch of cash on Eudoxa's. (Seeing how the whole set costs a little over the cost of one Eudoxa string)

I LOVE these. (Only tried Spiro Weichs, Spiro Mittels, and Obligatos prior)

I ordered from Lemur a week or so ago and received the email saying 3 of the 4 strings were on backorder. Got another email two days later saying all four were shipping. (They don't charge you until they ship.)

Jeremy Morgan · #12 10-02-2007, 11:50 AM

Yes, I've just noticed (& read) the Evah Pirazzi megathread.

If I had spotted that before I ordered the single G I might have gone for a full set.

Interestingly, it seems that a few people think the G is the weakest string of the set - and have replaced it with an Oliv G.

I managed to break my Dominant E a few days ago when removing the strings (actually when bringing it back up to pitch again - I believe they are susceptable to this). I replaced it with an old Spiro Stark.

So, when the Evah G arrives I will have Spiro Stark E, Dominant A & D, Evah G - what a concoction!

I'm sure I will end up with a full set of Evahs..........and doubt I will resist trying an Oliv G too.

Uncletoad · #13 10-02-2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy Morgan

Interestingly, it seems that a few people think the G is the weakest string of the set - and have replaced it with an Oliv G.

I don't believe that even though I read that in other comments.

It's a great G string and really sounds good in that set.

I wouldn't be in a hurry to swap that out with an Oliv.

Marcus Johnson · #14 10-02-2007, 01:04 PM

Same here, the G is fine.

Jeremy Morgan · #15 10-05-2007, 08:45 AM

The Evah Pirazzi G arrived yesterday & I put it on for last night's Big Band rehearsal.

It certainly seems to be louder than the Dominant G - a much better match to the Dominant D & A already installed.

Now, as UncleToad predicted, I'll probably want to try the rest of the set...

Phil Rowan · #16 10-05-2007, 10:56 AM

Back in my guts days, I would sometimes have a "set" in which all strings were a different model/brand. I don't remember having many problems with that.