Dead sounding E string

[HairPig]

Got a new (2010) Ric 4003 three weeks ago. Factory set-up at this point. The E string sounds dead compared to the others, like it is being partially muted. It's more evident when notes are fretted than open, but harmonics barely ring as well. I do not notice it at any particular fret more than others. There is no significant fret buzz and the neck looks straight (just eyeballing it). The other 3 strings sound fine. I can't see any obvious spot where the string is contacting anything except the nut and bridge saddle, including when notes are fretted.

I've been playing for years but am pretty clueless about repairs, etc. I'm planning to have it in to a tech, but any thoughts what the issue might me?

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.

[scottbass]

Your first step in troubleshooting this issue is to make sure the pickup is approximately the same distance from the E string as it is from the other strings.

Your second step in troubleshooting this issue is to put on a new E string to determine if it's just a dead string issue.

[MuzikMan]

I second changing the string. You know it's not the nut. I suppose it could be a pickup height issue.

[HairPig]

Thanks for the input. Pickup height looks fine, and I have new strings on the way.

[okcrum]

Check that the E string is not twisted, as well.

[stanknuckle]

Like ockrum said. It'll be a twisted string. Just unwind it, take it out of the peg and watch it spin around... then put it back in "straight"

[SB Dog]

I am experiencing the same thing with my Stingray.

Although I love this bass, the "G" is the one that has gave me fits. I have changed the strings, checked the battery (active), inspected the neck for a flawed fret, and inspected the nut. I do not see any issues, but I still get that dead sound on the G.

Should I try and lower the action?

[scottbass]

SB Dog: The lower output on the G strings of StingRays is a well-known design "feature". It has frustrated many of us StingRay owners for years, and there appears to be little that can be done about it other than careful trial-and-error optimizing of the pickup height.

[SB Dog]

Originally Posted by scottbass

SB Dog: The lower output on the G strings of StingRays is a well-known design "feature". It has frustrated many of us StingRay owners for years, and there appears to be little that can be done about it other than careful trail-and-error optimizing of the pickup height.

Thank you for the post. I should have done some research on this issue when my Wife gave it to me for Chrismas in '06.
I did not want to explain to her why I was researching issues on a new bass she bought me. (I think anyone who reads this post will understand the wife / bass thing )

The G issue has always bothered me somewhat, but I have just dealt with it because the set up on that bass is awesome. I did not want to make any adjustments (except strings) and risk the chance of not getting it back to where it is.

Anyway, thanks again scottbass