brice fretless, two setup problems

[animal52]

I searched but could not find anything relating to the problem I'm having with a brice 5-string Nat B fretless. Overall, the bass seems good for the money. I do, however, notice two strange features. The first is that the B-string is totally dead, no sustain whatsoever. Would a new set of strings solve this issue? I checked and the string is tuned, so I can't put any more tension on it to improve the sustain. The second problem is more subtle and it relates to the G-string. While my tuner would indicate that I'm playing it in tune, there seems to be an overtone (this may be a bad description) that accompanies all notes played on that string, making it sound like I'm not hitting the right note even when my tuner reassures me that I am. I might describe this problem alternatively by saying that G seems to have a very different tonal quality (and a bad one I might add) than B-E, making it sound out of tune when played with the other strings. Does anyone know what I might do to correct these two problems?

Additionally, I was thinking about setting the bass up EADGC. Since the nut is slotted for BEADG, would thinner string sit correctly in the nut or would they buzz when played hard?

[Nick Ioannucci]

for the B string problem, its possible that your strings are dead, it is also possible that your pickup height needs to be adjusted higher on the B string side. also, a heavier gague string will tighten up your B. and for the EADGC, if you get heavier gaugue strings, you should be alright on that, i just restrung a friends ibanez with strings he chose while doing a setup and it worked out fine.

[KeiBau]

The strings that came with my Brice V2 - 5 fretless were unplayable. I already had a set of D'Addario Chrome Flats on hand so put them on. Made a world of a difference and turned the Brice into an acceptable bass. Currently, I have Sadowsky flats on the Brice which really work well on fretless.

[borden]

Originally Posted by Nick Ioannucci

for the B string problem, its possible that your strings are dead, it is also possible that your pickup height needs to be adjusted higher on the B string side. also, a heavier gague string will tighten up your B. and for the EADGC, if you get heavier gaugue strings, you should be alright on that, i just restrung a friends ibanez with strings he chose while doing a setup and it worked out fine.

+1 on that!

Work your way with that screw, plug it in and unscrew the B side screw on the pickup as you play a fretted note. New set of string might solve the problem tough...

[animal52]

Ok, I'll try a new set of strings first and if that doesn't work, I'll play with the pickup. I haven't owned a 35" scale bass before. Do I have to specifically request longer strings?

[Nick Ioannucci]

most are long scale, check the package before you pay.